Lochs and Castles by bicycle

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.

Itinerary of the self-guided tour

Day 1: Arrive in Callander (40 miles North of Edinburgh)
Our bike handover (on Saturdays ) is usually at 6.30-7pm on Day 1, if delayed we shall advise the first hotel. On other days bike handover might be at
8.30am on day 2.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast or extension of trip

 

Days/nights	8 days/7 nights
Dates 2013	Available daily from May to September
Price	Euro 655 per person in double room hotel category A Euro 1070 single supplement hotel category A Euro 540 per person in double room hotel category B Euro 845 single supplement in hotel category B Euro 80 Bike rental
Included servicies	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
Not included services	Rental bicycle with panier bag, puncture kit, padlock and chain, bottle cage Costs before and after tour Extra nights minimum stay for extra nights in Edinburgh is 2 days Euro 85 pp in double room w/breakfast Single supplement Airport transfers Upgrade to 3/4 star accommodation
Discounts	Additional bed in double w/ 2 full paying adults: 0-11,99 y:-25%
Airports	Glasgow Prestwick, Edinburgh
Getting there	By train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling and the bus or taxi to Callander ( total time approx 1.5-2 hours ) Arrivals into Glasgow Prestwick airport by train to Stirling last train around 19.30 , train every hour, Then by local bus or taxi to Callander. Return Pitlochry to Edinbugh by train leaves around 11am – 13.20 arrival Train Pitlochry – Glasgow Prestwick leaves 11am arrives airport 15.45 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. Our bike handover (on Saturdays ) is usually at 6.30-7pm on Day 1, if delayed we shall advise the first hotel. On other days bike handover might be at 8.30am on day 2. Train network Bus service throughout Scotland Travelling onto the islands Search cheap flights
Bike equipment	Common Equipment with our 24-gear Sonoran bikes (men & female, bike weight 14.6 kg): Adjustable saddles Mudguards Rear Racks Standard Accessories: Panier bag Padlock and chain Bottle Cage Puncture kit Spare Inner Tube Tool Kit
Extra nights	Extra nights in Edimburg for a minimum of 2 nights at the price of Euro 85 per person in double room, breakfast included. Extra night in Pitlochry Euro 80 pp in dobule room, Euro 45 single supplement including breakfast.