Cycle the Great Glen from Inverness to Pitlochry
From historic Inverness, this self-guided cycling journey follows the Great Glen through some of Scotland’s most distinctive landscapes. Ride alongside Loch Ness, discover the ruins of Urquhart Castle, follow the Great Glen Cycle Way towards Fort Augustus and continue to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. The route then changes character as you take a scenic train across Rannoch Moor before cycling beside Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel towards the Victorian town of Pitlochry. With rest days in Fort William and Pitlochry, the itinerary also gives you time to explore beyond the main cycling stages.
A flexible self-guided cycling holiday in Scotland
A self-guided format gives you the independence to experience the Great Glen at your own pace while following prepared routes supported by detailed route information, maps and GPX files. Your cycling holiday includes luggage transportation, allowing you to ride between overnight stops without carrying your main suitcase. This combination of independent cycling and practical route support makes it possible to explore Loch Ness, the Great Glen and the landscapes around Rannoch, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel on your own terms.
ROUTE
The route crosses Scotland from Inverness to Pitlochry through the Great Glen, linking Loch Ness, Fort Augustus and Fort William before heading south towards Rannoch Moor. From Rannoch Station, the cycling continues beside Loch Rannoch to Kinloch Rannoch, then on to Tummel Bridge and along the scenic road beside Loch Tummel before reaching Pitlochry. Along the way, the journey combines lochs and mountain scenery with historic sites including Urquhart Castle, the Caledonian Canal and Blair Castle.
As a self-guided cycling holiday, the route gives you the freedom to explore each section independently, with detailed routes, maps and GPX files provided for navigation. The itinerary also includes rest days in Fort William and Pitlochry, giving you time to explore the area or choose additional cycling routes.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Inverness
Arrive in Inverness and settle into your accommodation. With historical links reaching back to Neolithic times, the city has long been an important strategic location. You can explore Inverness and learn more about its history, including the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 at the Garrison Castle Encounter.
Day 2 – Inverness to Drumnadrochit
24 miles (39 km)
Leave Inverness following the river before tackling the steep climb to Blackfold. Continue across moorland and along quiet country roads towards Drumnadrochit. Once there, you can visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Day 3 – Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus
23 miles (37 km)
Follow the Great Glen Cycle Way towards the southern end of Loch Ness. The route includes some steep hills and sections of off-road cycling on stony paths and forest tracks, with beautiful views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains. In the forest, you may see deer or golden eagles before reaching Fort Augustus.
Day 4 – Fort Augustus to Fort William
34 miles (55 km)
Continue towards Fort William using the Caledonian Canal towpath and forest tracks, which keep the route away from traffic until you reach Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie. From here, a short ride brings you into Fort William, situated beneath Ben Nevis.
Day 5 – Rest Day in Fort William
Take a break from cycling and explore the area around Fort William. Options include a trip on the steam train along the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climbing Ben Nevis, or exploring the trails in Leanachan Forest.
Day 6 – Fort William to Pitlochry
37 miles (60 km)
Take the scenic train from Fort William across the bleak and desolate Rannoch Moor to Rannoch Station. From there, cycle along the quiet road beside the beautiful south shore of Loch Rannoch to Tummel Bridge. Continue alongside Loch Tummel before reaching the delightful Victorian town of Pitlochry.
Day 7 – Rest Day in Pitlochry
Optional cycling: 14 or 28 miles (23 or 45 km)
Use your second rest day to explore the area around Pitlochry. You can cycle to Blair Atholl and visit Blair Castle, with its display of arms, armour and furnished rooms, or take the longer option to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld on the River Tay. Alternatively, stay in Pitlochry and explore its shops, visit one of the two distilleries, or see the Dam and Fish Ladder.
Day 8 – Depart Pitlochry
The cycling holiday ends in Pitlochry. Depart from the town after breakfast and continue your onward journey.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Inverness (Departure Point)
Inverness Airport (INV): The closest airport to the departure point, with access to Inverness by public transport.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) / Glasgow Airport (GLA): Both are also suitable arrival airports, with onward train and bus connections to Inverness.
By Train
By Train: Inverness Railway Station: Inverness is well connected by rail to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- B&B or guesthouse accommodation in twin/double en-suite rooms
- Luggage transportation
- Train ticket from Fort William to Rannoch
- Tour information, including maps, detailed routes and GPX files
- Emergency support.
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour start/finish.
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees for castles/visitor attractions
- Travel insurance
- Local Taxes
- Any services not specifically mentioned as included
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2027.
Wednesday and Saturday departures from April to October.
Other departure days available on request.
Regular Season
3 Apr – 23 Oct
From
£1125
Options & Supplements
✓
£1475 Single room
✓
Premium Upgraded (on request)
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Choose Your Accommodation
Standard
Comfortable guesthouses or private houses with breakfast. A practical option for travellers who want to enjoy the same cycling experience while choosing a more affordable accommodation category.
Premium
Higher accommodation category with a selection of 4-star and 3-star hotels/inns with breakfast. It is a great choice for travellers looking for a more premium hotel experience.
Price on request.
Additional nights
Prices per person, including breakfast
Double Room £90
Single room £140
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information about bicycle rentals.
Hybrid Bike
£100
E-Bike
£200