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: 20 miles / 33 km, elevation gain: 994 feet / 303 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: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 1,525 feet / 465 meters
Accommodations: Rufflets Country House Hotel

Heading north, we’ll transfer one hour to start our ride from the village of Pitcairngreen. Meandering along the rural farmland, the most traffic we’ll see this morning is from tractors, fellow cyclists, or highland cattle. Learn the meaningful origins of the names for local sites and fauna from our local guides. Arrive in Dunkeld to admire the cathedral and have a bite to eat. Enter into the Highlands on our way to our hotel in Fortingall. Choose to relax in your room, have a pint in the hotel’s authentic bar, or visit the nearby Yew Tree and ancient chapel before heading to a memorable dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pitcairngreen, Dunkeld, Weem, Fortingall
Accomplished: 37 miles / 60 km, elevation gain: 1,752 feet / 534 meters
Accommodations: Fortingall Hotel

Today’s ride is a spectacular one that takes us through the rolling hills of Perthshire. Pedal to Blair Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Murray, and marvel at a fascinating collection of artwork, hunting trophies, furniture, and needlework amassed over generations. We’ll also hear about the Atholl Highlanders, a personal army serving the Duke of Atholl (head of Clan Murray) and the only private infantry permitted in all of Europe. After lunch, ride to Pitlochry via the wooded Pass of Killiecrankie, known in equal measure for its history and beauty. We’re treated to a well-informed whisky tasting led by a local friend, followed by a short transfer back to the hotel where we’ll regroup for dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Blair Atholl, Moulin, Pitlochry
Accomplished: 42 miles / 67 km, elevation gain: 2,683 feet / 818 meters
Accommodations: Fortingall Hotel

This morning starts out easy with a spin past the sleepy settlement of Dull and into Aberfeldy, a pretty town that’s right on the River Tay. After, our tack changes as we settle in for a climb up General Wade’s Military Road, a narrow and twisty pass running alongside Loch Ness. 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 at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Aberfeldy, Auchterarder
Accomplished: 41 miles / 65 km, elevation gain: 2,482 feet / 756 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