Trans Scotland

One of the most beautiful and picturesque islands in Scotland is the Isle of Mull and it’s one of Peter’s favorite places in the world to ride a bike!

You’ll start the morning with a 45-minute ferry ride across Loch Linnhe to Mull. The ferry sails into the port of Craignure, which is where our 140km Tour of Mull starts.

The entire route is magnificent. You’ll ride around the bottom of Mull’s highest mountain, Ben More, then head through breathtaking coastline to the north of the island. After a series of short, steep climbs, and a few switchbacks, you’ll drop down to Tobermory, the largest town on the island, famous for its row of multi-coloured houses that featured in the children’s TV series Balamory. We’ll end the ride in Tobermory, at one of the many coffee shops that line the picturesque harbour, then it’s a short transfer along the shores of the Sound of Mull to Craignure where the ferry will take you back to the mainland.

A fabulous ride today from the West Coast to Inveraray, the ancestral seat of the chiefs of the Clan Campbell.

Majestic scenery awaits around every bend on this ride, which features 60km along the shores of Loch Awe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs. No major climbs today but don’t be fooled, the road around Loch Awe is challenging, with a non-stop series of short, steep climbs and descents, especially on the north shore of the loch. Your day ends with a ride through the stunning Glen Orchy, one of the most picturesque glens in Scotland.

A fabulous ride today taking you into the heart of the Highlands.

From the hotel in Bridge of Orchy you’ll head south towards Loch Tay and the spectacular water falls in the village of Killin. From Killin you’ll take the single-lane road that leads up the climb towards Ben Lawers. Enjoy the wild landscapes that greet you when you get to Lochan na Lairige reservoir at the top of the climb. The descent takes you to Bridge of Balgie, over the River Lyon, which you’ll follow for the next 20km. The famous climb to the Schiehallion is next before dropping down to Tummel Bridge and the final run-in to Pitlochry.

Ballater is your destination today. Situated in the heart of Royal Deeside and only 15km from the Royal Family’s summer residence in Balmoral, Ballater is steeped in Highland history and tradition.

To get to Ballater you’ll have to cross over the Grampian Mountains and over one of Scotland’s most notorious roads in the winter season, the Spittal of Glenshee. From Pitlochry you’ll head south-east towards Alyth and the climb through Alyth Forest that takes you to Forter Castle and the start of the long climb to the ski station in the remote but incredibly beautiful Glenshee. From Glenshee enjoy the 15km descent to Braemar, which hosts the annual Braemar Gathering – the most prestigious of all the Highland Games – then follow the River Dee through magnificent pine forests to your hotel in Ballater.

The highlight of today’s ride is the Lecht Road from Cockbridge to Tomintoul, one of the most spectacular roads in the UK.

The ride starts with the gentle climb to Gairnsheil, over the famous 18th century Gairnshiel hump-backed bridge.  From Gairnsheil enjoy the short descent to Cockbridge and the start of the Lecht road, with initial pitches of over 15%. Don’t forget to stop at the Corgarff viewpoint for magnificent views of the Grampian mountains and Corgarff Castle off to your south, and to the north, the forbidding summit of the Lecht Road. The descent of the Lecht leads to Tomintoul where you’ll start the Speyside whisky route, passing famous distilleries like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Macallan.

We saved the highlight for the last day. The UK has really only one mountain pass that compares with the high passes in the Alps or Pyrenees. It’s called Bealach na Ba Pass, which means the “passing of the cattle” in Gaelic, and this pass is one of the the highlights of today’s ride.

After a short transfer to Achnasheen you’ll have a 40km warm-up ride to Tornapress and the start of the infamous 10km climb to Bealach na Ba Pass. From the summit, a spectacular descent leads to the Atlantic Coast and the village of Applecross, and a well-earned coffee stop at the Applecross Inn, always on the list of top pubs in the UK. From Applecross you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of roads in the UK, along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent views looking out across the Atlantic to the Hebrides islands of Raasay, Rona and Skye. A magnificent end to your epic journey across the Highlands of Scotland!

Sadly, your trip across the Highlands of Scotland has come to an end.

Our shuttle can drop you off at Inverness Airport or Edinburgh Airport.