Scotland: Loch Ness & the Highlands
Seven days. Cycling on paved roads. Highlights include Loch Ness, Culloden, Glenmorangie, castles, gardens, waterfalls, and the Assynt Highlands.
There is a fresh feeling of clean air, water, and mind when you ride the less-traveled moorlands and coastlines of Scotland’s dramatic north. The isolated and profoundly scenic landscape, the ineffably polite and friendly inhabitants, and the echoes of a deeper past among the ancient castles and Iron Age ruins will leave you with a deep appreciation for Scotland, as well as memories for a lifetime.
The adventure starts in Inverness on the Northern end of Loch Ness, where you can keep an eye out for Nessie in case she rises from the dark and mysterious depths. You’ll visit Culloden - site of the last major battle fought on British soil, Urquhart Castle, and the quiet forests and glens surrounding the Loch. You’ll then cross Cromarty Firth from the Black Isle to Easter Ross, and after seeing the recent Iron Age excavations there, will relax in Tain, home to one of Scotland’s fine distilleries, Glenmorangie. You’ll then cross the highlands following the river Oykel, from Dornoch Firth on the East Coast, to Lochinver near the Summer Isles on the West Coast. The Gulf Stream has such an influence on the climate here that palm trees grow in Inverewe Gardens - a stunning collection of temperate and sub-tropical plants in beautifully landscaped private gardens. The combination of charming villages, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife on this adventure will inspire your life-long love affair with Scotland!
If you would like to make a two week adventure, you can precede this with the West Coast & Hebrides Adventure, or can ask us about golfing options. Either way, we will provide transport between the two, and make it as seamless as possible for you.
Day 1: Meet at our centrally located hotel in Inverness at approximately 16:00 for bike preparation and introductions. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Craigmonie Hotel, Inverness, www.craigmoniehotelinverness.co.uk
Day 2: 40 miles/64km
Start at the Culloden Battle site and ride through the countryside to lunch along the shores of Loch Ness. Continue along the road built in the early 18th century by General Wade (keeping an eye out for Nessie) to finish the day's ride following the bank of River Ness back to Inverness. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Approximately 50 miles/80km
Inverness to Beauly via the Great Glen Way and Drumnadrochit. You will ride along Strathglass through the beautiful Glen Urquhart to Drumnadrochit, with its abundance of craft shops, stopping on the way to visit the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and if you like, to visit Moniack Castle Country Wines and Preserves. BD
Priory Hotel, www.priory-hotel.com; or
Lovat Arms, Beauly, www.lovatarms.com
Day 4: 56 miles/90km
Begin riding through the Black Isle, a delightful area of gently undulating and varied farmland. A short ferry ride across the Cromarty Firth will bring you to the Iron Age archaeological sites of Easter Ross. End the day with a wee dram at the Glenmorangie Distillery. BD
Morangie House Hotel, Tain, www.morangiehotel.com
Day 5: 75 miles/120km
This crossing from East to West of Northern Scotland will bring you to some of the high points of your visit. Riding along the shores of the Dornoch Firth, you will climb to the scenic descent through Strath Oykel to the Assynt Highlands. You will cycle past two impressive castle ruins standing on the shore of Loch Assynt. The last 10 miles of the day will bring you to your elegant inn on the West Coast, from where you’ll be able to enjoy a magnificent sunset over Loch Inver. BL
Inver Lodge Hotel, Sutherland, www.inverlodge.com; or
Albannach Hotel, Lochinver, www.thealbannach.co.uk
Day 6: 32 miles/51km coastal loop
Visit a lighthouse, nine miles away, then ride and hike to the highest waterfall in Britain, four times higher than Niagara Falls, or simply ride to Ullapool to enjoy the coastal town. If you prefer a rest day, go fishing, relax or take a boat ride to the Summer Isles. BD
Same lodging
Day 7: 25 miles/40km
Cycle through the Inverpolly Nature Reserve and mountains of the Assynt Highlands, and may be able to visit Inverewe Gardens, where the proximity of the Gulf Stream allows palm trees to grow in the high latitudes! You will finish near Ullapool, and will visit the dramatic Corrieshalloch gorge before returning to Inverness pleasantly relaxed from your week of invigorating adventure. BL
| Start: | Inverness, 16:00, day one; three hours by train from Glasgow; one hour from Fort William. Transfers from Glasgow available $95pp |
| Finish: | Inverness, 17:00, day seven. Transfer to Glasgow $95pp |
| Guided Cost: | $3395 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, all ferries, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes, all taxes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2995 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, one transfer, luggage handling, maps and route notes, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $895 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid $195 |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Sep 25-Oct 1 |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | May 27-Jun 2; Jun 24-30; Aug 19-25; Sep 23-29. Add your own dates (learn more) |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are June to September |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
