Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Few places stir the imagination like Loch Ness; a jewel which sparkles even amid the other wonders in the vault of natural beauty that is the Highlands. Arguably the dwelling place of Scotland's wild and wistful soul, the atmosphere here will surround and envelope you like a blanket of the finest tartan. But it's not all about Ness and the elusive beastie that continues to defy seekers. Here a host of smaller lochs appear to hold the sky beneath their surfaces and ancient ruins languish at the water's edge. Battlefields long silent and castles made famous by Shakespeare sit side-by-side with woodland that is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including golden eagles, red kites, ospreys, pine martins and red deer. The misty peaks and vast, fern covered landscapes only add to the sense that this is a place where history and folklore remain largely inseparable.
Take in the tranquil Caledonian Canal as it winds along through the rugged landscape up to picturesque Fort Augustus at the south edge of Loch Ness. Follow old military roads laid down by General Wade past glassy lochs and cascading waterfalls, stopping for a break in restful tearooms and country inns. Then follow cycle routes between Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie saw his hopes dashed and Cawdor where Macbeth plotted his unnatural deeds. Those who wish to can also visit magnificent Fort George before finishing in the Highlands capital of Inverness, where the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal meet Moray and Beauly Firth, and dolphins can often be seen.
Arrive in the waterside town of Inverness. Visit the castle with its 360 degree view over the Highland capital.
You stay at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe
Tea/coffee
Opposite Inverness Castle, Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa is located on the banks of the River Ness. Only a 5-minute walk from Inverness city centre, this hotel offers a swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi.
Each en-suite room has a flat-screen TV, radio and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms also feature a private bathroom with a power shower and hairdryer. The accommodation is located in either Victorian properties or garden cottage. Some rooms overlook the castle and river.
Guests have free use of the Palace Leisure Club & Spa’s indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Beauty treatments are available in Sleeping Beauty Spa, and there is a modern on-site gym.
The Brasserie offers informal lunch and evening meals, whilst restaurant Eight on the River offers evening dining and a hot and cold breakfast buffet. You can enjoy Afternoon Tea along with Matthew Algie Freshly Ground Coffee in the refurbished River View Lounge.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
A transfer takes you to Gairlochy from where your route follows the Great Glen Way as it criss-crosses the Caledonian Canal and snakes effortlessly to Fort Augustus. En route you'll pass beautiful forest, peaceful rivers and brooding Loch Lochy whose sparkling waters and steep-forested hillsides give a fjord-like feel to the landscape. Your final stretch follows the foaming River Oich. You stay tonight in Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness.
You stay at The Lovat.
MastercardAmExHairdryerWiFiTV
MinibarSafeTea/coffee
The Lovat is an award-winning eco-conscious hotel, situated on the southern tip of Loch Ness. The beautiful Victorian building with authentic decor is located in the loch-side village of Fort Augustus and has a restaurant which, in 2007, was named a Top 10 Restaurant in Scotland by the Press and Journal. It was recently awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
After a short transfer to Loch Tarff, you climb steadily to Suidhe Chuimein Viewpoint (1200ft) and continue, along General Wade's old military road, to Whitebridge. From here, follow the route to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers; an incredible 140ft waterfall. It's then on past the Boleskine woods and riverside Inverfarigaig to Dores, one of the most photographed villages of the region.
You stay at Pottery House.
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With beautiful views overlooking Loch Ness and a very warm welcome from your hosts John and Glen, the Pottery House B&B is conveniently situated within a 5 minute walk to Dores. There are 3 large, very comfortable rooms, 2 of which with lake views, all with modern amenities such as power showers, a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The attention to detail is second to none, including a hand produced local information book and Highland toiletries. Excellent, award winning breakfasts are cooked to order using local produce.
After a transfer to Nairn the longer route heads down to the Moray Firth, where the impregnable Fort George stands. Both routes continue to 14th Century Cawdor Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth, pedal past the impressive Nairn viaduct and Cairns to arrive at Culloden, site of the last full-scale battle to take place on British soil (1746). Ride on into Inverness and your riverside hotel.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided cycling
4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
