Guided Scotland Lochs and Glens

The tour is 7 days long with 5 days of cycling.

The Scotland Lochs and Glens holiday takes place on a stunningly beautiful route that follows the Sustrans National Cycle Network, travelling through two National Parks from Balloch at Loch Lomond all the way to Inverness at the Moray Firth. With diverse surroundings you will find yourself cycling in The Trossachs National Park alongside picturesque lochs one moment and bustling tourist towns the next, followed by ancient pine forests and views over some of Scotland’s highest mountains.

The tour is graded 3-4.

Grade 3
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness. May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day.

Grade 4
For those who cycle frequently. Will include some long and / or steep climbs, often over varying terrain (some sections may see you cycling over uneven, unpaved or loose ground). Distances generally between 30 – 50 miles per day / 48 – 80 kms per day.

The route is part of the National Cycle Network and follows traffic-free paths and quiet roads. There are forest trails with some roots and stones, and forestry roads with small sections of rough track with chunky, looser gravel. We recommend either a hybrid bike, or a mountain bike fitted with semi-slick tyres, as parts of this route are not suitable for a road bike.

The tour operator provides everything except a bike (although you are able to hire these), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike, it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, you are advised to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service.

At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of our support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed.

You will also be able to leave extra gear or spare kit here during the day meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that carried on your normal day ride.

When cycling in the UK it’s best to come prepared for sun and rain, warm and cold all in the same day – spring, summer and autumn.

Although there can be wide variations, the monthly average temperature in the UK ranges from 9-12°C (48-54 Fahrenheit) in April, up to 17-20°C (63-68 Fahrenheit) in July, and then 11-14 °C (52-57 Fahrenheit) in October.

At the beginning and end of the season (in March and late October) the weather can be a little less predictable and there could be some cooler / rainier days. In the summer months, temperatures can rise up into the thirties. This can differ from year to year.

It’s highly recommended that you carry layers and a light waterproof with you along the way, (and sun cream in the summer months!) just in case the UK’s weather catches you unawares!

Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person other than your bike. This bag should be preferably a rucksack, duffle bag or soft-sided case so as to assist in transportation, and weighing no more than 15kgs/30lbs.

In addition you may wish to bring a small daypack for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing and snacks while cycling. This will also be useful as your ‘travel’ bag for such items as your phone, cameras, sun cream etc.

This particular trip includes both breakfast and lunch. The accommodation that we use usually offers a choice between a cooked breakfast, cereals and lighter options to fuel a day in the saddle.

We take our lunches out on the route, with our guides preparing great buffet-style picnics made up of plenty of locally sourced produce. Although we don’t include evening meals in the price, we do reserve a table for the group for dinner allowing for a post-ride get together.

Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can be catered for – please indicate at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.