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Scotland Bicycling Scotland - Scottish bike tours  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 Dayin 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 armour, paintings and china.  Day1. Arrive INVERNESS:
collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction. 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.  Day2. INVERNESS - DRUMNADROCHIT 24ml(39km) Leave
Inverness following the river: across moorland and quiet country roads to
Drumnadrochit. Visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre and ruined
Urquhart Castle. Day3. 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. Day4. FORT AUGUSTUS - FORT WILLIAM 34ml(55km) The Caledonian Canal towpath 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. Day5. Rest DayFORT WILLIAM Take a trip on the steam train of the scenic West Highland Railway to Mallaig, climb Ben Nevis or explore the many forest trails in Leanachan Forest.  Day6. 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. Day7. 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 armour 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. Day8. Depart Pitlochry.  CYCLE THE KINGDOM OF FIFE 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 harbours with their fishing boats and pleasure craft and enjoy the miles of golden sandy beaches. Royal connections remained when Dunfermline was Scotland's ancient capital and Falkland Palace was the King's hunting lodge and there is more history in St Andrews with its ruined Bishops's 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. Day1. Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to explore the riverside walks and enjoy the colour of "Perth in Bloom". Collect cycles, route briefing and instruction. 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.  Day3. WORMIT/TAYPORT - ST ANDREWS
22/18ml(35/29km) Perhaps cross to Dundee and visit Captain Scott's 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. Day4. 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 harbours. Overnight in St Andrews Day 5. ST ANDREWS - BURNTISLAND # 34ml(55km) 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 your next overnight destination; Burtnisland. Day 6. BURNTISLAND - KINROSS 29ml(50km)Leave Burntisland 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. .jpg) 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..jpg) Day1. Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to stroll to the shops,
walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth
and the Tay Valley. Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing Day 2. PERTH - DUNKELD 17.5/26ml(28/42km) Cycle two miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace, a treasure house of furniture, ivories, fine porcelain, needlework and the unique Vernis Martin. From there you cycle north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small Square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly restored Cathedral construction of which began in 1318.  Day 3. DUNKELD - ABERFELDY 18ml/19(29/31km) You are
never far from the swift flowing River Tay. Leave Dunkeld passing the Cathedral
and follow the path along its north bank: join the quiet road northward to
cross the river by an old railway bridge at Logierait. From there to Strathtay,
a popular spot with canoeists and river rafters. Continue by the river to the
small village of Weem. Only a short distance now to cross General Wade's Bridge
into Aberfeldy. Visit the Distillery, the Water Mill or explore the beautiful
walks in the "Birks of Aberfeldy". Day 4. ABERFELDY - KILLIN 24ml(39km) Leave Aberfeldy by General Wade’s Bridge and stop to visit Castle Menzies, the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies, currently being restored. Past Drummond Forest to the conservation village of Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. Visit the Crannog Exhibition, which illustrates life on the Loch in the Bronze Age. By taking the south shore road you can enjoy to the full the unrivalled beauty of the Lochs and Bens on the way to Killin. Day 5. Rest day KILLIN. Visit the Falls of Dochart; walk in the quiet countryside or up Ben Lawers, a 6mile cycle to Ben Lawers visitor center and then climb Ben Lawers, Perthshires highest mountain or cycle to scenic Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon 35ml(53km) round trip. Day 6. KILLIN - CRIEFF 28ml(45km) Enjoy a traffic free cycle through Glen Ogle to reach the small lochside village of Lochearnhead. From there continue along the south shore of Loch Earn enjoying the beauty of the loch and Ben Vorlich to reach St Fillans at the eastern end of the Loch. Follow the valley of the river Earn through Comrie to arrive at Crieff. Perhaps visit the Glenturret Distillery and the ‘Famous Grouse Experience’ or the ‘Crieff Visitor Centre’  Day 7. CRIEFF - PERTH 20ml/28ml(32/45km) Take the opportunity to visit the famous formal Italian gardens at ‘Drummond Castle Gardens’ which are 2miles south of Crieff before an easy ride through quiet countryside to return to the riverside town of Perth. Day 8. Depart PERTH |
 HIGHLAND
GLENS AND LOWLAND HILLS DAY 1. Arrive PITLOCHRY: collect cycles,
route briefing and instructions. Take the opportunity to wander along the main
street with its wide selection of interesting shops, admire the floral displays
and perhaps visit Bell's Blair Atholl Distillery. DAY 2. Explore from PITLOCHRY Choose from three different trips each returning to Pitlochry. 1. Pitlochry - Calvine 24ml(38km)A gentle cycle with plenty of interesting stops. Follow the route through the historic Pass of Killiecrankie and on to the world-famous Blair Castle. Return via the villages of Calvine and Struan. 2. Pitlochry - Glen Errochty and Strath Tummel 40ml(64km) Follow route 1 to Struan but continue west through Glen Errochty over the hills to Tummel Bridge. A lovely ride along the shore of Loch Tummel returns you to Pitlochry. 3. Pitlochry - Dunkeld 30ml(48km) Enjoy spectacular views as you follow the Rivers Tummel and Tay to the historic town of Dunkeld. Visit the ruined Cathedral and picturesque town square.  DAY 3. PITLOCHRY - ABERFELDY 15ml(24km),24ml(39km) Follow the
quiet road high above the River Tummel to Logierait, cross the old railway
bridge and follow the north bank of the River Tay to the town of Aberfeldy.
Alternatively try the more strenuous route by Lochs Fascally and Tummel to
climb the pass on the old military road to Coshieville and Aberfeldy. DAY 4. ABERFELDY - KILLIN 23ml(37km) or 40ml(65km) Cross the River Tay to Weem and follow the quiet road to Kenmore at the north end of Loch Tay. A scenic ride along the south lochside road with fine views of Ben Lawers to the busy village of Killin. Alternatively a longer, more strenuous but very beautiful journey via Fortingall, Glen Lyon and Glen Lochay to Killin. DAY 5. KILLIN - CALLANDER 27ml(43km) From Killin ride southwards on the cycle track through Glen Ogle to Lochearnhead. Continue by Strathyre and Loch Lubnaig on forest trails and old railway track to the Falls of Leny and Callander. Visit the Rob Roy Exhibition at the Tourist Information Centre. DAY 6. Explore the TROSSACHS, 21ml(36km),(33ml)55km or 36ml(62km) Ride by Loch Venacher and through Achray Forest to Loch Katrine: take a sail on the steamer SS Sir Walter Scott and return to Callander from Loch Katrine Pier. Alternatively alight at Stronachlacher Pier, perhaps take a detour to Loch Lomond before returning on the private road around the Loch Katrine to Callander. For those wishing to stretch their legs continue south from Stronachlahar on the scenic road to Aberfoyle and return through Achray Forest to Callander, overnight Callander DAY 7. CALLANDER - STIRLING 19ml(30km), 29ml(46km) or 42ml(69km) Leave Callander and travel by the Braes of Doune to visit ancient Doune Castle. Continue to Dunblane Cathedral and complete the tour at Stirling. Alternatively, cycle south by the Torrie Forest to the village of Thornhill and continue on to Stirling. A longer scenic route passes near the Gargunnock and Fintry Hills and through the Carron Valley. DAY 8. Depart STIRLING  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. Day1. Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley. Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing. Day2. PERTH - CRIEFF 20/28ml(32/45km) Before leaving Perth perhaps visit the Caithness Glass Factory and Huntingtower Castle. Afterwards take an easy ride through quiet countryside to the small town of Crieff. Do not miss the chance to visit the award winning visitor centre of Glenturret Distiller. Day3. CRIEFF - LOCHEARNHEAD 20ml(32km) As you leave Crieff stop for a tour of the Stuart Crystal Factory. Then follow the valley of the River Earn, through Comrie and along lovely quiet road on the south shore of Loch Earn to arrive at the small lochside village of Lochearnhead. Day4. LOCHEARNHEAD - CALLANDER 18ml(29km) Cycle south through Strathyre, visit Rob Roy's Grave at Balquhidder and then follow the river to the small village of Strathyre. From there continue into Strathyre Forest for a scenic journey past Loch Lubnaig to Callander. Day5. CALLANDER - ABERFOYLE 23/31/36ml(37/50/58km) An early start along the south shore of Loch Venachar to Loch Katrine for a sail on the steamer SS Sir Walter Scott. Alight at Stronachlacher Pier and perhaps take a detour to Loch Lomond before the journey through the forest to Aberfoyle.  Day 6. ABERFOYLE - STIRLING 23ml/34ml(39km/62km) Five miles east
of Aberfoyle is Scotland’s only lake, the Lake of Mentieth. On the largest
of its three islands is the ruined Inchmahome Priory. Founded in 1238 it was a
haven for many famous people including Mary Queen of Scots. Continue on to
Doune Castle, stop at Dunblane to visit the Cathedral and then head for
Stirling. Mighty Stirling Castle dominates the skyline as you approach this
historic town. A longer scenic route follows the cycle way to south to Gartness
before turning east passing near the Gargunnock and Fintry Hills and through
the Carron Valley to Stirling.Day 7. rest day STIRLING. Stirling is Scotland’s newest city and one of its most historic. There are many attractions to visit on your rest day: Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, the National Wallace Monument, the Church of the Holy Rude – all icons of Scotland’s royal and often tempestuous past. The city has many more unexpected sites from a jail to a working brewery. The museums and gallery experience spans archaeology to contemporary Scottish art. Day 8. Depart STIRLING. 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. Day1: Arrive INVERNESS: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction. 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.  Day2. INVERNESS - NAIRN 21/31ml(34/50km) The Jacobite
Rebellion of 1745 ended with defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie's Army at Culloden
8km east of Inverness. There is now an excellent Visitor Centre with
exhibitions and historical information. From there visit Cawdor Castle, the
most romantic castle in the Highlands. It is the family home of Lord and Lady
Cawdor with fine furnishings and beautiful gardens. Your overnight stop is at
the seaside town of Nairn. Day 3. NAIRN - LOSSIEMOUTH 26/34ml(42/54km) Visit Brodie Castle and the seaside villages of Findhorn and Burghead as you cycle along the flat countryside of the Moray coast to Lossiemouth. It is a traditional seaside town with magnificent sandy beaches and safe bathing. Day 4. LOSSIEMOUTH - CRAIGELLACHIE 29ml(47km) The Speyside Way begins at Spey Bay 3km from Lossiemoth. Cycling is permitted on this long distance walk and the route follows the River Spey on footpaths, quiet roads and disused railway tracks. The scenery is spectacular, wildlife is plentiful and beautiful wild flowers attract many butterflies.  Day 5. Rest Day CRAIGELLACHIE Visit
Dufftown to see Glenfiddich Distillery, Mortlach Old Church and Auchndoun
Castle. Day 6. CRAIGELLACHIE - GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY 24/42ml(39/68km) Cycle along the quiet roads of Banffshire never far from the River Spey to reach Grantown-on Spey. This picturesque town is surrounded by woodland and is very popular with summer visitors who enjoy its fresh air and woodland walks. Day7. GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY - AVIEMORE 17/23ml(28/37km) A chance to visit the Nature Reserves at Loch Garten and Abernethy Forest on the way to Aviemore. The mighty Cairngorm Mountains tower above the clear waters of Loch Morlich. Perhaps take the chance to try some water sports or explore the many forest tracks. Day 8. Depart Aviemore. THE CASTLE BIKE 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 Armour 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. 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. 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. Day 1. Arrive PERTH: perhaps time to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley. Evening: collect cycles and equipment, route briefing Day 2. PERTH - DUNKELD 25ml(40km) Cycle 2 miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace and from there north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld. Situated on the banks of the River Tay it has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small Square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly restored Cathedral construction of which began in 1318. Day 3. DUNKELD - PITLOCHRY 19ml(30km) Leave Dunkeld along the riverside path to the Cathedral imagining the many years of history that it has seen. Follow the river on a peaceful route away from traffic for 3km before using the main road bridge to reach the minor road to Logierait. Another bridge to cross and a climb before the quiet elevated road gives wonderful views of the fast flowing Rivers Tay and Tummel. Past the Dunfallandy Stone and into the busy Victorian town of Pitlochry. One of the town’s best-known attractions is Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. Created in the 1950s the Dam has an underwater viewing chamber, which allows visitors to watch salmon navigating the specially constructed fish ladder, which bypasses the dam. A chance to visit the large Blair Atholl Distillery or Scotland’s smallest Distillery - Edradour. 8 miles north of Pitlochry is Blair Castle with its 32 fully furnished rooms fine furniture, paintings and armour. Day 4. PITLOCHRY - GLAMIS 37ml(50km) Climb eastwards from Pitlochry across the moors, downhill to follow the River Ardle through typical highland scenery of forests and glens to pass the small town of Kirriemuir. If time permits visit Glamis Castle family home of the Earls of Strathmore and a royal residence since 1372. Remodelled in the seventeenth century the Castle contains magnificent rooms with a wide range of historic pictures, furniture, porcelain and tapestries. Day 5. GLAMIS – WORMIT/TAYPORT 20ml(36km) Travel through the small villages and fertile farming land of the Vale of Strathmore to Newtyle. A stiff climb over the Sidlaw Hills leads to the outskirts of the riverside city of Dundee. Situated at the mouth of the River Tay this industrial city has a long and chequered history. Still a thriving port it has two historic ships to visit, Discovery famous for its role in Arctic Exploration and the oldest wooden ship afloat, the Frigate Unicorn. Verdant Works contains a fine exibition of Dundee’s textile heritage. Climb Dundee Law in the centre of the city for magnificent views in all directions. Cross the Tay Bridge to Newport and you are now in Fife Day 6. WORMIT/TAYPORT - ST. ANDREWS 22ml(39km) Continue round the coast and spend a little time away from the tarmac on the tracks of Tentsmuir Forest. Through Leuchars village with its busy air base and a climb to reach the village of Strathkinness. 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". It is also home to Scotland’s oldest university with many fine buildings set in a combination of medieval, Edwardian and Victorian streets. Visit the ruined Castle and Cathedral or take a stroll on wide expanse of golden West Sands. Day 7. ST. ANDREWS - PERTH 35ml(56km) Leave St. Andrews on the cycle route past Craigton Park and continue to visit the Falkland Palace, set in the heart of a unique medieval village. It was the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs. It includes the exceptionally beautiful Chapel Royal and is surrounded by internationally known gardens. Perhaps take tea in Auchtermuchty before climbing the hill to Pitmedden Forest and then down into the Tay Valley and Perth. Day 8. Depart PERTH 
Conditions of Travel Travel insurance Click here for a credit card form. Questions? Contact Lynott Tours at 1 (800) 221-2474 USA & Canada
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