Lochs and Castles by bicycle

Self- guided: 8 days/7 nights

The region of Perthshire is probably one of the most beautiful in Scotland. The Highland fault which was formed during the ice ages runs diagonally west-east through the region. To the north are mountains and many lakes (lochs) and to the south flat farm lands.

The Tour

Saturday day 1: Arrive in Callander (40 miles North of Edinburgh)

Sunday day 2: Tour of the Trossachs – 34 km or 55 km/21 to 34 miles by bike
Cycling alongside Loch Venachar with the hills on either side sparkling in the loch. We are making our way to Loch Katrine, a beautiful remote loch where you can take a ride on a steamer boat which was built in 1872. A tarmac private cycle way also runs alongside the loch giving spectacular views across the loch and the mountains.

Monday day 3: To Doune Castle 38 km or 56 km/24 or 35 miles
Cycling southwards to the ancient village of Doune with its famous Castle. Stop and explore before continuing onto Dunblane with its great Cathedral. The circular trip takes you back to Callander along the Highland fault line.

Tuesday day 4: Callander to Killin 40 km – 56 km/25 or 35 miles
Today we follow the National Cycle Network north alongside Loch Lubnaig towards Balquihidder where you will find a small church where Rob Roy McGregor is buried. From here we continue over the gentle climb of Glen Ogle before descending to Killin. The waterfall here is really spectacular and many people sit on the rocks and watch the cascading waters pass by.

Wednesday day 5: Killin to Aberfeldy 42 km/26 miles
Alongside Loch Tay which is around 27km long to Kenmore and a visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre which shows life on the Loch during the Bronze Age. Onto Fortingall a conservation village dating back many hundreds of years. Europe’s oldest living thing can be found here in the form of a Yew Tree!! After your visit carry along the Valley to Aberfeldy passing the famous Castle Menzies.

Thursday day 6: Aberfeldy to Pitlochry - 22 km -50 km/14 or 25 miles
Today you have a short and longer option. Before setting off visit the whisky distillery. Both routes start along the River Tay valley when the short route turns north to Pitlochry. The longer route firsts heads south to the historic village of Dunkeld dating back to the 1700’s. After your visit you head north to Pitlochry.

Friday day 7: Pitlochry - 14 km, 38 km or 60 km/9, 24 or 37 miles
Here there is much to see and do, two whisky distilleries to visit one the world’s smallest. The Fish and Dam Ladder allowing salmon to jump the dam wall. Many shops to visit along with many pubs and bars. For those who wish to cycle it’s worth the short trip to Blair Castle one of Scotland’s grand castles and home of the Duke of Athol family. Follow this turbulent history as you walk from room to room.

Saturday day 8: Departure after breakfast or extension of trip

Dates & Prices

Dates 2009	Available May to September starting on a Saturday only ( groups of 4 or more on any day ).

Hotels	Cat A	Cat B
Per Person in doble room Euro	714	630
Per Person in single room Euro	870	750
Bike Rental Euro	80

Extra nights: Please ask for more information.

Included

* Costs including 7 nights bed and breakfast with luggage transfers. * CAT A 4 star hotels or guest houses and selected 3 star hotels and guest houses. * CAT B 3 star hotels and guest houses * Price includes welcome meeting, route instructions , map and tourist information.

Getting there:

By train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling and the bus or taxi to Callander (total time approx 1.5 to 2 hours). Arrivals into Glasgow Prestwick airport by train to Stirling last train around 7.30 pm, train every hour. Then by local bus or taxi to Callander. Free transfers (for Saturday arrivals only) from Edinburgh airport at 3pm. Returning Pitlochry to Rosyth Docks – train to Inverkeithing , then short bus or taxi to docks (train at around 11am arrives 1 pm approx. Return Pitlochry to Edinbugh by train leaves around 11am – 1.20 pm arrival A bus leaves central Edinburgh for Rosyth docks at 2.15pm . Train Pitlochry – Glasgow Prestwick leaves 11am arrives airport 3.45pm. Train Edinburgh – Glasgow Prestwick airport. Trains each hour, journey 2 hours. Train network - www.scotrail.co.uk Bus service throughout Scotland - www.citylink.co.uk Travelling onto the islands - www.calmac.co.uk