TRANSCOTLAND Self-guided Holidays

Perthshire Glens Cycle tour 2008

quiet roads and off-road options in the heart of Scotland Explore the rich and varied scenery of Highland Perthshire by bike on this relaxing and flexible cycle tour, which links the many small towns and villages in this historic and beautiful part of Scotland. The average daily distance is about 25 miles, but you can usually choose to take a longer route if you prefer to spend more time in the saddle. The route has been carefully planned to use very quiet back roads, but there are options for off-road mountain-biking on cross country forest trails and hill tracks on most of the days.

Route Start & Finish No. of
nights
Description Price p.p.
Perthshire Glens Cycle Tour Pitlochry 7 Flexible cycling tour based entirely on quiet back roads;
wonderful scenery and many historic attractions
£465
Itinerary:

Ben Vrackie above Pitlochry Day 1. Arrive in Pitlochry, depending on time of arrival, you may wish to explore the local attractions in this popular town in the foothills of the southern Highlands. There are many local walks, two malt whisky distilleries, and the Hydro-electric dam and 'fish ladder', where it is possible to see salmon as they make their way up river.

18th century Wade Bridge Day 2. Follow quiet back roads to Aberfeldy, where you can visit the local malt whisky distillery, or take a walk up the Birks (a woodland gorge & waterfalls), or visit 16th Century Menzies Castle at the end of your cycle. (15 miles). Also an option for longer route by the scenic Loch Tummel south-side road (25 miles), or for a more demanding off-road route over the mountains.

Falls of Dochart in KillinDay 3. No shortage of history today, with options to visit 16th Century Menzies Castle, or a Neolithic Stone Circle and 19th Century Taymouth Castle. Then possible to stop for refreshments in one of Scotland's oldest Inns in Kenmore at the east end of Loch Tay. In Kenmore you can also visit the recently re-constructed crannog (ancient dwelling built on an artificial island) before setting off down the very scenic road on the south-side of Loch Tay. Good views over to Ben Lawers, and the option of a stop for more refreshments at a good inn half way along the loch. Overnight in the village of Killin at the west end of Loch Tay. (25 miles).

old bridge in Glen Lyon Day 4. A number of options today - we suggest you take the road up Glen Lochay and over the hills to the head of Glen Lyon, from where you follow the river downstream for the final 25 miles to Fortingall. (Total distance 42 miles). Alternative is to take shorter route to Glen Lyon by the Ben Lawers road (which also involves a steady climb of 1000 feet, total distance 25 miles). Fortingall is a quiet village and is best known for its ancient yew tree, estimated to be at least 3000 years old.

Loch Rannoch Day 5. Choice of routes today - follow General Wade's military road up Glengoulandie to Loch Kinardochy, and then follow the scenic Schiehallion road down to the village of Kinloch Rannoch. (16 miles). Or, if you prefer a more challenging off-road route, you can go back up Glen Lyon for 10 miles, and then follow a rough track for 8 miles over the hills (1000 foot ascent/descent) to Loch Rannoch, where you join the road for the last few miles into Kinloch Rannoch.

Loch Rannoch and Schiehallion Day 6. Cycle around Loch Rannoch with options to explore forest trails in the ancient Blackwood of Rannoch, part of the Caledonian Forest which once covered the highlands; and/or cycle to remote Rannoch Station on the edge of Rannoch Moor. Choice of places to stop for tea and cakes. Second night in Kinloch Rannoch. (20 - 40 miles).

Blair Castle Day 7. Cycle down to Pitlochry for your last night on the tour. You can choose to follow the beautiful Foss road via the south-side of Loch Tummel, or go by Glen Errochty, Blair Atholl & Killiecrankie. The latter route gives you the chance to visit Blair Castle, and also see the Pass of Killiecrankie, scene of the famous battle in 1689. (20 or 28 miles).

map
Travel Information:

Start: Pitlochry is about 2 hours north of Edinburgh & Glasgow by bus or train. Alternatively, we can arrange transfers from either airports to Pitlochry (about £85 - £100).

Finish: Trains & buses back to Edinburgh/Glasgow (or north to Inverness) every day from Pitlochry, transfers back to airports also possible.



NOTES:
What's included - the price includes baggage transfer each day and the hire of good quality bikes and helmets. For the road based tour we recommend hybrid 'trail' bikes, but we can provide mountain-bikes if you prefer to take some or all of the off-road options. If you want to use your own bikes and helmets on the tour take £60 per person off the price. If you do not wish to stay in Pitlochry for a second night at the end of the tour, take £30 per person off the price. (It is easy to ride from Kinloch Rannoch to Pitlochry in the morning and then take a mid afternoon bus or train south to Edinburgh or Glasgow).
Accommodation is based in friendly B&B's and guest houses, in ensuite rooms where possible (usually on all the nights).
Route Guidance - we provide a written description of each day's routes, and OS maps covering the whole tour.
Extra nights - If you want to have extra nights in Aberfeldy, Pitlochry - or both - add £30 per person per night.
Off-road options - there are many epic rides, classic hill tracks and miles of singletrack in this part of Scotland, and if you are interested we can customise this tour to include more off-road mountain biking routes. Contact us for more information.

Transcotland contents | Scotland | What the price includes | Inquiries & bookings