Scottish Coast to Coast Mountain Bike

DAY 1:
Fort William to Spean Bridge - 13 Miles

We collect you and your bikes in Glasgow at 9:00AM and transfer you to Fort William (3 hours) where your Scottish Coast to Coast starts with a truly world class day of biking.
After a couple of miles of gentle canal side riding we throw ourselves into glorious singletrack behind the distillery and make our way to The Nevis Range and the manmade delights of “The Witches Trails” this man made forestry centre has miles of challenging singletrack and most riders will spend at least a couple of hours riding these fantastic trails.

Alternatively gravity addicts may wish to tackle the awesome Nevis Range Downhill Track which has gondola uplift and red and black graded downhill trails.
After a few hours of fun you can enjoy a 15km spin on forest roads and singletrack to your overnight accommodation in Spean Bridge.

Overnight: Distant Hills Guest House, Spean Bridge

DAY 2:
Spean Bridge to Laggan - 35 Miles

The day’s riding starts gently with some delightful tracks along the River Spean and then a short road section from Roy Bridge. The trail quickly changes to a mix of technical natural singletrack and Landrover tracks as we head east into the highlands. The quality of the riding is matched only by the spectacular views over Loch Laggan and The Grey Corries.

A sustained climb leads up to the white sandy beaches or Lochan an Hearba and then a fast descent pops you out at the magnificent Ardverikie Castle, set of the TV series Monarch of the Glen.
The day finishes at Laggan Wolftrax, one of the Forestry Commission’s best trail centres.

Those who want to test themselves further can play for as long as they like on the challenging singletrack, fun park and raised timber sections.

Overnight: Monadhliath Hotel, Laggan

DAY 3:
Laggan to Aviemore - 34 Miles

An awesome day of riding which has everything the highlands can throw at us. Epic scenery as we climb to the Head of Glen Banchor followed by river crossings, a remote bothy and one of the best sections of singletrack descent I have ridden down into Newtonmore, and that is just the first section.

A brief road section follows before we dive into Glen Feshie and Rothiemurchus Forests, a challenging mix of forest tracks, secret singletrack, romantic castles and all with the Cairngorms looming ahead of us. After an truly unforgettable day of riding we finish in Aviemore.

Overnight: Ravenscraig Guesthouse, Aviemore

DAY 4:
Aviemore to Tomintoul - 28 Miles

I get excited even thinking about today’s riding, almost 100% off road, truly remote and with an awesome mix of epic climbs, technical singletrack and truly breathtaking views. The highlights include the climb from Glenmore past the fairy lake and up over Ryvoan Pass as well as the descent down into Tomintoul. It really is one of the best days you will ever have on your bike.

Overnight: Argyle House B&B, Tomintoul

DAY 5:
Tomintoul to Ballater - 28 Miles

After a few tough days day five is a slightly more relaxed day riding mainly on Landrover tracks as you skirt the northern edge of the Cairngorms. The good news is that there are some sweet sections of singletrack to keep the mind occupied, awesome views and plenty of river crossings to keep you on your toes.
A seemingly endless descent in the latter part of the day brings us to Ballater. There is plenty to keep you occupied for the afternoon, even if it is just catching up on some shut eye.

Overnight: Glenlui Hotel, Ballater

DAY 6:
Ballater to Edzell - 39 Miles

Day six is the highpoint of our weeks riding in every sense of the word. The first few miles of gentle riverside riding don’t even begin to hint at what is to come but once you start climbing Glen Tanar and then the Mounth Road you will need every last bit of energy to get you to the top of Mount Keen, Scotland’s most easterly Munro.

The descent into Glen Esk is worth every bit of effort and you will be grinning for months at the very though of it. A short section of Tarmac brings us to the village of Edzell which is our last overnight stop.

Overnight: Alexandra Lodge B&B, Edzell

DAY 7:
Edzell to Montrose - 13 Miles

A final whoop along quiet country roads brings us to the sea at Montrose and the end of an unforgettable mountain bike journey through the Scottish Highlands. We pick you up (Approx 11:00) and head back to Glasgow and aim to be back in Glasgow by 14:00 dropping you off at your accommodation, the airport or bus and rail stations.

Grade

This holiday is graded moderate to challenging and goes through remote and demanding terrain so you should be a regular and fit mountain biker who relishes the thought of a long day in the saddle.

You should also be comfortable with dealing with trail side repairs or emergencies as these do happen.

Navigation

The route is not waymarked. We will supply you with a route description, detailed maps with the route marked and a GPS with the route preloaded for you to use for the duration of the trip. This is not a substitute for sound navigation skills and at least two of your party should have good navigation skills.

Cycling Direction

This trip can only be booked from west to east due to restrictions with the baggage carriers.

Additional Nights

We can book additional nights for you before, after or during the ride. Your pickup in Glasgow is at 9:00 am on day 1 so most people will need to spend the previous night in Glasgow.

Aviemore is a good location to add an extra night during the trip as there is lots to do and some great riding.

Accommodation

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to cyclists, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.

The accommodation listed in the itinerary are the providers we sue most often. If they do not have availability we may use other accommodation of the same or better standard.

Single Rooms

This trip is unfortunately not available to solo bikers, but if you require single rooms within your party we will of course accommodate your request. As all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18 kg per person.

Equipment

A mountain bike in good condition is essential. Most riders prefer riding a XC type bike although everything from a hardtail to all mountain will be fine.

Your information pack has a detailed suggested equipment list which includes standard mountain biking gear such as helmet, cycling clothes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Bike Hire

Most riders prefer to bring their own bikes but we can arrange bike hire if required. Ask the destination specialist for details.

Bike Box/Bag Storage

We can store your bike bag/box at our office in Glasgow for the duration of your trip. Alternatively ask your hotel in Glasgow/Edinburgh if they can store it for you. Most will be happy to.

Pickup/Drop-off

Our standard pickup is at 9:00am on day 1 of your trip at Glasgow Airport or your hotel in central Glasgow.
We will drop you off at 14:00 on day 7 of your trip at Glasgow Airport, your hotel in Central Glasgow or the train station.

We are able to pickup/dropoff at other locations such as Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Edinburgh or Edinburgh Airport for a small additional charge.

Pickup/Drop-off

Our standard pickup is at 9:00am on day 1 of your trip at Glasgow Airport or your hotel in central Glasgow.
We will drop you off at 14:00 on day 7 of your trip at Glasgow Airport, your hotel in Central Glasgow or the train station.

We are able to pickup/dropoff at other locations such as Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Edinburgh or Edinburgh Airport for a small additional charge.

Getting to/from Glasgow

Glasgow is well served by public transport including bus, train and plane.

Parking in Glasgow

If you are driving to Glasgow the best optoin is generally to book a stay and park deal at one of the Glasgow Airport Hotels. You can then overnight, leave your car at the secure airport parking and we will collect you from your airport hotel. Dropping you back at the end of your trip.

How fit do I need to be?

The Coast to Coast is a fairly tough trip because you are riding continuously day after day but it is far from an endurance marathon. The itinererary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness regular mountain biking supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your trip is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Coast to Coast is extremely popular and most departures fill up several months prior to departure. You will find up to date availability on our website and please give us a shout if you have a query.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. You can download a full equipment list from our website downloads page.

What type of mountain bike is suitable?

Bikes of a certain price range are usually a good way to tell if your bike is going to last the pace. Anything from around £600 and up would generally do, but front suspension and hydraulic brakes are another good indicator. You will get away with a slightly less expensive bike as long as you have front suspension and it is well maintained. More expensive full suspension XC bikes are also perfect but you should avoid downhill or "all mountain" bikes which tend to be a bit heavy and have too much travel.

When is the best time of year?

The summer months are best as the weather tend to be better and the daylight hours are longer.

What are the midges like?

Midges are small biting insects (much like north American knats) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.

The Coast to Coast is available from March to October. You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every Coast to Coast holiday we book is unique, availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.