Daily program
Day 1: Loch Lomond
Arrive at Loch Lomond on Thursday and check into your hotel located adjacent to the largest freshwater loch in the UK. This is the day to enjoy the spectacular scenery and islands of this stunning location. Take a stroll along the waters edge or a cruise along the loch. If you can add an extra day here at Loch Lomond you will be able to make the most of this unique spot by pedaling north along the lakeside and returning by boat.
Overnight in Loch Lomond
Day 2: Loch Lomond – Aberfoyle (20 miles/35 km)
Your host will meet you this morning, brief you on your itinerary and fit you to your bikes. Then you are off, leaving Loch Lomond behind to pedal through the Trossachs countryside - sheep clad hills and vales dotted with farms and pretty views. The town of Drymen provides some great refreshment choices as you prepare for the longish hill through forest. Beyond is a free-wheel into Gartmore with its old world charm and to the banks of the River Forth which leads into Aberfoyle or the Port of Menteith, your stop for the night.
Overnight in Aberfoyle
Day 3: Aberfoyle – Callander (20 miles/32 km)
Today begins with a transfer over the dramatic Duke's Pass to Loch Katrine. This magical loch is one of the Trossach's great gems - only viewable from a boat. Board the steamboat at the pier for the 1-hour cruise to the far end of the loch. Take in the view here at the cafe before pedaling around the loch. Riding on through Queen Elizabeth forest on a traffic-free track you pass alongside Lochs Achray and Venachar before arriving in Callander. Relax overnight in the heart of this bustling little town.
Overnight in Callander
Day 4: Callander – Killin (22 miles/35 km)
What a great day lies ahead! There's plenty of gorgeous, flat cycling as you head past the Falls of Leny and along the water's edge of Loch Lubnaig. You then pick up a disused railway line that takes you to our favorite foody spot which shouldn't be missed and on to the wonderful Glen Ogle viaduct. This gives you a bird's eye view of Loch Earn and the surrounding mountains well known by Rob Roy as well as a traffic-free route to die for. The Falls of Dochart signal you have arrived in the village of Killin where the mountains meet Loch Tay. Your overnight stop is in the heart of the village.
Overnight in Killin
Day 5: Killin – Kenmore (17 miles/27 km)
Today is all about Loch Tay as you pedal the full length of this huge expanse of water. The ride along a back road is peaceful and undulating with stunning views across the water of mountains and Ben Lawers. Perhaps you will pack a picnic as refreshment stops are minimal until you reach the attractive village of Kenmore at the far end of the loch. Your overnight stay is in the center of the village where you can hire boats and canoes or fish for your supper.
Overnight in Kenmore
Day 6: Kenmore – Pitlochry (23 miles/37 km)
The scene changes for your last day of cycling as you leave lochs behind and follow the highland valleys of the Rivers Tay and Tummel. These wider valleys shelter villages, gardens, castles and distilleries and plenty to stop and explore. Visit 16th Century Castle Menzies and its turrets and cellars, the water mill and whisky distillery in Aberfeldy and the magical woodland gardens with some very large trees at Cluny House. The landscape here is cozy and pretty and the ride flattish for most of the day. You sneak into the highland center of Pitlochry across the river, just downstream of the salmon ladder and refreshed by the wonders of the Trossachs.
Day 7: Pitlochry – Edinburgh
Leave your bike in Pitlochry this morning and hop onto the train to reach Edinburgh in a couple of hours. Here your accommodation lies close to the station and the center of Scotland's capital city. The day is yours to explore as you wish and we give you our top ten tips for enjoying this vibrant and wonderful city.
Day 8: Depart Edinburgh
Depart Edinburgh at your leisure, or book extra nights.