Biking the Great Glen Fort William Scotland

Tour description

A four centre self-guided bike tour along the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness in Scotland. 4 nights bed and breakfast in (en-suite wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, and 3 days biking. Hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bike is also included as well as luggage transfers, tour description and phone app navigation. 
The Great Glen Cycle Route is a magnificent 80 mile route through some of most impressive Scottish 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. A challenging middle section is rewarded by stunning views over this area of outstanding natural beauty. Riding on forest tracks alongside beautiful Lochs including the world famous Loch Ness, on the right day this is a never forgotten bike ride. The final section of the route follows minor roads through sparsely populated countryside, very isolated in places, adding to its beauty. The tour finishes in the bustling city of Inverness, with many places of historical interest to visit.

Sample schedule

START: Fort William is on the west coast in the Highlands of Scotland.
FINISH: Inverness is on the east coast in the Highlands of Scotland.

ARRIVAL DAY: At Fort William. Your first night’s accommodation is in the quaint fishing port town of Fort William. You will be fitted out with your bike if you’ve chosen to rent one. There are many places to eat in the town centre from fish and chip shops to luxury restaurants. Overnight: Fort William, Scotland.

DAY ONE: Fort William to Invergarry. Distance approx. 26 miles (42 km). After breakfast you will begin the ride with a nice easy start. The Caledonian Canal is a traffic-free cycleway that allows you the freedom to look around and admire the stunning views. Riding through this area of outstanding natural beauty is a real joy with mountains, lochs, rivers and forests. Keep an eye out for the wildlife too. A gravel track hugs the side of Loch Lochy with a testing short hilly forest trail section before reaching your next overnight stop at Invergarry. There are 2 hotels here for you to choose from for an evening meal. Overnight: Invergarry, Scotland.

DAY TWO: Invergarry to Drumnadrochit. Distance approx. 27 miles (43 km). Today is the most challenging ride of the tour, but on the right day is a never forgotten bike ride. Your efforts are rewarded by spectacular views and with the pretty towns of Fort Augustus and Invermoriston you are provided with opportunities for refreshments or lunch. The forest trail zigzags up to 900 feet above Loch Ness, with magnificent views making it all worthwhile - look out for that monster! The descent is challenging too but as with the climbing you could always walk if necessary. The route becomes much easier as you approach "Drum" as it is known locally. There are traditional pubs or hotels here to obtain an evening meal. Overnight: Drumnadrochit, Scotland.

DAY THREE: 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. As well as souvenir and specialty shops, the city has a wide variety of pubs, hotels and restaurants to celebrate completion of ‘The Great Glen Cycle Route’. Overnight: Inverness, Scotland.

FINAL DAY: The tour finishes after breakfast.

Travel Description

RAIL TRAVEL from LONDON, EDINBURGH or 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 and GLASGOW (NOT included in tour price): There is an airport at Inverness. The nearest rail station is 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