5 Days & 4 Nights

4.6

Great Glen Cycle Way

Complete a Scottish coast to coast journey by bike
Visit 13th century Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness
Highland hospitality and cyclist friendly accommodation
Ride the single track of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich
Pedal the lush glen and hillsides of the Great Glen fault line

The Great Glen is an amazing geographical fault line that splits Scotland in two, forming dramatic lochs and glens and one of the most famous bodies of water in the world; Loch Ness. Biking along the banks of loch after loch, travelling from coast to coast is an amazing experience that immerses you in the iconic scenery of the Great Glen. From relaxing canal-side riding to flying down neat singletrack, the Great Glen Cycleway is a beautiful, challenging way to spend a couple of days. Your trip begins in the shadow of Ben Nevis, at Fort William. From there you ease into the journey by following the Caledonian Canal, passing the man-made phenomenon of Neptune’s Staircase. You will soon be cycling on singletrack and fire road alongside the first of a series of lochs, Loch Lochy then Loch Oich. Reach Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness which dominates the rest of your trip. With challenging climbs to reveal magnificent views and stunning, high speed downhills, the trip really does have a little bit of everything. Stay at hand-picked B&B’s, guesthouses and small country hotels, and enjoy the convenience of daily baggage transfer on this wonderful mountain biking holiday in Scotland.

From £725.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Fort William

Begin your trip in the Fort William, easily accessible by rail and road links from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Its position on the shores of the sea loch Loch Linnhe at the base of UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, means the town has become the self-styled outdoor capital of the Highlands.

A bustling town with a good selection of outdoor shops where you can pick-up last minute items for your trip. Get your Great Glen Way cycling holiday off to a good start by spending the evening enjoying a hearty meal accompanied by a local dram or two in a Highland pub before heading out with anticpation tomorrow morning.

Overnight Fort William

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Myrtle Bank Guest House | Guest House

Dora embodies everything we strive to offer at Macs. She has been welcoming our guests since we first launched a West Highland Way tour back in 2003, hosting thousands of Macs clients over the years. Yet, she greets every new guest with the same warmth and care as if it were her very first. No detail is overlooked here - rooms are impeccably maintained, and every aspect is designed with comfort in mind. Overlooking the stunning Loch Linnhe and just a short walk from the town centre with its array of shops, pubs, and restaurants, this is the ideal spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

Guisachan House | Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private guest house. They are situated in an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only 5 minutes walking distance from Fort William town centre. They have 17 bedrooms and a guest lounge and bar offering wine, beer, spirits and malt whiskey. Keep an eye out for photography dotted around the guest house taken by Phil, one of the owners.

Fassfern Guesthouse | Guest House

Located in a prime residential area overlooking Loch Linnhe, the guest house is only a 5-minute walk from the shops and restaurants in Fort William town centre. You are assured a warm welcome at this splendid property with ensuite bedrooms.

Day 2 Fort William to Invergarry 27 miles / 44 km

The first section of the trail is relatively easy-going and follows a traffic-free towpath along the Caledonian Canal. Get a close-up view of Neptune’s Staircase, the longest series of canal locks in the UK, perhaps pausing to watch boats navigate this engineering wonder. On reaching Gairlochy the trail leaves the canalside tow-path behind for single track riding. Continuing inland, ascend above the loch on good tracks/fire-roads through ancient forest to reach the village of Laggan. From here skirt the main road en route to Invergarry for the night.

Ascent/descent: 284 m / 231 m

Overnight Invergarry

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Glengarry Castle Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Glengarry Castle Hotel is a comfortable country house hotel located on the shores of Loch Oich, between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. All 26 bedrooms are individually furnished and have private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi is available in all bedrooms, Library and Lounge.

The Invergarry Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Dating from 1885 and based at the seat of the Ancient Clan MacDonnell, the Hotel is steeped in history and character. This Famous Coaching Inn is a beautiful Highland retreat nestled in the village of Invergarry by the banks of River Garry. All rooms are en-suite and have telephone, TV, Wi-Fi, coffee & tea facilities.

Rokeby Manor | 4 Star | Guest House

A romantic Victorian country house nestled in a woodland forest. Rokeby Manor is an early Victorian House (1840) situated on the edge of the Highland Village of Invergarry. This late Georgian-early Victorian Manor oozes rustic elegance and has retained its character of a country home that was built with local materials and handmade techniques.

Day 3 Invergarry to Drumnadrochit 29.5 miles / 47.5 km

Today presents a greater challenge with hillier terrain from the beginning. Ascend steeply out of Invergarry, your reward at the top is an excellent section of single track through the forest leading down to Aberchalder. Rejoin the easy-going canal towpath until Fort Augustus, giving your legs a wee break. There is a short stretch of cycling on the busy A82 road before diverting again onto hilly forest trails. Glimpse Loch Ness through the trees and make the most of a thrilling descent into Invermoriston village. From here an undulating forest path stretches out before you for the next 24 km. However, the view over Loch Ness from the top and the inevitable descent into Drumnadrochit are worth it! Your hard day's cycle finishes in Drumnadrochit, home to "Nessie" displays as well as a host of pubs and restaurants where you can refuel and refresh.

Ascent/descent: 824 m / 860 m

Overnight Drumnadrochit

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Kilmore Farmhouse | Bed and breakfast

Situated just a little outside the village centre of Drumnadrochit the shores of Loch Ness, this peaceful haven gives you all the relaxation you need after day out on the Great Glen. All rooms are well appointed and the house is surrounded by well-kept gardens, with a relaxing lounge and bright and airy breakfast room. All rooms include complimentary upgraded Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Glenkirk | Bed and breakfast

This B&B is a tastefully converted old church and a warm highland welcome is ensured by Fiona Urquhart. Each room is furnished to a high standard and are all light and airy. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house. Laundry facilities are not available but drying facilities are on offer for no extra charge.

Woodlands B&B | Bed and breakfast

Welcome to Woodlands, a stylish and well-appointed family-run Bed and Breakfast with self-catering accommodation set in extensive grounds within the Great Glen scenery.

Day 4 Drumnadrochit to Inverness 19 miles / 31 km

Today provides a different take on the Great Glen as you climb sharply out of Drumnadrochit and away from the lochs that you have so faithfully followed. Follow mostly minor country roads through beautiful scenery as you ride deeper into the hills and fields that surround the Great Glen. Pass charming Loch Laide and the Caiplich Prehistoric Settlement - worth checking out even if only for the view! Then return once more to the hills and enjoy a long descent into the Highland capital of Inverness.

Ascent/descent: 453 m / 479 m

Overnight Inverness

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Cavell Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Built in 1842, your accommodation is a well-appointed Victorian villa with stunning views over the River Ness and Cavell Gardens. All rooms have TV, hospitality tray, hairdryers and free wireless Internet. They also have available on request bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, iron and ironing board and DVD player.

Adrian's Guest House | Guest House

This guesthouse features accommodations with a front garden, free car parking, motorcycle and bicycles parking garage, super speed Wifi guaranteed, and a true locally sourced Highland breakfast, along with a la carte Chef menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options too.

All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms.

The Glen Mhor Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

The Glen Mhor Hotel is situated in a tranquil location on the south bank of the River Ness, a 3-minute walk from Inverness city centre. Accommodation is divided between 4 charming Victorian townhouses - many rooms have wonderful views across the river to the cathedral and Eden Court Theatre. Nico's Bistro and Bar offers an informal atmosphere and dining inspired by French cuisine. A range of drinks are served in the bar, including an extensive whiskey collection, and there are cosy log-burning fires. Laundry facilities are available (cost dependent upon load) but drying facilities are available at no extra cost.

There is also an on-site distillery & brewery with daily tours running.

Day 5 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 14kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 14kg is equivalent to 7 bottles of champagne. That’s a lot of bubbles!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Experiencing the Great Glen from the saddle of a bike is something that any mountain biker will enjoy. The long stretches of tow-path make for relaxed riding while the single track and fire road provide more of a challenge. With such stunning views and scenery, the challenge on the varied terrain is always a worthwhile one, and it's perfect for regular cyclists seeking an active holiday.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Mountain Biking | Mountain Biking

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Accessible by Rail

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded moderate to strenuous due to the tough climbs involved and steep descents. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. You'll ride on canal path, singletrack, forestry road and minor roads. The route is waymarked and there are some challenging sections where the route climbs high above the banks of Loch Ness. A mountain bike is required for this route.

Experience & Fitness

This tour is for regular fit cyclists seeking an active holiday and who don't mind spending much of the day in the saddle. The cycleway does have some steep climbs and descents so you should have experience of this type of off road riding. The length of the daily rides varies between 31-49 km and the difference in daily elevation gain/loss lies between 284m/231m and 681m/732m.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

4 Nights in 3*/4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
Baggage transfers
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Fort William / from Inverness
Bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Inverness and Glasgow Airports are the most convenient. From Inverness Airport catch a Citylink bus (2 hours) to Fort William. From Glasgow Airport take the shuttle bus into Glasgow city centre and then the train (4 hours) or bus (3 hours) to Fort William.

By Train: Between 3 and 4 trains run daily from Glasgow to Fort William and the journey takes around 4 hours. Widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys this is a great way to start your trip. Visit Scotrail's website for timetables and tickets.

Should you wish to take your bike on the train, it is no problem, but tickets must be booked in advance and they MUST be informed that you are taking a bike. The bike is free, but they need to ensure that they have space for it. You can do this online when you book your ticket.

By Bus: Scottish Citylink operates up to 8 departures per day from Glasgow to Fortwilliam (3 hours) and up to 8 buses per day from Inverness (2 hours) to Fort William. Visit Scottish Citylink's website for timetables and tickets. Bikes are not usually permitted on the buses - if you do need to take it on the bus then you should look to having it in a box. Please see the specific website for further details.

By Car: Fort William is 100 miles (approx. 3 hours) north of Glasgow on the A82. Parking (not secure) is available in Fort William. You can sometimes leave your car at the properties we use in Fort William, but please request this at the time of booking.

Journey Planning: If travelling by public transport the website www.travelinescotland.com has an excellent journey planner.

Getting from the End

Inverness has excellent transport links by road, rail and air to destinations throughout Scotland and the UK. Use the websites listed above for timetables and tickets.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimise the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

The following bikes are available for hire:

Hardtail Mountain Bike: Trek Marlin 6 or Merida Big Nine. Lightweight aluminium frame, hydraulic brakes and a wide gear range. Available in 15, 17, 18 and 21”

Full Suspension Mountain Bike: Trek Slash or Trek Remedy

Ebike Hardtail: Trek Powerfly. Wheel size 29”, Bosch Performance CX motor, up to 25km/h, up to 100Nm, 800Wh battery with a range of 4-10hours.

Ebike Full suspension: Trek Rail. Bosch Performance CX motor, up to 25km/h, up to 100Nm, 800Wh battery

Please note that we recommend you have experience with riding a full suspension bike for this tour. The downhill trails will be easier, but there will be less advantage on the flatter asphalt and forest road sections.

Gravel bikes and tandems are not suitable for this tour.

Brand and model may vary depending on availability. Minimum age for ebike hire is 16yrs.

Please provide the following information on booking:

Your height for bike size
Head circumference if you wish to hire a helmet
If you would like to bring your own pedals or have spd pedals or any changes must be requested ahead of time
Pannier rack and bag (must be requested ahead of time for a small additional fee)

Bike Hire Inclusions:

Repair kit
Helmet (we recommend you bring your own)
A lock
Battery charger (ebike only)

Many people choose to hire an e-bike, as the battery-powered assistance can be helpful when needed. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles. For more information on how ebikes work click here.
Gravel/Road bikes are only recommended for experienced cyclists who understand the riding position and have the physical fitness needed for this style of biking.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.