One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
|
Tour search View all tours
Choosing a tourTop 10 questions to askGuided Self-guided Ability level Riding style Choosing a destination |
DestinationsIn EuropeBeyond Europe
Special programsCustomGroups Clubs Help |
|
Book now |
Booking guideHow to bookTerms and conditions Payments Tour documents Insurance Help |
PreparationPassports, visas and vaccinationsPacking tips Weather Training tips Fixing a flat
TransportationInternational flightsGetting around Europe
Extending your tripHotels |
To bringMoneyClothing and equipment Packing list Phones Books and maps Insurance
|
Bike Tours DirectAbout usOur philosophy Our team Published praise Client feedback Contact us FAQs |
Bike tours (general info)Why tour by bike?Why go local? Pros and cons Green travel Blog Newsroom Help |
| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 30 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | May 12; Jul 28; Sep 1 and 15, 2012 |
| Tour price: | £915 |
| Start city: | Inverness, Scotland |
| End city: | Inverness, Scotland |
This coast-to-coast mountain bike tour is the most exciting and challenging all-mountain holiday in the UK. So if your passion is for all-mountain riding and you’re looking for your next challenge, this coast-to-coast should be top of your list.
This is an eight-day epic mountain bike trip that takes in the best off-road riding Scotland has to offer, through some of the most wild, dramatic and diverse landscapes in the UK. You’ll start in the far north east, in the Highland coastal town of Bonar Bridge, and complete your all-mountain coast-to-coast adventure in the stunning fishing village of Applecross, where you can enjoy views out to the Isle of Skye to the west.
During this all-mountain extravaganza you will ride nearly 186 miles (300 km), descend a mouth-watering 24,000 feet (7,500 m), experience the best trails in Torridon, Gairloch, Ullapool and Applecross and even get a ride across a Highland sea loch on a high speed RIB!
Your efforts will be rewarded each evening in the comfort of hand-picked 3- or 4-star B&B accommodation where you’ll receive a warm Highland welcome and enjoy the local food, beer and, of course, sample the whisky.
This coast-to-coast mountain bike tour is the most exciting and challenging all-mountain holiday in the UK. So if your passion is for all-mountain riding and you’re looking for your next challenge, this coast-to-coast should be top of your list.
This is an eight-day epic mountain bike trip that takes in the best off-road riding Scotland has to offer, through some of the most wild, dramatic and diverse landscapes in the UK. You’ll start in the far north east, in the Highland coastal town of Bonar Bridge, and complete your all-mountain coast-to-coast adventure in the stunning fishing village of Applecross, where you can enjoy views out to the Isle of Skye to the west.
During this all-mountain extravaganza you will ride nearly 186 miles (300 km), descend a mouth-watering 24,000 feet (7,500 m), experience the best trails in Torridon, Gairloch, Ullapool and Applecross and even get a ride across a Highland sea loch on a high speed RIB!
Your efforts will be rewarded each evening in the comfort of hand-picked 3- or 4-star B&B accommodation where you’ll receive a warm Highland welcome and enjoy the local food, beer and, of course, sample the whisky.
Day 1: Arrival day and bike preparation
We will pick you up at the meeting point in Inverness anddrive you from there, up the east coast to the Highlandvillage of Bonar Bridge and your top quality B&B on thebanks of the Kyle of Sutherland. Once there, we’ll setup your bikes, talk over the week ahead and hopefullyget out for a ride, then relax into the holiday with a localbeer or two and some great local food.
Overnight in Golspie.
Day 2: Bonar Bridge - Ullapool (36 miles/58 km)
After a good sleep and a famous Scottish breakfastwe will ride straight from the B&B onto the trails thatcircle the Balblair woods at the back of Bonar Bridgebefore heading on our westerly journey. Today you willbe riding through classic Scottish glens that will getsome miles under our belts, before spitting us out onsome stunning singletrack leading to the Highlandtown of Ullapool.
Overnight in Ullapool.
Day 3: Ullapool - Poolewe (37 miles/60 km)
We will start today with a boat crossing over LochBroom on our way to some of the most mouth-wateringsingletrack in the country, if not Europe. Once we turnwestwards again the trail starts to open up in front ofyou, climbing up and over to Dundonnel forest, FionnLoch and onto Poolewe, by which time your cheekswill hurt from grinning! Although the wolves and bearshave long vanished from this part of the world, there’sa raw, wild atmosphere that remains and you’ll beforgiven for glancing over your shoulder now and again.
Overnight in Poolewe.
Day 4: Poolewe - Kinlochewe (25 miles/40 km)
Today we will ride off-road straight from Poolewe on afantastic section of singletrack that rises high abovethe head of Loch Maree before descending to thebanks of the loch itself and our own private sectionof singletrack. Depending on time, there is the chancefor us to ride a 15km extra loop at the end of LochMaree.
Overnight in Kinlochewe.
Day 5: Kinlochewe - Annat (27 miles/44 km)
Riding from Kinlochewe to Annat through the mountainsof Torridon is our favourite part of the coast-to-coastride. It has everything that you could possibly want froma mountain bike ride; from stunning views, to technicalclimbs, long, sweeping descents and grin-inducingsingletrack! With its multi-peaked mountains, Torridonis perhaps the most striking skyline in the ScottishHighlands.
Overnight in Wester Ross.
Day 6: Day off or half day’s local ride
Today is your rest day, where you can explore the localarea, read a book in the bar or join the guide for a halfday's mountain biking up a local hill, it’s your choice!
Overnight in Wester Ross.
Day 7: Shieldaig - Applecross (27 miles/38 km)
We’ll ride a lovely low-level piece of singletrack alongside a stunning inland loch that will lead usstraight to the village of Shieldaig. After admiring theview, we will move further along Loch Torridon, then cut through the middle of the Applecross peninsula onsome of the most remote and unused singletrack we’vebeen on all week. This leads us straight to Applecrossbay and the end of our coast-to coast. You’ll berewarded for your efforts with local ales and first-classlocal food at the Applecross Inn, one of the best pubson the west coast of Scotland.
Overnight in Applecross.
Day 8: Departure day
We will spend the morning packing the bikes, organizing your luggage and transport you back to Inverness to say our goodbyes.
May 12; Jul 28; Sep 1 and 15, 2012
| Tour package (guided) |  |
||||||||||||||||
|
Rates below are in British Pounds; our site will display them correctly in one week. |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
Day 1: Golspie Inn, Golspie
www.golspieninn.co.uk
The Golspie Inn offers 14 comfortable room and a great restaurant that provides local, fresh cuisine.
Day 2: The Arch Inn, Ullapool
www.thearchinn.co.uk
The Arch Inn opened in 1973 and is situated on the shores of Loch Broom, featuring magnificent views over the Fannich hills.
Day 3: Corrieness House, Poolewe
http://guide.visitscotland.com
Corrieness House is a newly refurbished Victorian House offering bed and breakfast in the heart of Poolewe overlooking the River Ewe and Inverewe Gardens.
Day 4: Kinlochewe Hotel, Kinlochewe
www.kinlochewehotel.co.uk
Set in the heart of the magnificent Torridon Mountains, the Kinlochewe Hotel is ideally located to explore the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Day 5 and 6: Torridon Inn, Wester Ross
www.thetorridon.com/inn
The Torridon Inn is situated close to the shores of Loch Torridon, offering guests cozy, comfortable accommodation and traditional pub food.
Day 7: Applecross Inn, Applecross Peninsula
http://applecross.uk.com/inn
The Applecross Inn is located on the beautiful Applecross Peninsula featuring a great restaurant with a variety of daily specials.
Day 1: Golspie Inn, Golspie
www.golspieninn.co.uk
The Golspie Inn offers 14 comfortable room and a great restaurant that provides local, fresh cuisine.
Day 2: The Arch Inn, Ullapool
www.thearchinn.co.uk
The Arch Inn opened in 1973 and is situated on the shores of Loch Broom, featuring magnificent views over the Fannich hills.
Day 3: Corrieness House, Poolewe
http://guide.visitscotland.com
Corrieness House is a newly refurbished Victorian House offering bed and breakfast in the heart of Poolewe overlooking the River Ewe and Inverewe Gardens.
Day 4: Kinlochewe Hotel, Kinlochewe
www.kinlochewehotel.co.uk
Set in the heart of the magnificent Torridon Mountains, the Kinlochewe Hotel is ideally located to explore the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Day 5 and 6: Torridon Inn, Wester Ross
www.thetorridon.com/inn
The Torridon Inn is situated close to the shores of Loch Torridon, offering guests cozy, comfortable accommodation and traditional pub food.
Day 7: Applecross Inn, Applecross Peninsula
http://applecross.uk.com/inn
The Applecross Inn is located on the beautiful Applecross Peninsula featuring a great restaurant with a variety of daily specials.
Available bikes include a full suspension mountain bike or a hardtail mountain bike. All bikes are of superior quality and come with hydraulic disk brakes, Fox or Rockshox suspension, Maxxis tyres and high end finishing kit.
Equipment provided free with rentals include helmets and pedals. Available upon request for no cost are cycling bags and a bottle cage.
Available bikes include a full suspension mountain bike or a hardtail mountain bike. All bikes are of superior quality and come with hydraulic disk brakes, Fox or Rockshox suspension, Maxxis tyres and high end finishing kit.
Equipment provided free with rentals include helmets and pedals. Available upon request for no cost are cycling bags and a bottle cage.
The terrain on this tour is very hilly. The maximum daily elevation gain is 4,900 feet (1,500 m). Approximately 70% of this tour is on dirt trails, 20% on dirt or gravel roads, 5% on quiet roads and 5% on roads shared with traffic.
This tour is rated Moderate and is for experienced mountain bikers in good physical condition.
The terrain on this tour is very hilly. The maximum daily elevation gain is 4,900 feet (1,500 m). Approximately 70% of this tour is on dirt trails, 20% on dirt or gravel roads, 5% on quiet roads and 5% on roads shared with traffic.
This tour is rated Moderate and is for experienced mountain bikers in good physical condition.
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Iverness, Scotland
Nearest train station: Iverness, Scotland
The tour begins at Inverness railway station, and in the exceptional cases where we meet elsewhere you will be contacted with details of the meeting point.
A transfer from Glasgow or Edinburgh airport is available at a cost of 175 pounds per transfer, which can be split between up to 8 passengers.
Inverness by rail:
Three hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and eight hours or overnight from London. For up-to-date timetables and booking information visit: www.firstscotrail.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Inverness by coach:
Coach services run from London and other UK cities to Inverness. Regular coaches run from Glasgow (three hours), Edinburgh (three hours) and Aberdeen (two hours) to Inverness. For up-to-date coach timetables and booking information visit: www.gobycoach.com or www.citylink.co.uk.
Inverness by air:
Inverness is becoming increasingly well-served by major and budget airlines from all over the UK and Ireland. For up-to-date timetables and booking information visit: www.ba.com, www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com, www.easternairways.com or www.hial.co.uk.
If your group requires transfer from another Scottish airport, please ask.
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Iverness, Scotland
Nearest train station: Iverness, Scotland
The tour begins at Inverness railway station, and in the exceptional cases where we meet elsewhere you will be contacted with details of the meeting point.
A transfer from Glasgow or Edinburgh airport is available at a cost of 175 pounds per transfer, which can be split between up to 8 passengers.
Inverness by rail:
Three hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and eight hours or overnight from London. For up-to-date timetables and booking information visit: www.firstscotrail.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Inverness by coach:
Coach services run from London and other UK cities to Inverness. Regular coaches run from Glasgow (three hours), Edinburgh (three hours) and Aberdeen (two hours) to Inverness. For up-to-date coach timetables and booking information visit: www.gobycoach.com or www.citylink.co.uk.
Inverness by air:
Inverness is becoming increasingly well-served by major and budget airlines from all over the UK and Ireland. For up-to-date timetables and booking information visit: www.ba.com, www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com, www.easternairways.com or www.hial.co.uk.
If your group requires transfer from another Scottish airport, please ask.
Scotland's rich history and culture are evidenced in its large cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. But it’s the rolling green hills and dramatic moors of the Scottish countryside that mark this as a top destination for international travelers. The "lochs" (lakes) are popular sites, particularly the famous Loch Ness and its alleged sea monster. The romance and drama of the barren moors covered in thick fog is an unforgettable sight. The coastal areas of Scotland feature craggy cliffs and many world-class golf courses. The tiny islands dotting the coast are home to quaint fishing villages and fantastic seafood.
More on bicycling in Scotland >
View all Scotland bike tours >
Scotland's rich history and culture are evidenced in its large cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. But it’s the rolling green hills and dramatic moors of the Scottish countryside that mark this as a top destination for international travelers. The "lochs" (lakes) are popular sites, particularly the famous Loch Ness and its alleged sea monster. The romance and drama of the barren moors covered in thick fog is an unforgettable sight. The coastal areas of Scotland feature craggy cliffs and many world-class golf courses. The tiny islands dotting the coast are home to quaint fishing villages and fantastic seafood.
More on bicycling in Scotland >
View all Scotland bike tours >
Mountain Bike Holidays Scotland, also known as Highlands & Islands Adventures, are Scotland's experts in guided mountain bike tours. Their tours take in the most beautiful, remote and unspoilt landscapes of Scotland and provide the opportunity to experience the real Scotland by meeting local people, enjoying locally-produced food and drink, and soaking up the culture of this small, but fiercly proud country. All on two wheels!
Mountain Bike Holidays Scotland, also known as Highlands & Islands Adventures, are Scotland's experts in guided mountain bike tours. Their tours take in the most beautiful, remote and unspoilt landscapes of Scotland and provide the opportunity to experience the real Scotland by meeting local people, enjoying locally-produced food and drink, and soaking up the culture of this small, but fiercly proud country. All on two wheels!
If you wish to cancel your holiday, this must be done in writing by the person whose name the holiday is invoiced to.
If you cancel your booking more than two calendar months before the first day of your holiday, you will receive a refund of monies paid, minus the 25% non-refundable deposit.
If you cancel your holiday less than two calendar months before the first day of your holiday you will receive no refund on monies paid.
We will not cancel your holiday unless (i) we are forced to do so by unforeseeable circumstances: adverse weather conditions, acts of God; or (ii) if the minimum number needed to operate our holidays has not been met. In the latter case we will advise you no later than 28 days prior to departure.
If the holiday has to be cancelled for any reason then you will be informed and offered another holiday.
Highlands and Islands Adventures reserves the right to change the itinerary advertised for any holiday, at any time and for any reason, such as adverse weather conditions, forestry operations and other seasonal activities, e.g. deer culling.
To take part in our holidays you must include adequate insurance for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers.
Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise the risks and hazards of such a holiday, including the dangers inherent in cycling either on the road or off the road, or the dangers inherent in the other activities included in individual holidays.
On an adventurous holiday it is necessary that you abide by the authority of the leader, who represents the company. Completing the booking process signifies your agreement to this, and if you commit any illegal act when on the holiday or if in the reasonable opinion of the leader your behaviour is causing or likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate your travel arrangements without any liability on our part. If you are affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect your or other people's enjoyment of the holiday, you must advise us of this at the time of booking.
Our responsibility does not commence until the appointed time at the designated meeting point. If you fail to arrive there at the appointed time for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by you to meet up with the group.
We shall not be held liable for any damages caused by the total, or partial failure to carry out the contract if such failure is due to the theft of bicycles or injury as a result of cycling either on or off road and in particular injuries as a result of either inadequately maintained and serviced personal equipment or failure to wear the correct safety equipment most notably cycle helmets.
When completing the booking process you agree to accept all these conditions and when we accept your booking we agree to carry out our obligations as defined to you in all materials sent to you from us. This agreement is made subject to, and must be interpreted and enforced by Scots Law.
Any likeness or image of you secured or taken on any of our holidays may be used by the company without charge in all media (whether now existing or in the future) for bona fide promotional materials of any kind, such as brochures, videos and the internet.
Please ensure that your bike is adequately maintained and insured. We will take all reasonable care when transporting bikes, however we are not responsible financially for any damage caused by a third party during our trip or in transit to the start point of the holiday.
If you wish to cancel your holiday, this must be done in writing by the person whose name the holiday is invoiced to.
If you cancel your booking more than two calendar months before the first day of your holiday, you will receive a refund of monies paid, minus the 25% non-refundable deposit.
If you cancel your holiday less than two calendar months before the first day of your holiday you will receive no refund on monies paid.
We will not cancel your holiday unless (i) we are forced to do so by unforeseeable circumstances: adverse weather conditions, acts of God; or (ii) if the minimum number needed to operate our holidays has not been met. In the latter case we will advise you no later than 28 days prior to departure.
If the holiday has to be cancelled for any reason then you will be informed and offered another holiday.
Highlands and Islands Adventures reserves the right to change the itinerary advertised for any holiday, at any time and for any reason, such as adverse weather conditions, forestry operations and other seasonal activities, e.g. deer culling.
To take part in our holidays you must include adequate insurance for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers.
Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise the risks and hazards of such a holiday, including the dangers inherent in cycling either on the road or off the road, or the dangers inherent in the other activities included in individual holidays.
On an adventurous holiday it is necessary that you abide by the authority of the leader, who represents the company. Completing the booking process signifies your agreement to this, and if you commit any illegal act when on the holiday or if in the reasonable opinion of the leader your behaviour is causing or likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate your travel arrangements without any liability on our part. If you are affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect your or other people's enjoyment of the holiday, you must advise us of this at the time of booking.
Our responsibility does not commence until the appointed time at the designated meeting point. If you fail to arrive there at the appointed time for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by you to meet up with the group.
We shall not be held liable for any damages caused by the total, or partial failure to carry out the contract if such failure is due to the theft of bicycles or injury as a result of cycling either on or off road and in particular injuries as a result of either inadequately maintained and serviced personal equipment or failure to wear the correct safety equipment most notably cycle helmets.
When completing the booking process you agree to accept all these conditions and when we accept your booking we agree to carry out our obligations as defined to you in all materials sent to you from us. This agreement is made subject to, and must be interpreted and enforced by Scots Law.
Any likeness or image of you secured or taken on any of our holidays may be used by the company without charge in all media (whether now existing or in the future) for bona fide promotional materials of any kind, such as brochures, videos and the internet.
Please ensure that your bike is adequately maintained and insured. We will take all reasonable care when transporting bikes, however we are not responsible financially for any damage caused by a third party during our trip or in transit to the start point of the holiday.
|
|
|
Gold Corporate Member
|
