Self-Guided+ Cycling - The Caledonia Way

Day 1 - Monday 2^nd June - Loch Fyne to Tarbert

Today we’ll meet you in Ardrossan, where your adventure begins. From here, we’ll transfer to the village of Arrochar at the head of Loch Long. Here, we’ll enjoy a spot of lunch and make sure everyone is comfortable on their bikes before setting off on the first ride of the trip. You’ll cycle along the scenic shores of Loch Fyne, with Finlay and Judith on hand to ensure your bike is perfectly fitted. The ride leads to Portavadie, where a short ferry crossing takes us to the Mull of Kintyre. Once ashore, we’ll settle into the charming coastal village of Tarbert, your home for the next two nights.

See ‘Notes’ drop down section under ‘Trip Details’ below for ride details.

Overnight: Tarbert | The Anchor Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 3^rd June - Campbeltown to Tarbert

Enjoy a relaxed Scottish breakfast before transferring for around 45 mins to the official start of the Caledonia Way in Campbeltown. From here you’ll be riding north for some 235mi/375km over the next 5 days starting with a spectacular coastal ride up the east coast of the Kintyre Peninsula. This road is surprisingly hilly as it sweeps up and down along the rugged coastline. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the mountains of Arran. A recommended short diversion off the main route is to the Seafood Cabin in Skipness where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The 13th century Skipness Castle and the Isle of Arran provides a fitting backdrop for a memorable lunch before continuing on to your accommodation this evening.

See ‘Notes’ drop down section under ‘Trip Details’ below for ride details.

Overnight: Tarbert | The Anchor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 4^th June - Tarbert to Kilmartin Glen

Leaving Kintyre, the Caledonia Way crosses into the Knapdale National Scenic Area. Squeezed between two deep sea lochs, the peninsula of Knapdale is rugged and wild. This is one of the few places in the country to see Scotland’s “Big 5” from the road. Golden eagles, deer, otters, seals and red squirrels are to be found here in this rich landscape. Heading north, you reach the remarkable Kilmartin Glen. The human history of this glen spans 5,000 years and is home to more than 350 ancient monuments, 150 of which are prehistoric, including standing stones, burial cairns and (a short distance away) the mighty fort of Dunadd. A short transfer takes us to our hotel on the shore of Loch Melfort.

See ‘Notes’ drop down section under ‘Trip Details’ below for ride details.

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 5^th June - Carnasserie Castle to Creagan

Today we set off from the 16th-century Carnasserie Castle with a gentle ride to the shores of Loch Awe, Scotland’s longest freshwater loch. We take a quiet road nearly the length of the loch before climbing away to reach the village of Taynuilt. From here, we head back across to the west coast again, crossing the seaward end of Loch Etive at the Falls of Lora, an impressive tidal rapid if you catch it at the right time! From here, it’s a cruise along the Caledonian Way Cycle path to today’s finish at Creagan.

See ‘Notes’ drop down section under ‘Trip Details’ below for ride details.

Overnight: By Oban | Falls of Lora Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 6^th June - Creagan to Spean Bridge

The route continues to hug the west coast as you journey north into increasingly magnificent scenery. A new section of traffic-free cycleway has recently been completed which has to be a contender for one of the best cycle paths in the UK. For some 18mi/30km between Loch Creran and Loch Leven, it is pure mountains and sea as you pedal through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. Where the cycleway ends, a short boat crossing takes you across the Corran narrows to a near traffic-free road right along the shore of Loch Linnhe. Across the other shore, the majestic bulk of Ben Nevis dominates the scene.

See ‘Notes’ drop down section under ‘Trip Details’ below for ride details.

Overnight: Fort William | Nevis Bank Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 7^th June - Spean Bridge to Inverness

Your final day of riding is a classic; combining off-road gravel with one of Scotland’s iconic road climbs and a fast finish along the shores of Loch Ness. The first part of your day follows the Great Glen, through the forests above Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. As far as Fort Augustus the terrain is largely flat and you should arrive in good shape for lunch by the Caledonian Canal. Fuelled for the final leg of your journey, it’s time to tackle the Glendoe climb which is the main feature of the Etape Loch Ness which 5,000+ riders tackle each April. Depending upon your legs, it’s a challenging climb of 25-45mins but you will be rewarded with stunning views of Loch Ness. From the summit, it’s a long downhill to the village of Foyers where one final (and essential) stop at the cycle friendly Cameron’s tea room will carry you to the finish in Inverness. Enjoy a celebratory night in the Highland capital having successfully completed the Caledonia Way. This evening, Finlay & Judith will say their farewells leaving you to enjoy your evening as a group.

See ‘Notes’ drop down section under ‘Trip Details’ below for ride details.

Overnight: Inverness | Glen Mhor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 8^th June - Depart Inverness

Enjoy your morning relaxing and exploring in Inverness before departing for your onward journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast