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Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh and Fife

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Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh and Fife

Single / Double

£1925/ £1045

Tour Period

Start Any Day February to November

Tour Nights

5

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Tour description

A five centre self-guided cycling tour of the Historical Trail of Scotland, Edinburgh and Fife. Includes: 5 nights bed and breakfast in en-suite (wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, 4 days cycling with luggage transfers, route details and phone app navigation. Also includes the hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bike delivered to the start and picked up at the end of the tour.

This circular cycle route begins and ends in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh, famous for its castle and splendid architecture. The tour gives you a chance to experience many of Scotland’s historical sites, while cycling through the beautiful rolling countryside of Fife. Leaving Edinburgh the route takes you across the impressive Forth Road Bridge at Queensferry into the Kingdom of Fife. Using minor roads and traffic free cycle ways the route follows the coast before heading inland through stunning scenery and pretty towns and villages with many places of interest to view. Most impressive is the village of Falkland, home to Falkland Palace, where you will spend 2 nights. There is a choice of route back to Edinburgh; you can return the same easy route you arrived, or by a more challenging hilly route passing Kinrose and Loch Leven. On the final day you return to Edinburgh where you can return the bikes and continue your journey or stay another night.

Sample schedule

START and FINISH of TOUR: Edinburgh in central Scotland.

5 nights Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh & Fife. Edinburgh Castle with gardens in full bloom

 

ARRIVAL DAY: At Edinburgh you will be fitted out with your bike. Your 1st night's accommodation is in Edinburgh in the shadow of the famous castle near the start and finish of the tour. Edinburgh is Scotland’s political capital with so many national monuments, impressive buildings and museums for you to visit, but don’t worry should you require more time you will be returning here after the tour. There are also many places to eat in this vibrant city from traditional pubs to a large variety of cafes and restaurants. Overnight: Edinburgh, Scotland.

5 nights Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh & Fife. The Fourth Road Bridge

 

DAY ONE: Edinburgh to Burntisland. Distance approx. 23 miles (37 km). After breakfast you will pick-up your bikes from the hire shop and begin the ride through Edinburgh on cycle lanes alongside the busy city roads. The route starts out very flat giving you plenty of time to get used to the bikes and to take in the sights as you go. Heading out of the city centre on a traffic-free cycle route the scenery becomes dominated by the dramatic structures of two bridges that span the Firth of Forth. A cycle lane takes you over the road bridge which is quite an experience, providing great views before reaching Inverkeithing.  Now in the Kingdom of Fife the route follows the coast to your next overnight stop. Overnight: Burntisland, Fife.

DAY TWO: Burntisland to Falkland. Distance approx. 24 miles (39 km). Continuing along the coast through Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy the route then heads inland passing Glenrothes, all offering a chance for refreshments or lunch. Riding through beautiful green countryside this is the agricultural heart of Fife known as the Howe. Within these peaceful surroundings is the picturesque village of Falkland, home to Falkland Palace. Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for the Kings of Scotland, this renaissance architectural styled superb building is well worth spending some time visiting. Overnight: Falkland, Fife.

5 nights Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh & Fife, Falkland Palace 5 nights Cycling Historical Scotland Edinburgh & Fife, Inside Falkland Palace

 

DAY THREE: In Falkland. Enjoy a whole day and night in this quaint little village to visit Falkland Palace and other tourist attractions. The palace and its gardens are open to the public (check their website for opening times). If you are feeling energetic you could also explore the surrounding area on bike or foot. Overnight: Falkland, Fife.

DAY FOUR: Falkland to Dunfirmerline. Distance approx. 24 miles (39 km). There is a choice of route on the return to Edinburgh, the same easy route you arrived on, or a more challenging hilly route. Leaving Falkland the route follows quiet country roads that skirt around the impressive Lomond Hills. Rising gently through stunning scenery the route passes through Kinross on the shores of Loch Leven, a good opportunity for lunch. This is where in 1568 Mary Queen of Scots made her daring escape from the prison in Loch Leven Castle. After a short steep climb the route enters a beautiful forest section with fantastic views, making this a superb cycling experience. It is then all downhill to your next destination, the historical town of Dunfermerline. With an abbey, Abbot House and the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, there is also a selection of places to eat in the town. Overnight: Dunfirmerline, Fife.

FINAL DAY: Dunfirmerline to Edinburgh. Distance approx. 19 miles (31 km). This final section is very short and flat, giving you plenty of time to explore any places you missed on day one. Crossing the Forth Bridge again you enter the outskirts of Edinburgh with optional alternative routes into the city centre. You can use the bikes to visit more of this impressive city’s attractions or return the bikes and continue your journey. We can also arrange another night stay here if required.

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

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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:

RD05

Grade

C

Grade Description

GRADE C cycling: Between 19-24 miles (31-39kms) a day. This route is principally a flat ride with some moderate climbs. 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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Richard - 
 
After stopping off in Wisconsin for a few days, we have now returned back to our home in Montana and begun settling in. I've finished cropping and editing all the pictures I took and they look great! We will review and remember our wonderful trip many times throughout the winter months and beyond. Fletchers should also be back home, and we'll get together this coming week to swap our stories of Reeth and the Cotswolds. 
 
Doug and I just want to thank you again for organizing such a terrific trip! Your thoughtful attention to details in routing and lodging, and your personal care was so very much appreciated. 
 
If ever we get the chance to return, or hear of anyone else planning such a trip, you can be assured that we will be contacting you. 
 
I hope your fall season is enjoyable. 
Thank you again. 
Warm regards, 
Mindy and Doug Ferrell
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Doug and Mindy Ferrell
Yorkshire tour