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.
Arrive in the waterside town of Inverness. Visit the castle with its 360 degree view over the Highland capital.
You stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel (breakfast included)
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 (breakfast included)
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 (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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.Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Inverness train station or from Inverness Airport.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Initial enquiry not addressed but after second attempt all the hotel bookings and flights gathered pace. I did wonder because of the delay whether that caused some of the hotels to be booked up meaning we didn't get our first choices. Communication has been frequent and we've been kept informed and advised about changes in hotels and prices. Andrew has been very good a surfing the Web to get us alternative suitable deals.
very prompt and informative
Understood what I wanted to book, remembered me from previous bookings, came back to me within hours so that I could proceed and pay my deposit. Informed what information they are waiting for.
Reservation process efficient with very helpful adviser.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 4 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
All breakfasts
Bike fitting at the start of your holiday
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Bike hire
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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 us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £100 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
