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United Kingdom : Scotland

Loch Ness and the Highlands Cycling

Trip code: C04LN

Self-guided cycling

4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Loch Ness - wild, beautiful and slightly mysterious
  • Incredible natural setting: majestic forests, peaceful rivers, fjord-like lochs, spectacular waterfalls
  • Rich bird and wildlife; diverse flora and fauna; even dolphin sightings!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Few places stir the imagination like Loch Ness; a jewel which sparkles even amid the other wonders in the vault of natural beauty that is the Highlands. Arguably the dwelling place of Scotland's wild and wistful soul, the atmosphere here will surround and envelope you like a blanket of the finest tartan. But it's not all about Ness and the elusive beastie that continues to defy seekers. Here a host of smaller lochs appear to hold the sky beneath their surfaces and ancient ruins languish at the water's edge. Battlefields long silent and castles made famous by Shakespeare sit side-by-side with woodland that is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including golden eagles, red kites, ospreys, pine martins and red deer. The misty peaks and vast, fern covered landscapes only add to the sense that this is a place where history and folklore remain largely inseparable.

Take in the tranquil Caledonian Canal as it winds along through the rugged landscape up to picturesque Fort Augustus at the south edge of Loch Ness. Follow old military roads laid down by General Wade past glassy lochs and cascading waterfalls, stopping for a break in restful tearooms and country inns. Then follow cycle routes between Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie saw his hopes dashed and Cawdor where Macbeth plotted his unnatural deeds. Those who wish to can also visit magnificent Fort George before finishing in the Highlands capital of Inverness, where the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal meet Moray and Beauly Firth, and dolphins can often be seen.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Inverness

Arrive in the waterside town of Inverness. Visit the castle with its 360 degree view over the Highland capital.

You stay at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.

hotel details

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Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe
Tea/coffee


Opposite Inverness Castle, Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa is located on the banks of the River Ness. Only a 5-minute walk from Inverness city centre, this hotel offers a swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi.

Each en-suite room has a flat-screen TV, radio and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms also feature a private bathroom with a power shower and hairdryer. The accommodation is located in either Victorian properties or garden cottage. Some rooms overlook the castle and river.

Guests have free use of the Palace Leisure Club & Spa’s indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Beauty treatments are available in Sleeping Beauty Spa, and there is a modern on-site gym.

The Brasserie offers informal lunch and evening meals, whilst restaurant Eight on the River offers evening dining and a hot and cold breakfast buffet. You can enjoy Afternoon Tea along with Matthew Algie Freshly Ground Coffee in the refurbished River View Lounge.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Gairlochy to Fort Augustus 36km/22.5mi

A transfer takes you to Gairlochy from where your route follows the Great Glen Way as it criss-crosses the Caledonian Canal and snakes effortlessly to Fort Augustus. En route you'll pass beautiful forest, peaceful rivers and brooding Loch Lochy whose sparkling waters and steep-forested hillsides give a fjord-like feel to the landscape. Your final stretch follows the foaming River Oich. You stay tonight in Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness.

You stay at The Lovat.

hotel details

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The Lovat, Fort Augustus

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Lovat is an award-winning eco-conscious hotel, situated on the southern tip of Loch Ness. The beautiful Victorian building with authentic decor is located in the loch-side village of Fort Augustus and has a restaurant which, in 2007, was named a Top 10 Restaurant in Scotland by the Press and Journal. It was recently awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Fort Augustus to Dores 45km/28mi

After a short transfer to Loch Tarff, you climb steadily to Suidhe Chuimein Viewpoint (1200ft) and continue, along General Wade's old military road, to Whitebridge. From here, follow the route to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers; an incredible 140ft waterfall. It's then on past the Boleskine woods and riverside Inverfarigaig to Dores, one of the most photographed villages of the region.

You stay at Pottery House.

hotel details

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Pottery House, Dores

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
WiFi


With beautiful views overlooking Loch Ness and a very warm welcome from your hosts John and Glen, the Pottery House B&B is conveniently situated within a 5 minute walk to Dores. There are 3 large, very comfortable rooms, 2 of which with lake views, all with modern amenities such as power showers, a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The attention to detail is second to none, including a hand produced local information book and Highland toiletries. Excellent, award winning breakfasts are cooked to order using local produce.

Day 4: Dores to Inverness 61km/38.5mi or 41km/26mi

After a transfer to Nairn the longer route heads down to the Moray Firth, where the impregnable Fort George stands. Both routes continue to 14th Century Cawdor Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth, pedal past the impressive Nairn viaduct and Cairns to arrive at Culloden, site of the last full-scale battle to take place on British soil (1746). Ride on into Inverness and your riverside hotel.

Day 5: Leave Inverness

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

Prompt and helpful reply to my requests
Wanted to adapt the trip and this was no problem.
Megan is super helpful. Have been arranging trips via her for several yearsExcellent serive now.

1 Nov 2024

Kate was incredibly helpful. She was thorough in her work and went out of her way to look at different options to best suit our travel plans. I cannot praise her enough. She was professional yet personable and is a fantastic role model for Headwater.

8 Jul 2024

Exemplary

John Mcgirr, 10 Jan 2024

Absolutely responsive and accommodating.

14 Nov 2023


Self-guided cycling

4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

Please call for prices.

Call: 01606 720199

 

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