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Biking Tour from Edinburgh to Aberdeen in Scotland

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Biking Tour from Edinburgh to Aberdeen in Scotland

Single / Double

$5007/ $2736

Tour Period

Start Any Day February to November

Tour Nights

7

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Tour description

A six centre self-guided bike tour of Scotland’s East Coast from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. Includes 7 nights bed and breakfast in ensuite guesthouse/hotel accommodation, and 5-6 days cycling (including hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bicycle).  Also includes luggage transfers, train ticket back to Edinburgh, emergency back-up and daily route navigation via a phone app. Please note - we often change the early days of this tour to follow a different route ending the first day in Aberdour instead of Kinross.

This 170 mile bike route starts and finishes in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh, famous for its splendid castle and old architecture. On this tour you will experience this area’s rich history while cycling through some stunning Scottish countryside and coastline. Leaving Edinburgh the route crosses the impressive Forth Road Bridge at Queensferry into the Kingdom of Fife. Using minor country roads and traffic-free cycle ways you will pass through pretty towns and villages with many historical sites to visit on route such as Falkland Palace. A beautiful section of rolling hills lead to the coast and the city of St Andrews, famed as the home of golf. Then another engineering marvel, the Tay Bridge takes you across the river Tay to Dundee and along the coast to Carnoustie, Arbroath and Montrose. You will see many castle ruins along this section before reaching your destination of the tour, Aberdeen, known as the oil capital of the north.

Sample schedule

START and FINISH of TOUR: Edinburgh is in central Scotland on the East coast.

ARRIVAL DAY: Arrival in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is Scotland’s political capital, full of national monuments, museums, and impressive buildings for you to visit. You can use the remainder of the day to visit the sites of this impressive city. Overnight: Edinburgh, Scotland.

6 nights cycling Scotland from Edinburgh to Aberdeen Edinburgh Castle

 

DAY ONE: Bike from Edinburgh to Kinross. Distance approx. 30 miles (50 km). After breakfast you will be met with your bikes, and they will be fitted to your needs.  The dominating features on today’s ride are the impressive bridges that span 1 mile across the Firth of Forth. Riding over the Forth Road bridge is quite an experience with great views as you cross over to the Kingdom of Fife. Then a steady climb takes you up to 275 metres through a beautiful forest section before a steep descent to Kinross nestled on the shores of Loch Leven. This is where Mary Queen of Scots made her daring escape from Loch Leven Castle. Overnight: Kinross, Scotland

DAY TWO: Bike from Kinross to St Andrews. Distance approx. 33 miles (53 km). Leaving Kinross the route follows quiet country roads that skirt around the Lomond Hills to the picturesque village of Falkland. The main feature today is Falkland Palace.  This impressive building in the renaissance style was used by the Kings of Scotland as a hunting lodge. Heading north the route passes through the agricultural heart of Fife known as the Howe.  This beautiful green countryside with quaint villages offer refreshments or lunch making for a superb biking experience. Catching sight of the North Sea coast heralds the final stretch of today’s ride as you approach the historic city of St Andrews. Your overnight accommodation is a lovely farmhouse just south of the city where you will spend the next two nights. Overnight: (near) St Andrews, Scotland.

 

DAY THREE: Optional day ride from St.Andrews Distance approximately 21 miles (34 km) Today there will be several optional things to do. A planned cycle route will take you out into the countryside and then the coast to visit the fishing village of Crail, including a stop at Scotland’s secret bunker. You could choose to further explore the historical sites of St.Andrews, take a walk on the famous golf course which is alongside a lovely long stretch of beach, or you could simply enjoy the peace and quiet of a rest day at the farmhouse. Overnight: (near) St. Andrews, Scotland. 

 

DAY FOUR: Bike from St Andrews to Arbroath. Distance approx. 40 miles (64 km). Heading out of St Andrews you will pass the famous golf course before joining a lovely level section along a forest nature trail which leads to Tayport. Another impressive river crossing takes you over the Tay Road Bridge to Dundee.  This busy city has many places to visit and would be a good opportunity to have lunch. Following alongside the ‘Silvery Tay’ through Broughty Ferry and Monifieth the route heads inland briefly before returning to the coast at Carnoustie, another town famous for its golf course. The coastal town of Arbroath with its abbey will provide your next overnight accommodation. Overnight: Arbroath, Scotland.

 

DAY FIVE: Bike from Arbroath to Johnshaven or Inverbervie. Distance approx. 27- 31 miles (45 - 50 km). Staying close to the coastline now for the rest of the tour, this part of the route passes through nature reserves and some of the finest sandy beaches in the country. One of these is the beautiful Lunan Bay with the ruins of the Red Castle built in the 15th century. About halfway along today’s ride is the town of Montrose, with many places of interest to see.  This would also be an ideal place to stop for lunch.  A quiet coastal road takes you through seafront fishing villages including St Cyrus. Your overnight accommodation will be in either Johnshaven or Inverbervie which are separated by a very scenic traffic-free section. Overnight: Johnshaven or Inverbervie, Scotland.

 

DAY SIX: Bike from Johnshaven or Inverbervie to Aberdeen. Distance approx. 39 – 43 miles (63 to 69 km). Once again, the route follows the coastline on minor roads and cycle trails through picturesque villages built into natural harbours. With various historical sites to visit, Dunnottar Castle is well worth the short detour. At Stonehaven there are services for the traveller to obtain refreshments or perhaps lunch. From here the route heads inland briefly before returning to the coast and the town of Portlethen. Then a minor coastal road through Cove Bay takes you to your final destination for this tour, Aberdeen where your bikes will be picked up. Aberdeen is regarded as the oil capital of the north with several tourist attractions to explore. Overnight: Aberdeen, Scotland.

 

FINAL DAY: Return to Edinburgh. Today after breakfast your tour with us ends and you’ll catch the train back to Edinburgh. Please note: Accommodation in Edinburgh at the end of the trip is not included in the tour price.

 

Travel Description

The nearest International airport is Glasgow and the local airport is Inverness. If travelling from London Heathrow or Gatwick there is a shuttle service to Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. Service bus 905 operates from Glasgow terminal to Glasgow station.

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

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If you want to book this cycling tour, or chat about an altered schedule, please use the 'Enquire Now' tab above or contact us on richard@xplorebritain.com

Related Categories
Tour Code:

ES06

Options

Discount rail tickets to Edinburgh and from Aberdeen

Grade

C

Grade Description

GRADE C cycling: Between 30-40miles (48-64kms) a day. This route is principally a flat ride with only occasional moderate hills. We recommend that clients bring their own bicycle equipment helmets, clothing and shoes. If you have clip-on shoes we suggest that you bring your pedals too. You will start cycling about 10am and finish at approx. 4pm. These grades are for guidance only and will depend on weather conditions and your fitness.

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Hi Richard,
I have been meaning to drop you a note but when we got home work took over.  I just wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we all had on our trip.  Amazing scenery and everyone was so nice.  The bike and saddle you had for me worked out perfect.  Martin and I hope to do another one some time and when we do, we will look you up. It will be awhile though. Thank you for your support along the way!  I have some of my son's friends that are interested so I have sent them your web address.
Take care,
Cindee&Martin
Portsmouth, VA, USA

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Cindee & Martin
6 night c2c tour