Scotland, Great Glen Bike Route

Duración: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Precio: From £830 (GBP) : Price 2022

Intro
Biking itinerary
Self Guided

Scotland, Great Glen cycle route self-guided

A spectacular journey from Inverness,the Capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. Cycle by special paths and quiet forest trails you may see some of the abundant wild life on the mountains lining the route, perhaps a red deer stag or a golden eagle. A rest day in Fort William to explore – try some mountain biking in the forest or climb mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. Leave Fort William by train across desolate Rannoch Moor to Loch Rannoch. Cycle by the shores of Lochs Rannoch and Tummel to the Victorian Resort town of Pitlochry, nestling in the Perthshire hills.Visit Blair Castle to see the fine collection of armour, paintings and china or sample the “water of life” at one of the two distilleries, Dewars or Edradour.
Tour itinerary description

Day 1: Inverness – Individual arrival

Inverness now a thriving modern town has historical links going back to Neolithic times. Many battles have been fought for control of this strategic site. A visit to the Garrison Castle Encounter will take you back to 1745 and the Jacobite Rebellion.

Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction.

Day 2: Inverness – Drumnadrochit – 39 km / 24 miles

Leave Inverness following the river across moorland and quiet country roads alongside Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined Urquhart Castle.

Day 3: Drumnadrochit – Fort Augustus – 37 km / 23 miles

Follow the Cycle Way of the Great Glen. Some steep hills are rewarded with beautiful views of Loch Ness and the mountains beyond. In the forest you may see deer or golden eagles before you reach the south end of the loch at Fort Augustus.

Day 4: Fort Augustus – Fort William – 55 km / 34 miles

The Caledonian Canal tow path and forest tracks keep you safe from traffic until you reach the locks of Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie. A short ride to the busy tourist town of Fort William in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis.

Day 5: Rest Day at Fort William

Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis or explore the many trails in Leanachan Forest.

Day 6: Fort William – Pitlochry – 60 km / 37 miles

LAvoid the busy roads with a scenic train journey across bleak and desolate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch station. Cycle along the quiet road along the beautiful south shore of Loch Rannoch to Tummel bridge. Continue by Loch Tummel to the delightful victorian town of Pitlochry.

Day 7: Rest Pitlochry – 22 km/45 km (14ml/28 ml)

Perhaps cycle to Blair Atholl and visit Blair castle, enjoying the magnificent display of arms and armour and the thirty-two fully furnished rooms. These display beautiful furniture, fine paintings china, lacc and embroidery. Or cycle to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of river Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth centry houses forming a small square. Cathedral street leads from there to the partly restored cathedral construction which began in 1318. At Pitlochry there is a change for some shopping, visit one of the two distilleries or the Dam and Fish ladder.

Day 8: Depart Pitlochry – End of tour or extension, indiviual departure

WHAT´S INCLUDED IN THE SELF-GUIDED TRIP?

Duration	8 days / 7 nights operates with a minimum of 2 persons
Dates 2022	Availability: 1st Apr 2022 – 30 Oct Departure Days: Friday, Saturday or Sunday only, minimum two persons
Accomodation options	785£ Tour cost per person sharing a twin/double room 995£ Tour cost Single Room (1 Single Bed) 745.75£ Third person sharing a family room 65£ Extra nights per person sharing a double room 95£ Estra nights single room 16£ Extra day bike hire
Included services	B&B accommodation in twin/double or single rooms with shower/wc facilities in 3 or 4-star guesthouses Luggage transportation weight limit 20kg per person and one bag/suitcase per person Tour information including maps and detailed route description Emergency support Train ticket Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6
Bringing children	This tour is not suitable for children under 12 years, the terrain is too hilly. This tour is considered strenuous, day 2 mostly uphill, day 3 & 4 off road cycling on stony paths and forest tracks, day 6 & 7 moderate cycling. A moderate level of fitness required.
Not included	Lunches & Dinners Castle entrance fees Bike hire, 27 gear gents/ladies suspension forks, hydraulic disc brakes, mudguards,rear pannier, stand, bell and water bottle holder. Hire equipment includes rear pannier bags, one 32 litre set per person, helmet, pump, tool kit, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle, mreflective vest and lights.
Accommodation upgrade 3/4 star hotels/inns	7 nights bed&breakfast accommodation in 3/4-star hotels/inns can be booked at an extra cost of 529£ per person in a double/twin room and 627£ for a single room.
Bike rental	£90.00 GBP
Cancellation policy	From booking date – 42 days prior to holiday date 25% of total cost 21-41 days prior to holiday date 40% of total cost 14-20 days prior to holiday date 60% of total cost 01-13 days prior to holiday date 100% of total cost
Useful information	By air to Edinburgh/Glasgow /Inverness Airports airport collection service available by train with Scotrail. By bus with Citylink.
How to reserve this trip?	25% per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure. CC payments Visa or Mastercard do have an additional increase of 2,5%.