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The Scottish Coast to Coast - Itinerary & Holiday Information
Our Coast to Coast trip strikes a great balance between some fairly tough days and some more relaxed riding which gives us plenty of time to explore the area as well as add extra riding for those looking for more of a challenge.

A Typical Day
The day starts with a hearty breakfast followed by a detailed briefing outlining the day ahead. We aim to hit the trail at about 10:00am. Your guides will ride at a comfortable pace but we carry plenty of spare maps and GPS units so if you wish to ride at a faster pace or branch out on your own this is an option. Your guide is there to help you get the best out of your holiday, not hold your hand every minute, so you can relax and get the most out of this awesome trail. We enjoy our packed lunch on the trail and generally reach the overnight stop mid-afternoon.

Most overnight stops offer plenty of additional riding as well as other attractions so whether you choose to thrash the local trails, catch 40 winks or taste the local whiskey there is plenty to do.

We meet up in the evening for a meal (not included) at the hotel or local pub to go over the days war stories and look forward to the day ahead over a wee dram.

Itinerary:
Distances and height ascending are approximate as this is mountain biking after all.


Scottish Coast to Coast Itinerary:
Code: CTC2 (300+kms)
Description: The classic Coast to Coast Itinerary with time to enjoy the ride and explore the more challenging options and the local attractions.
Nights: 6
Days: 7 Riding Days
Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Average Daily Distance: 42 kms

Day 1: Fort William to Spean Bridge
Distance: 21km + Optional Witches Trails
Height Ascended: 200m + Witches Trails
The Scottish Coast to Coast starts with a truly world class day of biking. After collecting you from Glasgow (9:00am) we travel north past Loch Lomond, over Rannoch Moor and then down Glencoe to Fort William and the start of your epic journey.

Once we arrive in Fort William we unload all the bikes, take the traditional photos and then you begin your journey. After a couple of miles of gentle canal side riding we through 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.
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: Spean Bridge

Day 2: Spean Bridge to Laggan
Distance: 55km + Optional Laggan Wolftrax
Height Ascended: 600m + Wolftrax
Today is one of the classic days of remote highland riding on the Scottish Coast to Coast. The days riding starts gently from Roy Bridge with a short road section but this doesn’t last. 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.

The stage finishes at Laggan Wolftrax, one of the Forestry Commission’s bets 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: Laggan

Day 3: Laggan to Aviemore
Distance: 54km
Height Ascended: 550m
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, carries, 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, the largest town we pass through which has everything the tired and happy biker could wish for.
Overnight: Aviemore

Day 4: Aviemore to Tomintoul
Distance: 45km
Height Ascended: 600m
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. There is only one way to appreciate just how good this section of the Coast to Coast is and that’s to get out and ride it.

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.
Our overnight stay accommodation is in the village of Tomintoul. For those who have developed a taste for Scotland’s national drink there are several excellent distilleries nearby including “The Glenlivet” who offer guided tours of the production facilities.
Overnight: Tomintoul

Day 5: Tomintoul to Ballater
Distance: 45km
Height Ascended: 900m
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 along one of the traditional droving routes through the Scottish Highlands. 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, home of all things Royal Deeside and sporting. A complete change from the rough and ready attitude of the West Coast. The good news is there is plenty to keep us occupied for the afternoon, even if it is just catching up on some shut eye.
Overnight: Ballater

Day 6: Ballater to Edzell
Distance: 62km
Height Ascended: 950m
(Easier route also available)
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 which gives incredible views over Lochnagar and the Cairngorms. 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: Edzell

Day 7: Edzell to Montrose
Distance: 20km
Height Ascended: 30m
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. After plenty of photos, backslapping and perhaps a swim we pick you up (Approx 11:00) and head back to Glasgow.
We aim to be back in Glasgow by 14:00 and can drop off at your accommodation, the airport or bus and rail stations.
Overnight: Not included

Holiday Information
Accommodation:
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation you will enjoy. The hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s we use are hand-picked to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to bikers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. You will find descriptions, photos and web links to all the accommodation we use here. The accommodation indicated in the itinerary may on rare occasions change for reasons beyond our control but any alternative will be of a similar standard.
All the accommodation we use has secure bike storage and most can help out with bike washing facilities on request.

Twin Roomshare:
If you are booking this holiday solo we will pair you in a twin room with another rider of the same sex.

Single Rooms:
A limited number of single rooms are available. 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.

Additional Nights: (£40pppn sharing)
We can book accommodation in Glasgow before or after the tour. Just let us know at the time of booking.

Meals:
A full Scottish or continental breakfast and packed lunch is included each morning. Dinner is not included and we generally eat together at a local pub or restaurant.

Baggage Transfer:
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person and would prefer soft bags.

Holiday Grading & Suitability
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.

Navigation
The route is not waymarked. Your guide will navigate and generally ride at a comfortable pace. Should you wish to ride at a faster pace we carry spare detailed maps and GPS units so you can ride independently.

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:
Macs Adventure is able to organise bike hire on your behalf. Hire of a standard good quality hardtail is £115 per week. Full suspension is available for £200 per week.

Information Pack:
Your information pack includes all the information you will require before joining the trip.

2008 Availability:
Our guided Coast to Coast tours are very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to. Up to date availability and dates are available here>>.

Price:
Tour: Scottish Coast to Coast (Self-Guided)
Itinerary: CTC2
Days: 7 Nights: 6
Per Person Price : £595 per person
Tour: Scottish Coast to Coast (Self-Guided)

Included:
• Return transfers from Glasgow to the start/finish of the tour.
• Hand-picked bed and breakfast accommodation in B&B’s, small hotels, country inns and guesthouses in twin/double/single ensuite rooms. (Unless ensuite is unavailable - rarely)
• Packed lunch x 6
• Seven days guided mountain biking on the Scottish Coast to Coast.
• Daily door to door baggage transfer.
• A pre departure information pack.
• Emergency vehicle backup.

Excluded:
• Travel to Glasgow.
• Dinners, snacks or drinks.
• Travel Insurance.
• Personal Equipment.
• Bike Hire

Optional Extras:
• Bike Hire: £115/week (Hardtail) £200/week full suspension.
• Extra Nights: £40pppn (before/after)
• Single Supplement: £120

Equipment

For full details - click here

CTC2: 7 Days & 6 Nights More>>

From £535 per person sharing depending on group size - More>>