Cycle through small historic towns of Scottish Highlands on your own pace
The Scottish Highlands is a wonderful area for cyclists and walkers keen to experience the mountain peaks, shimmering lochs, and pretty glens.
During this weeklong trip, you will take the quiet backroads and country cycleways on a delightful journey. Enroute you will visit charming historic towns such as Dunkeld, and the peaceful lochside towns of Kenmore, Lochearnhead, and Killin. A rest day at Killin is included to allow you time to visit the Falls of Dochart, sail the Loch or walk-up Ben Lawers. En route there are opportunities to take a forest walk or visit one of the many castles and ancient monuments found along the way.
Highlights of the Cycling the Scottish Highlands
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Cycling the Scottish Highlands Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Perth
Arrival in Perth – advise by train from the airport (Edinburgh is closest city). Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Perth
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle to Dunkeld
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Dunkeld
Distance: 42km, 421m of ascent. Shorter alternative is available
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Aberfeldy
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”.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Averfeldy
Distance: 31km, 323m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Killin
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.
Accommodation: Two nights staying in a late Victorian country house offering excellent, 4 Star Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Overlooking the River Lochay, it has a private riverside garden with its own moorings and access to Loch Tay. There are spectacular views of the mountains from the house, including Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in Perthshire.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Killin
Distance: 39km, 406m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Rest Day or Cycle Around Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon
Today can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can visit the Falls of Dochart, walk in the quiet countryside, hire a canoe or cycle to Ben Lawers visitor center (9.5km) and walk up Ben Lawers, Perthshire's highest mountain. Another option is to cycle to scenic Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Killin
Distance: (Optional) 53km, 879m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle Along Loch Earn and onto Crieff
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’.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Crieff
Distance: 45km, 467m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to Perth
Take the opportunity to visit the famous formal Italian gardens at ‘Drummond Castle Gardens’ which are just over 3 kilometres south of Crieff before an easy ride through quiet countryside to return to the riverside town of Perth.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Perth
Distance: 45km, 296m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
The trip ends after breakfast when you depart the accommodation.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily, from March 23rd to October 21st. All the prices below are per person.
- Solo traveller: $1,975 USD
- Single room (travelling with group): $1,725 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,325 USD
Accommodation on Cycling the Scottish Highlands
There is a variety of accommodation along the route ranging from bed and breakfasts, lodges, pubs and small hotels. They are run by cycling-friendly hosts offering en-suite or private facility rooms with a tasty breakfast to get you ready for the day ahead. Further facilities such as washing and drying facilities, packed lunches and packed lunches are available in some accommodations, you will be advised on your listing of what is available.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotels in Scottish Highlands
Stay in comfortable Bed and Breakfasts or Hotels along your cycling route.
What’s Included in the Cycling the Scottish Highlands Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers for your luggage, however, you are in charge of any personal transfers needed.
Also Included
- Detailed documents, guides, route maps, and GPX tracks
- Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour
- Pre-planned route
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at hotel
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities for drivers, servers, or other staff if desired
- Bike rental
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Single occupancy upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Cycling the Scottish Highlands
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