Included in the cost of the tour:
- 9 days / 8 nights lodging in a 3 or 4-star hotel in the Scottish Highlands
- Breakfast and Lunch as listed on the itinerary
- Use of a 21 or 24 speed touring bike or e-bike (surcharge), pannier bag, helmet
- Service of English-speaking guide, a Support van Driver Guide, and a Tour Director who will accompany the group on all rides
- Luggage transfers – allowable luggage is ONE main piece of luggage, preferably a backpack, sports duffle bag, or a small roller bag.
- Scheduled guest transfers (Day 4), departure day (to Balloch)
- GPS tracks for bike routes
- Ferries integral to the itinerary
- Admission fees to attractions listed in the itinerary as included
NOT included:
- Airfare and Ground Transportation to/from Balloch and Inverness
- Travel insurance, Bike Theft Protection
- Meals and beverages not listed above
- Admission to sites on route that are not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and the tour director
Arrival in Scotland: The closest airport to the start of the tour is Glasgow. From there, you can board a train for the short journey to Balloch, where the tour begins. Directions to the tour hotel will be provided as the departure date approaches. The closest airport to the tour finish is Inverness.
Bicycles: You’ll have the option to ride either a hybrid touring bike or an electric bike—both well-suited for the terrain on this tour. The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame), or Liv Rove (female frame) with a wide gear range suitable for the route and terrain, semi-slick tires, disc brakes.
If you’re considering an e-bike, please keep in mind that they are significantly heavier than standard touring bikes and require confident bike-handling skills. For this reason, we do not recommend e-bikes for novice cyclists. If you’re new to e-bikes, we suggest renting one locally at home before the tour to gain familiarity and practice riding it safely.
Bikes are also equipped with a rear rack and pannier bags, one bottle cage.
If you wish to bring your own pedals or saddle, you are welcome to do so. Please let us know when you register.
Bicycle Helmet: We require all guests to wear a properly fitting helmet at all times while riding on the tour.
Bicycle Locks: All bicycles are outfitted with locks. Please use them whenever you plan to leave your bicycle unattended for any length of time. You will be liable for damage or theft of the bicycle if it is stolen during an excursion because it was not locked properly. Bicycle insurance is available for a nominal fee.
Itinerary Program: The above itinerary is subject to change. Alterations are sometimes necessary due to circumstances beyond the operator’s control
Physical Fitness and Bike Handling: To participate in the biking part of the tour, it is important that you are in good physical condition and have the necessary bike handling skills. Group riding experience is encouraged but not a requirement. This tour is rated difficulty level 3-4, due to the hilly terrain and occasional off-road forest and gravel paths. Novice cyclists may find it quite challenging. All guests are expected to keep pace with the group, which travels at 12-15 mph. Guests who cannot maintain that pace may be asked to board the support van. On this tour, we will occasionally need to share the road with car traffic, and we will have to cross busy intersections. The weather is variable; it may not always be sunny, and the wind may not always be calm. Even under poor weather conditions, you should feel safe and able to cover the day’s distance on your bike. If for any reason, a guest cannot complete the day’s ride, the guest can finish the day’s journey by support van.