Highland Fling

Arrive in Stirling and meet at the hotel for a welcome briefing, followed by a group dinner. If you can, arrive early (or stay on at the end) to explore this historic city.

Don’t miss:

• Stirling Castle – perched on a volcanic crag; one of Scotland’s most important castles and childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
• The Wallace Monument – hilltop tower honouring Scottish hero Sir William Wallace.
• Stirling Old Town Jail – award-winning, immersive visitor experience.
• Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre – site of Robert the Bruce’s famous victory over Edward II in the First War of Scottish Independence.

60 miles (96km) with 2500ft (762m) ascent

Route before and after the ferry

We roll straight out of Stirling on a gentle, mostly flat start—perfect for loosening the legs—with great views back to the castle and Wallace Monument. Skirting the north shore of the Lake of Menteith (Scotland’s only “lake”), we reach Aberfoyle, then ride deep into the Trossachs, following Loch Ard and Loch Chon to the foot ferry at Inversnaid.

A boat hop takes us across Loch Lomond before we climb the spectacular Rest and Be Thankful—via the traffic-free Old Military Road—to the summit stone. From here, it’s a sweeping run around Loch Fyne to the coastal town of Inveraray. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Ruins of Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith—once a retreat of Robert the Bruce
• Quiet, scenic riding through the Trossachs, the “Highlands in miniature”
• Views of Ben Lomond’s iconic cone; watch for reintroduced ospreys
• Ferry crossing on Loch Lomond
• Traffic-free ascent of the Rest and Be Thankful to the 18th-century summit stone
• Inveraray: castle, cafés, sea air—and standout seafood (Loch Fyne kippers, oysters, mussels, salmon)

61 miles (98km) with 3675ft (1120m) ascent

Another superb day in Argyll—rugged, coastal and refreshingly uncrowded. From Inveraray we head south along Loch Fyne (Scotland’s longest sea loch), then climb through forest to Lochgilphead. A change of pace follows as we ride a scenic stretch of the Crinan Canal towpath.

Turning north, the road rolls through Kilmartin Glen—one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes, with sites scattered right by the roadside. We rejoin the coast for a beautiful run past inlets, sea lochs and sailing hubs like Kilmelford and Ardfern, finishing in the lively harbour town of Oban. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Excellent wildlife spotting: seals, seabirds and possible sea eagles (8ft wingspans); slim chance of beavers near Lochgilphead
• Kilmartin Glen’s remarkable prehistoric sites—worth a few stops
• Quiet, winding single-track roads between sea lochs
• The Crinan Canal—9 miles, 15 locks, and a historic shortcut to the Sound of Jura
• Oban’s buzz… and likely a soundtrack of bagpipe buskers

66 miles (106 km) with 4250ft (1295m) ascent

We start with a scenic one-hour ferry to Mull—Oban fading behind, Kerrera to the south, and Mull’s hills rising ahead. Then it’s a spectacular ride across the island to the west coast, before looping north to colourful Tobermory, packed with great pubs and places to eat. (B, L)

The main climb comes early through Glen More, with Ben More (Mull’s only Munro) looming above. From there, the route winds across the wild western peninsulas, including remote Ardmeanach—home to dramatic basalt cliffs, ancient volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife. A stop at Calgary Bay’s white sands is hard to resist before the final run into Tobermory.

Highlights en route:

• A longer ferry crossing to Mull with superb coastal views
• Riding on one of Scotland’s most loved islands
• Basalt landscapes with views towards Staffa
• Wildlife spotting: golden eagles, porpoise, dolphins, otters, feral goats and red deer
• The white sands of Calgary Bay
• Tobermory: colourful harbour, lively arts scene—famous from Balamory

86 miles (138km) with 5825ft (1775m) ascent

Another two-part day—with a short ferry in the mix. We leave Tobermory southbound along Mull’s gentler east coast beside the Sound of Mull (watch for CalMac ferries), easing into what becomes a tougher day.

After crossing from Fishnish to Lochaline, the terrain ramps up as we tackle the rugged Ardnamurchan peninsula on quiet single-track roads. Beyond Arisaig, it softens—rewarding us with sweeping white beaches and turquoise seas, backed by views to Rum, Eigg and Muck. We finish in Mallaig, a busy fishing port and prime seafood stop. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Ardnamurchan: wild, remote, and home to mainland Britain’s most westerly point (optional detour for the keen!)
• Chance to spot the Jacobite steam train (“Hogwarts Express”) on the Fort William–Mallaig line
• The silver sands of Arisaig and Morar—arguably the UK’s finest beaches; perfect for a swim or paddle
• Big sea views to the Small Isles
• Seal and porpoise sightings around Mallaig harbour

62 miles (99km) with 4950ft (1508m) ascent

Route before and after the ferry

An early ferry takes us across the Sound of Sleat to Skye—our second (and final) island. We land at Armadale on the Sleat Peninsula, the “Garden of Skye,” known for its lush, Gaelic-rich landscape—a softer contrast to the island’s dramatic north.

As we ride north, the Red Cuillin rise into view near Broadford. From Kylerhea, we hop on the tiny Glenelg ferry back to the mainland, then climb over to Glen Shiel. A short, busier stretch follows (fully supported by the van), before quieter roads return at Auchtertyre. From here, we climb again before descending to Loch Carron and rolling round to Lochcarron village. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• A taste of the iconic Isle of Skye
• The Glenelg ferry—last manually operated turntable car ferry in the world
• Excellent coffee stop at the Ferry Shore café in Glenelg
• Views of the Five Sisters of Kintail, among Scotland’s most famous peaks (near the Battle of Glen Shiel site)
• Optional visit to Eilean Donan Castle—one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks

70 miles (112km) with 6200ft ascent (1890m)

Today we join the NC500—for its very best stretch. We tackle the legendary Bealach na Bà, sweep around the coast to Shieldaig, ride through the dramatic Torridon valley, then turn east to Achnasheen.

No “best of the Highlands” ride would skip the Pass of the Cattle: a narrow, twisting climb gaining over 2,000 ft in just 5 miles—one of the UK’s toughest and most spectacular roads across the Applecross peninsula. The coastal road beyond is just as memorable, rolling over headlands to Shieldaig before the scenery opens into Torridon’s vast, ancient landscapes. From Kinlochewe we leave the NC500 and head east. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Applecross and Shieldaig—remote, picture-perfect coastal villages
• Bealach na Bà: iconic climb with huge views to Skye
• Torridon mountains—towering, layered peaks formed from some of Britain’s oldest rocks
• Loch Maree and Slioch—one of Scotland’s most photographed vistas
• Riding the standout “queen stage” of the NC500

76 miles (122km) with 3175ft (968m) ascent

It might look like a transition day—but it’s anything but. Today showcases the shift from the wild west to the softer, greener east, with plenty to take in along the way.

The first half follows a busier A-road (against the main flow of traffic), yet still feels remote as we head toward Garve. After Contin, we switch to quieter lanes, weaving through small communities and along the Beauly Firth to cross the Kessock Suspension Bridge into Inverness. We skirt the city and press on—because there’s more to come.

Beyond Inverness, the landscape changes again as we enter the northern edge of Speyside: more farmland, more rolling hills...and increasingly a different Highland character as the mountains loom ahead, finishing in Grantown-on-Spey, right in whisky country. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Optional detour to Rogie Falls
• Cycle path across the Beauly Firth via the Kessock Bridge (watch for marine life below)
• Crossing the Great Glen divide
• Passing the site of the Battle of Culloden
• The shift into Speyside, following the River Spey
• Opportunity to sample Speyside whisky in its heartland

79 miles (126km) with 5675ft (1730m) ascent

A complete change of scenery: today’s ride through the Cairngorms National Park swaps the west’s jagged drama for big, rounded mountains, wide ग्लacial valleys and forested slopes.

We roll out through Speyside whisky country (sadly no time to stop), pass Tomintoul—one of Scotland’s highest villages—then climb to the Lecht summit and ski centre. The second ascent over Gairnshiel follows quickly, before a descent to Crathie near Balmoral. From lively Braemar, we take the Old Military Road towards Glenshee and the Cairnwell Pass—then enjoy a long, sweeping descent almost all the way to Blairgowrie. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Three major climbs and passes in one day
• Riding past famous Speyside distilleries
• Near Balmoral Castle (views limited by trees)
• Fast, flowing descent from the Cairnwell Pass
• Classic Cairngorms/Grampians scenery—rivers, forests and big skies
• Excellent chances of spotting red deer

51 miles (82km) with 2250ft (686m) ascent

The final day—but still plenty of Highland flavour to savour. From Blairgowrie, the landscape softens into fertile farmland; this is actually the heart of UK soft fruit production, a gentle contrast to the mountains behind us.

We pass close to Scone Palace before reaching Perth, set on the River Tay at the very centre of Scotland. From here, rather than taking the easy route back, we climb over the Ochil Hills—a final, fitting sting in the tail—before rolling back into Stirling for a well-earned celebratory final night. (B, L)

Highlights en route:

• Rolling pastoral scenery around Blairgowrie
• Scone Palace, historic crowning place of Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce and Macbeth, linked to the Stone of Scone
• Optional chance to see the Stone of Scone at Perth Museum, still used in royal coronations (including Charles III, 2023)
• Final crossing of the volcanic Ochil Hills—a compact but beautiful range
• Return to Stirling for a celebratory finish

After the ride, the guides will pack the bikes into the van for transport the following day.

You are free to check out of the hotel (and perhaps head out sightseeing in Stirling - see above) at your leisure.