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. Cycle on quiet roads across moorland and visit Cawdor, where Macbeth plotted his unnatural deeds on your way to Nairn. Visit the beaches and head to the eco-village of Findhorn before returning to the Highlands capital of Inverness via Fort George and Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie saw his hopes dashed.
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)
Spend the day at Fort Augustus, visit the Caledonian Canal Centre and watch the boats maneuvering the locks or head out on a cruise of Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle.
You stay at The Lovat (breakfast included)
A transfer takes you along the Loch to Dores. Cycle quiet country roads between Lochs Ashie and Duntelchaig. Pedal past the impressive Nairn viaduct to visit 14th Century Cawdor Castle, the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Continue onto Nairn, known for its two championship golf courses and sandy beaches, where you stay for the next two nights.
You stay at Sunny Brae B&B (breakfast included)
Today's route is an out and back route allowing you to do as much, or little as you like. It mainly follows signposted NCN routes to the Findhorn which has a beautiful beach, harbour and small heritage centre. Findhorn is also home to the well-known spiritual and ecological community of The Findhorn Foundation. Along the way pass Brodie Castle to see how Scottish nobility lived from the 16th century onwards, the attractive town of Forres, home to the Benromach distillery. Close to Findhorn is the former air force base at Kinloss, once home to the RAF Nimrod anti-submarine squadron and mountain rescue operations. The small aviation museum 'Morayvia' is highly recommended with many ex-airmen on hand to tell the story of the interactive exhibits.
You stay at Sunny Brae B&B (breakfast included)
There is a lot to fit in today so an early start would be wise. Starting along the shore head first to the spectacular historic barracks and Highlanders Museum at Fort George. The route then passes the pretty waterside hamlet of Loch Flemington then follows the south side of the Nairn valley and under the impressive masonry arches of the Culloden Viaduct, the largest stone bridge in Scotland. Visit the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava which have long been a source of wonder. Across the river and up the hill lies Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The excellent visitor centre shows the timeline of events before, during and after the battle in great detail. Ride on into Inverness for your final night.
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.
NEARBY:
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.
Very quick reply to a weekend enquiry. Helpful and comprehens8ve service. Friendly.
Good overall. Very prompt service and comprehensively covered everything, except that I had requested a quote for travel insurance, and the contact details weren't provided until I chased for them.
Ease of booking
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 6 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts
Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Bike hire
Luggage transfers between hotels
Cycle transfers on Days 2 & 4
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 by Headwater rep.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £256 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.
