Holidays

Dates & Prices

Slideshows

The Scottish Coast to Coast - Detailed Itineraries
Our most popular itinerary is the CTC3 which involves 7 days riding and 6 nights accommodation, and gives you enough time to explore the other riding along the trail. If you are pressed for time the CTC4 which covers the route in 6 days is popular while many groups choose to add extra days along the way to enjoy the world class riding on offer.

Scottish Coast to Coast Itinerary:
Code: CTC3 (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

Alternative Coast to Coast Itinerary
Code: CTC4 (300+Kms)
Nights: 5
Days: 6 Riding Days
Grade: Challenging
Average Daily Distance: 50 kms
Description: The classic Coast to Coast Itinerary on speed for those looking for a tough challenge. Return transfers from Glasgow on day 1 and 6 are of course included. The route follows the same course but daily distances are longer as outlined below.

Recommendations:
East to West:
In our opinion this trip is best enjoyed West to East but we can offer all our itineraries in the other direction. Just add a “W” to the end of the code when booking.

Additional Nights: (£35pppn)
There is so much outstanding riding in the Highlands that it makes sense to spend extra nights along the way to explore more of the highlands. I would recommend extra nights in Fort William, Laggan and Aviemore which all have excellent riding and numerous visitor attractions to keep you amused. They are also great for a well deserved rest day.

Holiday Information
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.

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. You should also be comfortable with dealing with trail side repairs or emergencies as these do happen. If you feel it might be at the top of your comfort zone it would be a good idea to include additional rest days.

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.

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 from around £200 per week.

Information Pack:
Your information pack includes details of your overnight accommodation, a route description, detailed 1:50 000 OS maps covering the route, travel information and suggestions on attractions, points of interest and places to eat and drink.

Equipment

For full details - click here

CTC3: 7 Days & 6 Nights CTC4: 6 Days & 5 Nights More>>

From £345 to £585 per person sharing depending on group size - More>>