Scotland
Much more than kilts & bagpipes
There is a border between England and Scotland, but it’s easy to miss. Driving north you’ll know it only by the 'Welcome To Scotland' signs.
But welcome to what? It’s all the same country, isn’t it?
Don’t let the Scots hear you say that! They may concede that yes, Scotland is one of the four entities that make up the United Kingdom. But they will politely remind you that it was once an independent country, and may be one again in the not-too-distant future.
But for now, all a visitor needs to know is that Scotland is utterly distinctive in just about every way. There are the cities, buzzing, hyper-active, at the cutting edge of culture and the arts; the Scottish Highlands and Islands with scenery as stunning as anywhere on the planet; the wildlife; the burgeoning food scene with some of the finest seafood anywhere, and of course the world-famous whiskies.
In short, Scotland is so much more than kilts and bagpipes, although you’ll find them too. The only problem with visiting Scotland is the thought of having to leave. But those Scots who welcomed you so warmly will wave you off with the immortal words, “Haste ye back!”
Cycling in Scotland
Best routes, regions and how to plan your trip
Ancient, often mist-wreathed and mysterious, Scotland has a pull for those seeking solace. From dark, craggy, mountain ridges to exquisite, empty, beaches this is a country as diverse as its myriad islands, dramatic Highlands and rolling Lowlands. Through it all runs a deep and vibrant culture and a richly welcoming, though guarded, people...read more
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The Highlands
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Great Glen Way
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Caithness
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John O'Groats
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Thurso
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Speyside
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Cairngorms National Park
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Loch Ness
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Caledonian Canal
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Inverness
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Fort William
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Sound of Arisaig
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Knoydart
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The Borders
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Dumfries and Galloway
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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
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Loch Linnhe
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Edinburgh
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Hebrides
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Isle of Mull
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Isle of Jura
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Isle of Islay
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Shuna Island
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Isle of Barra
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Isle of Lewis
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Isle of Skye
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St. Kilda
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Isle of Rùm
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Isle of Eigg
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Isle of Arran
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Oban
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Orkney Islands
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Isle of Arran
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Glasgow
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Aberdeen
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Balmoral
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Morvern Peninsula
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Kintyre Peninsula
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Scotland Tours
Great Glen Cycleway
Scottish coast to coast by bike
5 daysFrom £465| The Highlands | |
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Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Great Glen Cycleway
Scottish coast to coast by bike
5 days From £465 per person By Macs Adventure| Destinations | The Highlands |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Cycling |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
April - October |
The Great Glen is an amazing geographical fault line that splits Scotland in two, forming dramatic lochs and glens and one of the most famous bodies of water in the world; Loch Ness. Biking along the banks of loch after loch, travelling from coast to coast is an amazing experience that immerses you in the iconic scenery of the Great Glen. From relaxing canal-side riding to flying down neat singletrack, the Great Glen Cycleway is a beautiful, challenging way to spend a couple of days. Your trip begins in the shadow of Ben Nevis, at Fort William. From there you ease into the journey by following the Caledonian Canal, passing the man-made phenomenon of Neptune’s Staircase. You will soon be cycling on singletrack and fire road alongside the first of a series of lochs, Loch Lochy then Loch Oich. Reach Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness which dominates the rest of your trip. With challenging climbs to reveal magnificent views and stunning, high speed downhills, the trip really does have a little bit of everything. Stay at hand-picked B&B’s, guesthouses and small country hotels, and enjoy the convenience of daily baggage transfer on this wonderful mountain biking holiday in Scotland.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully selected, cycle-friendly accommodations. On self-guided trips choose from a range of accommodation standards to suit all budgets and preferences, from remote mountain huts or cosy B&B's to superior rooms in elegant hotels. |
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Ground transfers |
Door to Door luggage transfers and transfers to and from the trail if required. |
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Breakfast |
All breakfasts included. |
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Bike rental |
Bike hire (mountain bike as standard) available. Information pack, and route notes, detailed maps & GPS tracks are included. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support. |
Scotland's Castle Trail
Easy-going history and whisky
6 daysFrom £485| Scotland | |
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Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Scotland's Castle Trail
Easy-going history and whisky
6 days From £485 per person By Macs Adventure| Destinations | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Cycling |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
| Season |
April - October |
Discover the castles, palaces and history of Scotland as you cycle through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Cycle from inn to inn on easy going country roads and bike paths through the heather clad hills of Highland Perthshire. Visit the romantic castle of Blair Castle and historic Scone Palace, crowning place of 42 Scottish Kings. From the historic city of Perth you head north along the Tay River Valley to historic Dunkeld and Birnam and then on to the Victorian Spa town of Pitlochry. Cycle the shoreline of Loch Tummel, take a tour of Blair Castle or take a wee dram at the Edradour Distillery overlooking the Perthshire Highlands.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully selected, cycle-friendly accommodations. On self-guided trips choose from a range of accommodation standards to suit all budgets and preferences, from remote mountain huts or cosy B&B's to superior rooms in elegant hotels. |
|
Ground transfers |
Door to Door luggage transfers and transfers to and from the trail if required. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts included. |
|
Bike rental |
Bike hire (mountain bike as standard) available. Information pack, and route notes, detailed maps & GPS tracks are included. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support. |
Scotland's Lochs & Glens
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
8 daysFrom £650| Scotland | |
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Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Scotland's Lochs & Glens
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
8 days From £650 per person By Macs Adventure| Destinations | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Cycling |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
| Season |
April - October |
Explore Scotland’s lochs and glens by bike, soaking in the unique landscape of the Scottish Highlands whilst savouring the clean, fresh Scottish air. Immerse yourself in rich clan history as you cycle past castles through the rugged Trossachs hills and then on into Highland Perthshire. Great cycling complemented by welcoming Scottish hospitality, world class whisky and the produce from Scotland’s natural larder. Your cycling adventure begins in the bustling holiday town of Callander, known as the gateway to the highlands, which lies beneath wooded crags. Learn the story of Rob Roy at the visitor centre before you pedal east to Loch Katrine. Here you can enjoy a fine cycle along the tranquil Loch Katrine and perhaps a trip on the 100 year old Sir Walter Scott steamship. Your route continues north past Loch Lubnaig and through Glen Ogle to the village of Killin, which lies at the southern end of Loch Tay and is bisected by The Falls Of Dochart. The scenery just gets even better with every turn of the pedals as you follow the southern shore of Loch Tay past the Scottish Crannog Centre, Dewar’s World of Whisky and Taymouth Castle. Aberfeldy is next, famous for the ‘Birks of Aberfeldy’ a poem by Robert Burns. The Victorian spa town of Pitlochry is your base for the final three nights. Choose from several routes which visit Dunkeld Cathedral, Blair Castle, Queen’s View, Moulin, Killiecranckie as they wind Big Tree Country.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully selected, cycle-friendly accommodations. On self-guided trips choose from a range of accommodation standards to suit all budgets and preferences, from remote mountain huts or cosy B&B's to superior rooms in elegant hotels. |
|
Ground transfers |
Door to Door luggage transfers and transfers to and from the trail if required. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts included. |
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Bike rental |
Bike hire (mountain bike as standard) available. Information pack, and route notes, detailed maps & GPS tracks are included. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support. |
Coast to Coast MTB
Traverse Scotland's legendary highlands from west to east
7 daysFrom £1,195| Scotland | |
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Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Coast to Coast MTB
Traverse Scotland's legendary highlands from west to east
7 days From £1,195 per person By Macs Adventure| Destinations | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Cycling |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
| Season |
April - October |
The Scottish Coast to Coast is the iconic mountain bike journey through the highlands of Scotland and quite simply an awesome mountain biking holiday. Our independent self-guided mountain bike holidays on the Scottish Coast to Coast allow you to travel at your own pace, enjoy Scotland’s best mountain biking whilst experiencing our fascinating culture and landscapes. Your adventure starts in Fort William and after 200 miles of excellent riding in the Scottish Highlands finishes in Montrose on the East Coast. Enjoy everything from great man-made trails to smooth natural single-track. Every holiday we offer features hand-picked overnights in B&B’s, country inns, and guesthouses, each is unique and offers a biker friendly welcome, atmosphere and delicious local cuisine. Also included are transfers for you and your bike from Glasgow to the start and back from the finish, daily door to door baggage transfer, comprehensive route notes, detailed maps with the route marked on, downloadable GPX tracks, an information pack and emergency telephone support.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully selected, cycle-friendly accommodations. On self-guided trips choose from a range of accommodation standards to suit all budgets and preferences, from remote mountain huts or cosy B&B's to superior rooms in elegant hotels. |
|
Ground transfers |
Door to Door luggage transfers and transfers to and from the trail if required. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts included. |
|
Bike rental |
Bike hire (mountain bike as standard) available. Information pack, and route notes, detailed maps & GPS tracks are included. |
|
Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support. |
Island Hopping by Bike
Easy going cycling across the islands of Arran, Jura and Islay
8 daysFrom £820| Scotland | |
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Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Island Hopping by Bike
Easy going cycling across the islands of Arran, Jura and Islay
8 days From £820 per person By Macs Adventure| Destinations | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Cycling |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Mild |
| Season |
April - October |
Discover Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries on this island-hopping cycling holiday, riding across the islands of Arran, Islay and Jura. Catching the ferry from mainland Scotland to Arran marks the start of your island-hopping adventure. Well known for its stunning scenery ride through a landscape of jagged peaks, rolling hills and rugged coastal roads, Arran craft breweries produce excellent ales, perfect for quenching a cyclists' thirst. From Arran catch the ferry to Kintyre and pedal across the peninsula to the Isle of Islay. Small whitewashed villages and vast empty beaches make the Isle of Islay a very special place. Home to the world-renowned distilleries of Lagavulin, Laphroig, Bowmore and Bruichladdich, Islay also boasts several smaller, independent distilleries such as Kilchoman that is worth a visit. The last island to explore is the remote island of Jura, excellent to spot red deer, explore wild Atlantic coastline and visit the famous Jura distillery. Rounding off each day in cosy, family run B&Bs and inns, enjoy meeting local islanders over a wee dram in the village pub.
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Accommodation |
All nights in carefully selected, cycle-friendly accommodations. On self-guided trips choose from a range of accommodation standards to suit all budgets and preferences, from remote mountain huts or cosy B&B's to superior rooms in elegant hotels. |
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Ferry |
All ferry travel (except Islay- Jura ferry - paid locally in cash). |
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Ground transfers |
Door to Door luggage transfers and transfers to and from the trail if required. |
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Breakfast |
All breakfasts included. |
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Bike rental |
Bike hire (mountain bike as standard) available. Information pack, and route notes, detailed maps & GPS tracks are included. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support. |
Cycle the Isle of Skye
Gain a new perspective on the iconic Isle of Skye from the saddle
8 daysFrom £855| Scotland | |
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Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling |
Recommended Multi-Day Tours
Cycle the Isle of Skye
Gain a new perspective on the iconic Isle of Skye from the saddle
8 days From £855 per person By Macs Adventure| Destinations | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Cycling |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
| Season |
April - October |
The Isle of Skye, Scotland's largest island, off the northwest coast is a playground of mountains and lochs delivering breathtaking vistas around every twist and turn of the narrow roads. A cycling holiday on the Isle of Skye is the perfect way to discover the welcoming people and amazing scenery of Skye at your own pace. Arriving by ferry in the village of Armadale on the remote Sleat peninsula, feel the excitement and anticipation build as you look forward to your journey on the 'Misty Isle'. Pedal north through the lush landscape of the 'Garden of Skye' to the town of Broadford, enjoying views of the jagged Black Cuillin. Amazingly, the scenery continues to improve as the light, mountains and sea combine in an ever changing panorama as you cycle north to Dunvegan and then Uig. The iconic rock formations of the Quirang, Storr and the colourful harbour town of Portree are all on the itinerary as you head south on your journey back to Armadale. Skye is home to some of the most dramatic sea and mountain landscapes in the British Isles; quiet country roads, prolific bird and wildlife including sea and golden eagles, a strong Gaelic culture and a warm and welcoming people. Hand-picked B&Bs, guesthouses and small country hotels, and daily baggage transfer combine for a wonderful cycling holiday in Scotland
|
Accommodation |
All nights in carefully selected, cycle-friendly accommodations. On self-guided trips choose from a range of accommodation standards to suit all budgets and preferences, from remote mountain huts or cosy B&B's to superior rooms in elegant hotels. |
|
Ground transfers |
Door to Door luggage transfers and transfers to and from the trail if required. |
|
Breakfast |
All breakfasts included. |
|
Bike rental |
Bike hire (mountain bike as standard) available. Information pack, and route notes, detailed maps & GPS tracks are included. |
|
Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support. |
Scotland Travel Companies
EasyWays
Specialists in Scotland walking holidays
| Scotland | |
| Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour | |
| Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |
Macs Adventure
Active adventures at home and abroad
| The United Kingdom | |
| Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour | |
| Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife |
Walkers' Britain
Explore the UK & Europe with Walkers' Britain
| The United Kingdom | |
| Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour | |
| Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Cycling, Nature & Wildlife |
Scot Mountain Holidays
Self-guided & guided activity holidays in Scotland
| The Highlands | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour | |
| Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Winter Sports, Active, Walking, Camping, Cycling, Horseback Riding, Nature & Wildlife |
Ticket To Ride
Bike rental & transport in the Highlands
| Scotland | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour | |
| Active, Cycling |
Contours Holidays
Self-guided walking holidays in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
| The United Kingdom | |
| Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour | |
| Active, Walking, Cycling, Nature & Wildlife |
Thistle Trekking
Guided trekking & mountaineering holidays
| Scotland | |
| Custom itinerary, Private guided tour | |
| Adventure, Backpacking, Climbing, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Solo Travel |
Shepherds Walks Holidays
Guided & self-guided walks in Northumberland & The Borders
| The United Kingdom | |
| Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour | |
| Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |
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