A five centre self-guided bike tour from Fort William to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. 5 nights bed and breakfast in (en-suite wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, 4 days biking with hire of a front suspension bike that will be returned after the tour. Includes: luggage transfers, route guide book and maps.
This tour allows you to complete the Great Glen Cycle Route at much easier pace, by splitting the difficult middle section into 2 days. It still uses the full 80 mile route from coast to coast through some of Scotland’s most impressive highland scenery. Using mainly traffic-free bike trails the route starts in the picturesque town of Fort William with an easy first section along the Caledonian Canal. With a challenging middle section your efforts are rewarded by the stunning views over this area of outstanding natural beauty. Riding on forest tracks alongside Loch Lochy and the world famous Loch Ness, on the right day this is a never forgotten bike ride. The final section of the route follows minor roads through sparsely populated countryside adding to its beauty. The tour finishes in bustling city of Inverness, with many places of historical interest to visit. The final morning the hire bikes will be pick-up so that you are free to continue your journey.

This bike tour is operated by Explore Britain Cycling from County Durham in England.

START of TOUR: Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland.

ARRIVAL DAY: At Fort William you will be fitting out with your bike. Your 1st nights’ accommodation is in the busy fishing port of Fort William. There are many places to eat in the town centre from fish and chip shops to luxury restaurants (meals not included in the tour price). Overnight Fort William, Scotland.

DAY TWO: Bike from Fort William to Laggan. Distance approx. 23 miles (37km). After breakfast you would picked up your bike from the shop and begin the ride out of Fort William, a nice easy start gives you time to get used to your bikes. The Caledonian Canal path is a traffic-free cycleway that allows you the freedom to look around and admire the stunning views as you go. This area of outstanding natural beauty is a real joy with Mountains, Lochs, and Rivers, keep an eye out for the wildlife too. A gravel forest track follows the full length of Loch Lochy to your next overnight stop at Laggan. You can choose eat at the guesthouse or there are two restaurants close by (meals not included). Overnight Laggan, Scotland.

DAY THREE: Bike from Laggan to Invermoriston. Distance approx. 19 miles (30km). After a flat start along the canal the route becomes quite hilly around Invergarry, this gives you some excellent views of the castle and Loch Oich. About halfway on today’s ride is the very popular tourist town of Fort Augustus. Well worth spending some time here with many things to see and opportunities for refreshments or lunch. With an extra circular ride through Auchterawe forest there is an historic hill fort giving superb panoramic views. A fairly easy section takes you along a forest trail that overlooks Loch Ness to your destination for today Invermorrison, with a choice of hotels for an evening meal (not included). Overnight Invermoriston, Scotland.

DAY FOUR: Bike from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit. Distance approx. 12 miles (19km). This very short but challenging ride today has some serious climbing to do but your efforts are rewarded by the spectacular views you will encounter. A forest track zigzags up to 900 feet the highest point of the route before a tricky decent, as with the climbing you could always walk! The approach to "Drum" as it is known locally, the route becomes much easier now so you can admire the views over Loch Ness and look out for that monster. There are traditional pubs or hotels here to obtain an evening meal (not included). Overnight Drumnadrochit, Scotland.

DAY FIVE: Bike from Dunmadrochit to Inverness. Distance approx. 29 miles (48km). The last section of the tour follows minor country roads that are very remote in places with only occasional homesteads and farms. The route takes you through beautiful countryside with lovely scenery, but it is isolated so you will need to pack sufficient food and drink with you. In contrast Inverness is a vibrant city with lots to offer, the castle is just one the monuments to Inverness role in the violent and romantic history of the Highlands. The busy city centre has many shops with a wide variety of pubs, hotels and restaurants to celebrate completion of The Great Glen Cycle Route (meals not included). Overnight Inverness, Scotland.

FINAL DAY: Departure from Inverness. The tour finishes after breakfast, the bikes will be picked up so you are free to continue your journey.

GRADE B (cycling): Between 26 - 29 miles (42-48 kms) a day. The route is principally a hilly ride. We recommend that clients bring their own cycles, clothing and equipment. We can arrange for the hire of this, if required. The cost would be about £50. You will start cycling about 10am and finish at approx. 4pm. These grades are for guidance only and will depend on weather conditions and your fitness.