Scotland -
Bicycling Scotland - Scottish bike tours

We offer two types of Scottish bike tours:

Supported tours and a self-guided program for individuals and groups. You choose whatever routing you like. The bikes we use are trekking OR hybrid models, depending upon the difficulty of the tour.

Self-Guided Scotland by Bike Experience the Scottish way of life and get to know the friendly Scots by staying as an honored guest in their own homes. We plan your route and transfer your luggage.
Includes:
SELF-LED TOURS (Scotland Only) INCLUDED:
o 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, with shower/bath facilities. For the most part we use guest houses, farmhouses or private houses: the emphasis is on a friendly welcome, good quality facilities and a hearty breakfast.
o Tour information including maps and routes
o Full breakfast daily.
o Luggage transportation of 1 bag per person.
o Emergency support
Please note: BIKES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN SELF GUIDED TOURS

Level 1: Easy---flat terrain suitable for all ages and fitness
Level 2: Moderate--some days flat, some days with moderate hills. Short daily distances of 15-25miles (24-40km). Suitable for most ages and degrees of fitness.
Level 3: Strenuous--some days as in Level 2 but other longer days of 25-35miles (40-56km) with longer uphill rides. A moderate level of fitness is required. Level 4: Sporting--challenging routes with steep hills. A good level of fitness is required.

The pedal cycle was invented in 1839 by Kirkpatrick Macmillan in a smithy at Keir Mill near Dumfries in south west Scotland.

2013 Self Guided Rates per person per week, in USD.

Self Guided
	USD	TWIN	SINGLE	CHILD
ROB ROY	PLA-Level 2: Start: any day 1ST April to 31ST October Level 2: Moderate cycling. Some days flat, some days with moderate hills.	$884	$1,143	$723
CASTLE TRAIL	BGS -Level 2/3: Start: any day 1ST April to 31ST October Level 2/3: Moderate cycling. Some days flat, some days with moderate hills.	$884	$1,143	$723
KINGDOM OF FIFE	CKF-Level 3: Start: any day 1ST April to 31ST October Level 3: A Strenuous tour, a moderate level of fitness required	$884	$1,143	TOUR NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN
GREAT GLEN	TFI-Level 3 A Strenuous tour, day 2 mostly uphill, day 3 & 4 off road cycling, day 6 & 7 moderate cycling. A moderate level of fitness required. Start: Friday, Saturday or Sunday start days only. 1st April to 15th October	$940	$1,199	TOUR NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN, TERRAIN TOO HILLY
HIGHLAND GLENS LOWLAND HILLS	HGL-Level 2/3: Start: any day 1ST April to 31ST October Level 2/3: Moderate cycling. Some days flat, some days with moderate hills.	$884	$1,143	$723
LOCHS AND BENS	DKP-Level 2/3:Start: any day 1ST April to 31ST October Level 2/3: Moderate cycling. Some days flat, some days with moderate hills.	$884	$1,143	$723
MORAY COAST WHISKY TRAIL	Level 2/3: Start: Friday, Saturday or Sunday start days only. 1st April to 15th October Level 3 Level 2/3: Moderate cycling. Some days flat, some days with moderate hills and longer uphill rides.	$940	$1,199	TOUR NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN, TERRAIN TOO HILLY
BIKE RENTAL				$134

Please note: BIKES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN SELF GUIDED TOURS.
BIKES: Brand Gary Fisher, Trek or Schwin Number of gears 24 Brand of gearshift GRIPSHIFT/RAPID FIRE Sizes of frames LADIES 15" OR 18". GENTS 18" OR 21" Addition information: Bikes are equipped with suspension forks & seat posts, mudguards, rear pannier frame, stand, bell, and water bottle holder. Hire equipment includes rear pannier bags (1 set per person), helmet, pump, tool kit, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle. Cycles for youth are 21speed

Clients may request toe clips and your own pedals and saddles will be fitted if possible.
CHILDREN: children are welcome to accompany adults on the less strenuous tours. We suggest a minimum age of 11 years but it will depend on the individual's cycling experience. Reductions are available for children under 12yrs who share their parents room.

BOOK THIS TODAY! CALL LYNOTT TOURS AT (800) 221-2474 or 01 (516) 24802042 OR Please Email Us For Information

Self Guided Tours (also available as supported tours for groups) Explore Scotland by bike, traveling at your own relaxed pace, with longer routes available. A bus is provided for transferring luggage, and emergency back up. The routes are relatively free of traffic. The terrain is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders. Some tours are not suitable for those under 12. Tours operate with a minimum of 2 persons. Begin almost any day April 1-Oct. 31. Single Rooms: on request. Not included: BIKES ON SELF GUIDED TOURS. Meals not listed, entrance fees. THE GREAT GLEN CYCLE TOUR A spectacular journey from Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. Cycling on special paths and quiet forest trails, you will enjoy magnificent views of lochs and mountains and will have a chance to see some of the abundant wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. 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 for a scenic journey up Glen Spean and across desolate Rannoch Moor. From Rannoch Station follow the lochside road via Lochs Rannoch and Tummel to reach Pitlochry. At this pretty Victorian resort town you can visit the Dam and Fish Ladder, a distillery or nearby Blair Castle with its fine collections of armor, paintings and china. Tour begins Inverness/ends Pitlochry. Children: Not suitable for children under 13. Map Itinerary Start: Friday, Saturday or Sunday start days only. 1st April to 15th October Level 3 A Strenuous tour, day 2 mostly uphill, day 3 & 4 off road cycling, day 6 & 7 moderate cycling. A moderate level of fitness required ROB ROY COUNTRY This tour explores the contrasting character and beautiful scenery that separates the Highlands and Lowlands. You travel from the riverside city of Perth, past the rugged Grampian Mountains to reach a world of hills and glens heralded by Lochs Venacher, Achray and Katrine. From Lochearnhead you will enjoy the superb views of lochs and mountains in the Trossachs "The Highlands in Miniature. There are numerous special cycle trails available in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Visit Rob Roy MacGregor's grave at Balquhidder and sail on the steamer Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine. Majestic Stirling Castle welcomes you to Stirling on the last day of your memorable cycle tour. Begins Perth/Ends Stirling. Map Itinerary LOCHS AND BENS Towering mountain peaks, shimmering lochs and romantic glens mark this route. There are forest walks and nature trails, castles and other ancient monuments. The fast flowing River Tay is a frequent companion beginning in Perth and continuing through Dunkeld and Aberfeldy to the beautiful scenery of Killin and Loch Tay. Visit historic Dunkeld, with its preserved square and ancient Cathedral and the peaceful lochside towns of Kenmore, Killin, Lochearnhead and St Fillans. A rest day at Killin is included to allow time to visit the Falls of Dochart or cycle into beautiful Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon. So much to see, but the moderate cycling distances allows ample time for exploring. Map Itinerary THE MORAY COAST AND WHISKY TRAIL From Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands travel east along the quiet roads of Moray. There are many historical sites to visit, the Battlefield of Culloden, Cawdor Castle and Gardens, Brodie Castle and at Fort George on the coast there is the Regimental Museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders. Perhaps have a swim from the golden sands of Lossiemouth before turning south along the banks of the River Spey. This area is famous for its many distilleries. Many malt whiskies such Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Cardhu and Tamdhu are produced alongside your route and some distilleries are open to visitors. Continue to Grantown-on-Spey and the Highland resort town of Aviemore before returning to Inverness by train. Begins/ends Inverness. Map Itinerary CYCLE THE KINGDOM OF FIFE 7 Nights/8 Days This part of the east coast of Scotland is often referred to as the Kingdom of Fife. Fife was one of seven Celtic kingdoms and the only one to retain its special title and spirit.The sea was the main route to Fife and the coastal villages had thriving trade with Europe, exporting coal and salt and importing timber and textiles.Visit these scenic harbors with their fishing boats and pleasure craft and enjoy the miles of golden sandy beaches. Royal connections remained when Dunfermline was Scotlands ancient capital and Falkland Palace was the Kings hunting lodge and there is more history in St Andrews with its ruined Bishops Palace and Cathedral. This tour uses recently created Cycle Routes to explore the lush green landscapes and sparkling sea views from the River Tay in the north to the Forth in the south HIGHLAND GLENS AND LOWLAND HILLS This is an exciting journey through some of Scotlands finest scenery with the opportunity to enjoy both the remote glens of Perthshire and the beautiful Trossachs Region often described as "The Highlands in Miniature". The scenic route winds its way along the shores of beautiful rivers and lochs in the shadow of majestic mountains. You can visit distilleries and castles, sail on Loch Katrine and explore the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. From the sheltered Victorian resort town of Pitlochry the tour travels to Aberfeldy, on to Killin on Loch Tay and from there by cycle track down Glen Ogle to Lochearnhead in the heart of Rob Roy country. Perhaps pause to visit Rob Roy’s grave in the peaceful churchyard at Balquidder and view the Falls of Leny before arriving at the bustling main town of Callander with its wide variety of woollen and craft shops. A sail on the century old steamer SS Sir Walter Scott will allow you to appreciate the splendor of Loch Katrine, visit Inversnaid on the banks of Loch Lomond or cycle to Aberfoyle. At historic Stirling, the last stop on your memorable journey, visit the magnificent Castle perched on a rock high above the town. The choice of short or long daily rides makes this an ideal tour for leisure cyclists, family groups or the more enthusiastic long distance biker. THE CASTLE TRAIL The riverside town of Perth is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It is the starting point for a tour, which combines beautiful scenery with history and splendor. Only two miles from Perth is Scone Palace, the home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield that contains many treasures collected over the last 400 years. Cycle on to the little town of Dunkeld, nestling beneath thickly wooded hills and enjoy the restored 17th Century Square and ancient Cathedral. Blair Castle with its thirty-two rooms of beautiful furniture, fine paintings, china, embroidery and Armor is only six miles from your overnight stop at the Victorian Highland Resort of Pitlochry. Next day the road winds down the valley of the River Ardle to reach the charming small town of Blairgowrie on the River Ericht. Visit the heraldic workshop in the former linen mill at Keithbank. Alternatively take the country route through Glenshee and Glenisla, perhaps visit the birthplace of J M Barrie at Kirriemuir and from there the Castle Trail leads to the famous Glamis Castle, home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Next day continue over the Sidlaw Hills to Dundee where you can visit the wooden Frigate Unicorn and Captain Scott's Polar exploration ship, Discovery. Cross the Tay Bridge to St Andrews, famous as an ancient seat of learning and as the "Home of Golf". The medieval village of Falkland with its Royal Palace will be your last stop on your way through Fife to journey's end at Perth. Begins and ends in Perth. Map Self Guided Cycle the Kingdom of Fife Day 1. Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to explore the riverside walks and enjoy the color of "Perth in Bloom". Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing. Day 2. PERTH - WORMIT/TAYPORT 26/30ml(42/48km) Take the minor roads to Abernethy and climb into Pitmedden Forest to join the Fife Cycleway. On a seat by the River Tay at Newburgh you will find the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Follow the road by the river to Balmerino Abbey and the overnight stop at Newport-on Tay, the former ferry port for the crossing to Dundee. Balmerino Abbey Day 3. WORMIT/TAYPORT - ST ANDREWS 22/18ml(35/29km) Perhaps cross to Dundee and visit Captain Scotts polar exploration ship RRS Discovery. Returning to Newport, continue round the coast and spend a little time away from the tarmac on the tracks of Tentsmuir Forest. There is a lovely panoramic view over the Firth of Tay and beyond as you descend into St Andrews. Once the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, St Andrews is now better know as the "Home of Golf". Visit the ruined Castle and Cathedral or take a stroll on the wide expanse of the golden West Sands. Day 4. EXPLORE THE EAST NEUK OF FIFE 24/34ml(/39/55km) Either spend the day exploring in St Andrews or cycle to the charming East 'Neuk'(Scots word for corner) of Fife. Visit the picturesque fishing villages of Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem where whitewashed buildings with red pantiled roofs overlook cobbled, winding streets leading to the harbors. Overnight in St Andrews. Kingsbarns Beach Day 5. ST ANDREWS - ABERDOUR 38ml(61km) Southwards today towards the Firth of Forth. On the road from Ceres, where there is an interesting Folk Museum, there are beautiful views of the valley of the River Eden. Follow the coast to Aberdour which has been a popular holiday resort since Victorian times and is renowned for its Silver Sands. Crail harbor Day 6. ABERDOUR - KINROSS 25ml(40km) Leave Aberdour and cycle by the Coastal Path to the magnificent sight of the mighty Forth Bridge. Continue to the historic town of Dunfermline, for 500 years the ancient capital of Scotland and burial place of Scottish kings. Visit Dunfermline Abbey with its ninth century nave and the ruined Royal Palace, birthplace of two kings and seven queens. At Kinross, on an island in Loch Leven stands Loch Leven Castle, famous as the prison of Mary, Queen of Scots. Day 7. KINROSS - PERTH 30ml(48km) From Kinross follow old railway lines and ancient rights of way to the small village of Strathmiglo. Perhaps divert to visit Falkland Palace and Gardens, set in the heart of a unique medieval village. It was the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs and has an exceptionally beautiful Chapel Royal. The tour is complete when you descend from Pitmedden Forest to the River Tay and return to the Fair City of Perth. Day 8. DEPART PERTH. Bedlam - The sense meaning madness, uproar, or confusion comes from the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem in London. The hospital was founded as a priory in 1247 and is first mentioned as a hospital in 1330. In 1547 it was incorporated as a lunatic asylum. Scotland Group Supported Biking Tours - operate with a minimum of 8 persons These popular tours might be better named as "supported tours" because with no cycling leader each party is free to travel independently at their own pace. The advantage, however, is the support of well informed guide who makes certain everything runs smoothly leaving you free to enjoy your holiday. A daily briefing gives information about places of interest, your bike will be ready to go, the luggage is moved ahead each day and the support vehicle sweeps the road to offer a lift if you wish a break from cycling. Most persons choose to join in the evening meal to exchange stories of the day and over the week friendships are created which outlast the holiday. GREAT GLEN CYCLE GROUP TOUR Duration: 8 Days /7 Nights A spectacular journey from Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William. Cycling on special paths and quiet forest trails, you will enjoy magnificent views of lochs and mountains and will have a chance to see some of the abundant wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. 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 for a scenic journey up Glen Spean and across desolate Rannoch Moor. From Rannoch Station follow the lochside road via Lochs Rannoch and Tummel to reach Pitlochry. At this pretty Victorian resort town you can visit the Dam and Fish Ladder, a distillery or nearby Blair Castle with its fine collections of armor, paintings and china. NEW! We can accept payments in US dollars, euros and pounds sterling. Please ask for our wire transfer details. RATING: Level 3 A Strenuous tour, day 2 mostly uphill, day 3 & 4 off road cycling, day 6 & 7 moderate cycling. A moderate level of fitness required PRICE GROUP TOUR THE GREAT GLEN: child 5-11 not suitable. The price includes bed and breakfast accommodation (based on sharing a twin room) in private houses or guest houses, where possible with en-suite facilities, luggage transport, bike hire, the services of a support vehicle and driver/guide and any necessary transportation during the tour (train tickets). Tour information including maps/routes. GROUP TOUR   AUG PER PERSON TWIN   $1,046 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT   $313 OWN BIKE DEDUCT   $67 BIKES: 24 Speed trekking cycles equipped with mudguards, rear pannier frame, stand, bell, water bottle holder. Hire equipment consists of rear pannier bags, helmet, pump, tool kit, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle. 2013 GROUP TOUR DATES FOR THE GREAT GLEN: Tours will only operate if a minimum of ten persons is booked one month before departure. GROUP TOUR DATES FOR THE GREAT GLEN: 3rd – 10th August 2013 17th – 24th August 2013 GREAT GLEN ITINERARY: Day 1. Arrive INVERNESS: 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. WELCOME MEETING/ROUTE BRIEFING Time: 1900hrs Place: AT FIRST NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION IN INVERNESS. Day 2. INVERNESS - DRUMNADROCHIT 24ml(39km) collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction. Leave Inverness following the river: across moorland and quiet country roads to Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined Urquhart Castle. Day 3. DRUMNADROCHIT - FORT AUGUSTUS 23ml(37km) 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 34ml(55km) 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 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 - TUMMEL BRIDGE 24ml(39km) Avoid 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. DAY 7. TUMMEL BRIDGE - PITLOCHRY 13ml/24ml(20km/39km) A short day's cycle by Loch Tummel to the delightful Victorian town of Pitlochry or alternatively strike northwards to Calvine and Blair Atholl. Visit Blair Castle and enjoy the magnificent display of arms and armor and the thirty-two fully furnished rooms. These display beautiful furniture, fine paintings china, lace and embroidery. At Pitlochry there is a chance for some shopping, visit one of the two distilleries or the Dam and Fish Ladder. DAY 8. DEPART PITLOCHRY. Included in the tour cost: B&B accommodation in twin/double rooms with shower/wc facilities Support vehicle and guide who drives the support vehicle, organize evening meals and looks after the whole group. His/her function is non-cycling Tour information including maps and routes 24 Speed trekking cycles equipped with mudguards, rear pannier frame, stand, bell, water bottle holder. Hire equipment consists of rear pannier bags, helmet, pump, tool kit, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle. Luggage transportation Emergency support Train Ticket Fort William to Rannoch on Day 6 Tours will only operate if a minimum of ten persons are booked one month before departure. We will inform you if a tour is to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers. In the event of a tour being cancelled we will offer the original tour on a self-led basis. BICYCLES Quality 24speed cycles are provided ON guided TOURS ONLY, and they are serviced before each departure. Helmets, panniers, cycle computer, tools, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, lock and water bottle are included. You are expected to take care of the bikes and equipment and any loss or damage caused by neglect will incur a charge. LUGGAGE CARRYING This service is available on all tours. We will transport one case or bag and one item of hand luggage per person and store any surplus luggage until the end of your tour. CUSTOM TOURS: We have been organizing tours in Scotland since 1970. There isn't a highway or byway that we haven't explored. We have a wealth of knowledge about the bike routes in Scotland, pubs and restaurants, as well as all the places of interest to visit. We are very happy to plan logistics for custom tours just for you. DETAILS REQUIRED AT TIME OF BOOKING: § Start dates § Full names of all members of party § Room requirement § Height measurements § Dietary requirements § Flight details CANCELLATION PENALTIES    YOU WILL LOSE THE HIGHER OF YOUR DEPOSIT OR FROM DEPOSIT UNTIL 35 DAYS PRIOR TO HOLIDAY DATE 40% OF TOTAL COST 22-28 DAYS PRIOR TO HOLIDAY DATE 50% OF TOTAL COST 15-21 DAYS PRIOR TO HOLIDAY DATE 70% OF TOTAL COST 20 DAYS OR LESS   100% OF TOTAL COST Please Email Us For Information Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 6PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time or (516) 248-2042 outside USA/Canada Although we have provided as much information as possible on our website, we are happy to answer your questions directly on the phone. Sometimes, it is just easier to speak to one of us. We are awaiting your call. Scotland Escorted Tours Self drive Cruise Other Join our email list   Copyright © 2012 Lynott Tours, Inc.