Multi-sport Adventure Travel in Scotland

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Scotland

Mountain Biking Scotland, Coast to Coast

Mountain Biking

(10 Days)

For those of you who refuse to be tamed, This Coast to Coast mountain biking adventure through Scotland is absolutely epic. It features a week of challenging singletrack riding from Aberdeen in the east to Ardnamurchan in the west. The route covers 375km/208 miles, with 7000m/2100 ft of ascents and descents, and is the ultimate coast to coast mountain bike ride in the whole UK. The trails are as varied as the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands, ranging from flowing singletrack to challenging mountain passes to mellow forest fire-road. We begin in the city of Aberdeen, on the east coast. We leave the city behind and ride all the way across the Highlands through the backcountry to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula - the westernmost point of mainland Britain. This is the ultimate multi-day mountain bike ride in the UK and offers world class riding each day through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands.

Trip Highlights

375km/208 miles of epic singletrack mountain biking traversing the Scottish Highlands from coast to coas
Mountain bike up big mountain passes to ancient pine forest
Cycle to castles and whisky distilleries and experience the warm and friendly hospitality of the Scottish Highlanders

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Edinburgh

Upon arrival into the Edinburgh International Airport, you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Edinburgh.

Day 2: Transfer to Aberdeenshire (Mountain Biking)

Our local Scottish guide will meet us at our hotel this morning and we'll transfer to our hotel in rural Aberdeenshire. After checking in, we have a welcome briefing where we'll get fitted with our bikes. We'll have time for a short ride in the afternoon to get comfortable on our bikes before tackling Scotland Coast to Coast by bike. We'll have a welcome drink before dinner and an early night! (B,D)

Day 3: Aberdeen to Aberdeenshire (Mountain Biking)

After breakfast, we transfer by vehicle for one hour to Aberdeen. From here we begin our bike journey westwards across Scotland. We ride through Royal Deeside, following the route of the old railway line built for Queen Victoria. After lunch, we begin a steady climb before descending some of Scotland's finest singletrack to Glen Tanar. Our end point is back at our hotel in Aberdeenshire. Distance 70km. Ascent 1090m. Descent 900m. (B,L)

Day 4: Aberdeenshire to Braemar (Mountain Biking)

Today is a classic day of riding into the Cairngorms as we traverse the Royal Estate of Balmoral. Today we have our first challenging climb and descent of the trip, beneath the majestic mountain of Lochnagar. Our destination is the lovely village of Braemar perched above the upper stretches of the River Dee. A visit to a local whisky distillery is a reward for a good day’s ride. Distance 48km. Ascent 1195m. Descent 1025m. (B,L)

Day 5: Through the Cairngorms (Mountain Biking)

This is a wild and unforgettable day through the mighty Cairngorms massif. We head west from Braemar into remote country, first through ancient pine forest and then into the open hills. A perfect 10km of singletrack leads us into the beautiful Glen Feshie and then the Spey Valley where we spend the night in Newtonmore. Distance 58km. Ascent 920m. Descent 995m. (B,L)

Day 6: From the East to the West Highlands (Mountain Biking)

We continue our journey west, following an old military road before taking the backdoor into Laggan Wolftrax - one of Scotland's best MTB trail centres. This is an ideal coffee stop before we head into a remote glacial valley which passes through the heart of the mountains. Double track combines with single track to leads us into the West Highlands. Overnight in Spean Bridge. Distance 64km. Ascent 895m. Descent 1190m. (B,L)

Day 7: Spean Bridge to Strontian (Mountain Biking)

The lower reaches of the Great Glen Way lead to Fort William where we take a ferry ride across Loch Linnhe. From all routes lead to the beautiful River Polloch on Loch Shiel where an ancient 'coffin road’ takes us over the hills to Loch Sunart, with stunning views. An exciting descent leads into Strontian. Distance 75km. Ascent 1270m. Descent 1305m. (B,L)

Day 8: Strontian to Ardnamurchan Point (Mountain Biking)

A classic final day. We head west, soon joining a beautiful coastal trail and then head into the hills. This is one of the best singletrack sections of the route with amazing views of the islands on a clear day. After a short road section, we tackle more coastal singletrack to our final destination at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - the most westerly point on the UK mainland! We celebrate with champagne before returning to Strontian for dinner. Distance 62km, Ascent 1550m. Descent 1590m. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Return to Edinburgh

Following breakfast, we load the vehicle and bike trailer and enjoy a leisurely 4 hour journey back to Edinburgh, arriving at approx 2pm. We have the remainder of the evening in this beautiful Scottish City to venture out to a pub, explore the castles and take in the local culture before departure tomorrow. (B)

Day 10: Departure

Please make your way back to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. (B)


Hotel
9 Nights