Scotland Bike Tour

Welcome to Scotland! Your guides will pick you up at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh before transferring you across the Firth of Forth to the charming coastal village of Elie. Enjoy a welcome toast, map overview, and bike fitting in the charming harbor before we begin our ride along the quiet coastal roads. Remember to stay on the left side of the road as we venture past the fishing communities of the East Neuk of Fife. Stop for a delicious lunch featuring the local catch, then continue on into the medieval town of Saint Andrews. Our boutique hotel, an idyllic, turreted mansion house set in 10 acres of award-winning gardens, awaits our arrival. Dine in the hotel’s fine restaurant tonight and make sure to enjoy their famous sticky toffee dessert.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Elie, Saint Monens, Elie, Saint Andrews
Accomplished: 25 miles / 41 km, elevation gain: 1128 feet / 344 meters
Longer Option: 52 miles / 86 km, elevation gain: 2,076 feet / 633 meters
Accommodations: Rufflets Country House Hotel

Our adventure begins with a gentle climb from the hotel into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Cycle through rolling farmlands, past old stone bridges, and along tree lined lanes to the picturesque village of Ceres—stopping to take pictures of the beautiful scenery. Take in the amazing views of the coast along the ridge-top route back to Saint Andrews. After lunch, we will enjoy a guided tour of Saint Andrews Cathedral, the University, and The Old Course. Stroll along the chic boutiques that line Market and North Streets or head back to our hotel to relax before dinner. Tonight you’re free for dinner on your own in Saint Andrews.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Ceres, North Sea, Saint Andrews
Accomplished: 24 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 1545 feet / 471 meters
Longer Option: 38 miles / 66 km, elevation gain: 2,306 feet / 703 meters
Accommodations: Rufflets Country House Hotel

Heading north, we’ll transfer just over an hour to begin our ride from the grounds of Scone Palace, the Gothic Revival mansion where Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce, were crowned. As we meander through rural farmland this morning, the most traffic we’ll encounter will be from tractors, fellow cyclists, or Highland cattle. Along the way, you’ll be enlightened with tidbits about folk legends that inform the names of local sites and plant life. On our arrival in Dunkeld, admire the cathedral, enjoy a bite to eat, then explore the charming shops selling homewares and local Scottish crafts. A short ride brings us to our next hotel, a charming boutique property that’s big on tradition. Settle in with a drink at the bar and listen to a Scottish piper before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Scone, Dunkeld, Grandtully
Accomplished: 35 miles / 57 km, elevation gain: 2293 feet / 699 meters
Accommodations: Grandtully Hotel

Today’s ride may well be the Queen stage of your Scotland tour as we make our way through the rolling hills of Perthshire. Early on, we’ll make a short detour to the Fortingall Yew Tree: one of Europe’s most long-lived conifers at an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 years old. It stands adjacent to Fortingall Chapel, which dates back to the 12th century and offers a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval religious history. We’ll stop for lunch at a local café with stunning views of Loch Lomond. Afterwards, cycle through the impressive gardens of Blair Castle before heading to the town of Pitlochry via the famous Pass of Killiecrankie, known in equal measure for its history and beauty. Upon arrival in Pitlochry we’re treated to a well-informed whisky tasting led by a local expert, followed by a short transfer back to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Fortinghall, House of Bruar, Pitlochry
Accomplished: 37 miles / 60 km, elevation gain: 2755 feet / 840 meters
Longer Option: 53 miles / 86 km, elevation gain: 3,791 feet / 1,156 meters
Accommodations: Grandtully Hotel

This morning starts out easy with a spin towards the charming village of Aberfeldy, a pretty town that’s right on the River Tay. If time allows, take a ride past the Birks Cinema, a faithfully restored 1930s Art Deco landmark. From here we settle in for a climb up General Wade’s Military Road, a narrow and twisty pass. On the other side is Strathbraan, a storied route that’s been traversed by notable generals, poets, artists, and pirates—all of whom have played a role in Scotland’s folk history. After one more push we reach the valley of Sma’Glen and begin descending gradually through the rolling and manicured farmlands of Strathearn. For our triumphant finish we arrive right to Gleneagles, the iconic five-star estate and our home for our final night in Scotland. After settling into your stately room, we’ll reconvene and toast to a wonderful week of cycling, followed by a celebratory dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Aberfeldy, Crieff
Accomplished: 41 miles / 67 km, elevation gain: 2769 feet / 844 meters
Accommodations: Gleneagles

After a full Scottish breakfast, take one last stroll around the Gleneagles grounds—perhaps a game of croquet or a morning massage are in order. Then it’s off to Edinburgh Airport, only an hour transfer away, and we’ll bid you a final farewell.

Meals: Breakfast

Not ready to depart Gleaneagles? Indulge in an extra night’s stay at this stunning Perthshire property, allowing more time to enjoy the spa, appreciate the grounds, or wind down from a week of cycling with some tennis, fly fishing, or hiking. Dine on your own—perhaps at one of Gleneagles’ many restaurants—and wake to an included breakfast the next morning. Your transfer back to the airport is also included. The amount listed is the starting price and subject to availability.

Inclusions: Hotel, Breakfast
Accommodations: Gleneagles
Price per person in double occupancy: $950
Price in single occupancy: $1800

The amount listed is the starting price and subject to availability. If interested, please inform your Travel Specialist during the booking process, or inform your Tour Coordinator at least 60 days prior to tour.