Bike Tour in Scotland Fort William to Inverness

Tour description

A five centre self-guided bike tour from Fort William to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. Five nights bed and breakfast in en-suite (wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, and four days hire of an all-terrain 21 speed bike. Also includes luggage transfers, tour description and phone all navigation.
This tour allows you to complete the ‘Great Glen Cycle Route’ at a much easier pace, by splitting the difficult middle section into 2 days. It still uses the full 80 mile route from coast to coast through some of Scotland’s most impressive highland scenery. Using mainly traffic-free bike trails, the route starts in the picturesque town of Fort William with an easy first section along the Caledonian Canal. After a challenging middle section, your efforts are rewarded by the stunning views over this area of outstanding natural beauty. Riding on forest tracks alongside Loch Lochy and the world famous Loch Ness, on the right day this is a never to be forgotten bike ride. The final section of the route follows minor roads through sparsely populated countryside adding to its beauty. The tour finishes in the bustling city of Inverness, with many places of historical interest to visit.

Sample schedule

START of TOUR: Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland.

ARRIVAL DAY: At Fort William. Your 1st night’s accommodation is in the busy fishing port of Fort William. If renting, you will be fitted out with your bike. There are many places to eat in the town centre from fish and chip shops to luxury restaurants. Overnight: Fort William, Scotland.

DAY THREE: Bike from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit. Distance approx. 12 miles (19 km). This very short but challenging ride today has some serious climbing to do but your efforts are rewarded by the spectacular views you will encounter. A forest track zigzags up to 900 feet, the highest point of the route followed by a tricky decent.  As with the climbing you could always walk! As you approach "Drum" as it is known locally, the route becomes much easier and you can admire the views over Loch Ness (look out for that monster!). There are traditional pubs or hotels here to obtain an evening meal. Overnight: Drumnadrochit, Scotland.

DAY FOUR: Bike from Drumnadrochit to Inverness. Distance approx. 29 miles (48 km). The last section of the tour follows minor country roads that are very remote in places with only occasional homesteads and farms. The route takes you through beautiful countryside with lovely scenery, but it is isolated so you will need to pack sufficient food and drink with you. In contrast, Inverness is a vibrant city with lots to offer.  The castle is just one the monuments to Inverness’s role in the violent and romantic history of the Highlands. The busy city centre has many shops with a wide variety of pubs, hotels and restaurants to celebrate completion of ‘The Great Glen Cycle Route’. Overnight: Inverness, Scotland.

FINAL DAY: Departure from Inverness. The tour finishes after breakfast.

Travel Description

RAIL TRAVEL from LONDON, EDINBURGH and GLASGOW to FORT WILLIAM (NOT included in tour price): The rail station is in the centre of Fort William. Presently the 12:40pm from Glasgow Queen Street arrives Fort William 16:22pm (direct).

The nearest international airport is Glasgow.

RAIL TRAVEL from INVERNESS to LONDON, EDINBURGH (NOT included in tour price): The rail station is in the centre of Centre of Inverness.

ARRIVING and DEPARTING by EUROLINES or NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH: This is by far the cheapest option for long-distance travel in England, Scotland, and Wales. There are very convenient buses from each major airport. National Express carries over 16 million passengers to 1000 different places in the UK every year, and thousands more from destinations across Europe and Ireland. You can purchase an e-Ticket where you print your travel ticket online in a matter of minutes OR you can obtain an m-Ticket and have your travel ticket sent to your mobile phone - no paper ticket required. You then present this to the driver on arrival.

ARRIVING BY CAR: Please ask for details.

Tour Start Location

Tour End Location