Enjoy a leisurely 5-day tour as you cycle the shimmering lochs and majestic glens of Scotland on this self-guided bike tour. Suitable for families and those looking for a moderately paced tour, the tour follows National Cycle Network routes, paths and quiet roads with some sections on cinder trails and well surfaced off-road trails. The tour starts from the quaint village of Balloch, gateway to glorious Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and finishes in Perth on the banks of the River Tay. Experience a charming route that winds its way through rolling hills and forested countryside, passing glistening lochs and secluded wooded glens.
The route is part of the National Cycle Network and follows traffic-free paths and quiet roads. There are forest trails with some roots and stones, and forestry roads with small sections of rough track with chunky, looser gravel. The tour operator recommends either a hybrid bike or a mountain bike fitted with semi-slick tyres, as parts of this route are not suitable for a road bike.
It’s easy to see why they call the Trossachs ‘The Highlands in Miniature’. Stunning scenery abounds as you make your way north alongside the magnificent Grampian mountains, before heading south to finish your journey in the ‘Fair City’ of Perth, so-called since the publication of the story of Fair Maid of Perth by Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott in 1828.
Your cycling adventure passes through historic sites of battles and ancient castles and there are also many opportunities to see Scottish wildlife including deer, eagles and osprey, so don’t forget your binoculars! For the adults, if you get a tad thirsty you could always visit a local whisky distillery for a wee dram!
Enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality in the bed and breakfasts and small hotels that provide your overnight stops. This self-guided trip includes transfers, luggage transfers and emergency back-up. There are also detailed route notes and maps to enable you to do the route under your own steam. Nothing could be simpler!
This trip is ideal for active families with older children who cycle regularly and who are looking for a cycling holiday that has an easy to follow route in spectacular surroundings. The trip is place to place, so your children should be able to cycle the distances stated in the itinerary - the recommended minimum age is 12. Of course, those not travelling in a family unit are still more than welcome on the tour - the tour runs with a minimum of 2 persons.
The terrain is mainly on traffic-free paths and quiet country roads. It is hilly in places with some cheeky climbs that may have you walking. There are also some small off-road and the occasional section that takes you alongside the main road so, if you are touring with children, they must be comfortable and safe cycling in this environment.
Please note that the tour price given is the ‘from’ price – rates may vary depending on the dates chosen.