Great Glen Cycleway

5 Days & 4 Nights

4.5

Complete a Scottish coast to coast journey by bike
Visit 13th century Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness
Highland hospitality and cyclist friendly accommodation
Ride the single track of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich
Pedal the lush glen and hillsides of the Great Glen fault line

The Great Glen is an amazing geographical fault line that splits Scotland in two, forming dramatic lochs and glens and one of the most famous bodies of water in the world; Loch Ness. Biking along the banks of loch after loch, travelling from coast to coast is an amazing experience that immerses you in the iconic scenery of the Great Glen. From relaxing canal-side riding to flying down neat singletrack, the Great Glen Cycleway is a beautiful, challenging way to spend a couple of days. Your trip begins in the shadow of Ben Nevis, at Fort William. From there you ease into the journey by following the Caledonian Canal, passing the man-made phenomenon of Neptune’s Staircase. You will soon be cycling on singletrack and fire road alongside the first of a series of lochs, Loch Lochy then Loch Oich. Reach Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness which dominates the rest of your trip. With challenging climbs to reveal magnificent views and stunning, high speed downhills, the trip really does have a little bit of everything. Stay at hand-picked B&B’s, guesthouses and small country hotels, and enjoy the convenience of daily baggage transfer on this wonderful mountain biking holiday in Scotland.

From $895.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Fort William Day 2 Fort William to Invergarry 26 miles / 44 km Day 3 Invergarry to Drumnadrochit 30 miles / 48.5 km

The morning begins by tackling your first really steep hill on a climb up behind Invergarry. Once at the top a lovely stretch of single track through the forest eventually brings you down to Aberchalder. You are back on the smooth canal towpath until Fort Augustus, giving your legs a wee break. There is a short stretch of cycling on the busy A82 before you are on hilly forest trails. After glimpsing Loch Ness through the trees there's a thrilling descent into Invermoriston. A more challenging forest path undulates for the next 15 miles, but it is worth it for the view from the top and the inevitable descent. Your hard day's cycle finishes in Drumnadrochit, home to two Loch Ness Monster displays as well as a host of pubs and restaurants.

Overnight Drumnadrochit

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Greenlea | Bed and breakfast

Greenlea is a charming cottage situated on the Village Green in Drumnadrochit. Built in 1810, it was the first house on the green and as a listed building it maintains many traditional features. All rooms are equipped with TV, tea & coffee facilities, hairdryer and Wi-Fi access.

Kilmore Farmhouse | Bed and breakfast

Situated just a little outside the village centre of Drumnadrochit the shores of Loch Ness, this peaceful haven gives you all the relaxation you need after day out on the Great Glen. All rooms are well appointed and the house is surrounded by well-kept gardens, with a relaxing lounge and bright and airy breakfast room. All rooms include complimentary upgraded Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Aslaich | Guest House

Aslaich Bed & Breakfast is situated in the peaceful and picturesque village of Lewiston, adjoining the village of Drumnadrochit. This family run bed and breakfast offers peace, relaxation and beautiful views of the surrounding hills and countryside within Glenurquhart (the Great Glen). The Shores of Loch Ness (Urquhart Bay) is a short woodland walk away, and the house is situated 400 metres from the Great Glen Way. The house has a drying room for those wet walking days and has Wi-Fi available.

Day 4 Drumnadrochit to Inverness 24 miles / 31 km

Today provides a different take on the Great Glen as you climb sharply out of Drumnadrochit and away from the lochs that you have so faithfully followed. Today you will be cycling through more remote scenery. Most of the cycling today is on minor roads as you ride deeper into the hills and fields that surround the Great Glen. You cycle down past the charming Loch Laide before heading past the Caiplich Prehistoric Settlement, which is worth checking out even if only for the view. Then you are back amongst the hills before a long descent into the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

Overnight Inverness

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Cavell Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Built in 1842, your accommodation is a well-appointed Victorian villa with stunning views over the River Ness and Cavell Gardens. All rooms have TV, hospitality tray, hairdryers and free wireless Internet. They also have available on request bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, iron and ironing board and DVD player.

Adrian's Guest House | Guest House

This guesthouse features accommodations with a front garden, free car parking, motorcycle and bicycles parking garage, super speed Wifi guaranteed, and a true locally sourced Highland breakfast, along with a la carte Chef menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options too.

All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms.

The Glen Mhor Hotel | Hotel

The Glen Mhor Hotel is situated in a tranquil location on the south bank of the River Ness, a 3-minute walk from Inverness city centre. Accommodation is divided between 4 charming Victorian townhouses - many rooms have wonderful views across the river to the cathedral and Eden Court Theatre. Nico's Bistro and Bar offers an informal atmosphere and dining inspired by French cuisine. A range of drinks are served in the bar, including an extensive whiskey collection, and there are cosy log-burning fires. Laundry facilities are available (cost dependent upon load) but drying facilities are available at no extra cost.

Day 5 Onward Travel

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

General info section: The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Equipment hire section. We currently hire the following type of mountain bike on this trip.

Brand	Trek
Bike Type	Mountain
Frame types	Gents, ladies, unisex
Sizes	15, 17, 19, 21 in
Front suspension	yes
Stand	no
Mud guards	no
Luggage rack Rear/Front	no
Paniers	no
Handle bar Bag/ map holder	no
Bottle holder/Water bottle	yes (available)
Computer meter	No
Interchangeable pedals	Yes
Front gear set	2
Back gear set	10 speed
Brakes	Hydraulic Disc
Helmet included	Yes
Puncture repair kit	Yes
Spare inner tubes/ how many	Yes/1
Pump	Yes
Lock	Yes

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.