Cycling the Scottish Highlands Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Perth

Arrival in Perth – advise by train from the airport (Edinburgh is closest city). Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Perth
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Cycle to Dunkeld

Cycle two miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace, a treasure house of furniture, ivories, fine porcelain, needlework and the unique Vernis Martin. From there you cycle north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small Square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly restored Cathedral, construction of which began in 1318.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Dunkeld
Distance: 42km, 421m of ascent. Shorter alternative is available
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Cycle to Aberfeldy

You are never far from the swift flowing River Tay. Leave Dunkeld passing the Cathedral and follow the path along its north bank: join the quiet road northward to cross the river by an old railway bridge at Logierait. From there to Strathtay, a popular spot with canoeists and river rafters. Continue by the river to the small village of Weem. Only a short distance now to cross General Wade’s Bridge into Aberfeldy. Visit the Distillery, the Water Mill or explore the beautiful walks in the “Birks of Aberfeldy”.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Averfeldy
Distance: 31km, 323m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle to Killin

Leave Aberfeldy by General Wade’s Bridge and stop to visit Castle Menzies, the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies, currently being restored. Past Drummond Forest to the conservation village of Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. Visit the Crannog Exhibition, which illustrates life on the Loch in the Bronze Age. By taking the south shore road you can enjoy to the full the unrivalled beauty of the Lochs and Bens on the way to Killin.

Accommodation: Two nights staying in a late Victorian country house offering excellent, 4 Star Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Overlooking the River Lochay, it has a private riverside garden with its own moorings and access to Loch Tay. There are spectacular views of the mountains from the house, including Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in Perthshire.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Killin
Distance: 39km, 406m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Rest Day or Cycle Around Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon

Today can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can visit the Falls of Dochart, walk in the quiet countryside, hire a canoe or cycle to Ben Lawers visitor center (9.5km) and walk up Ben Lawers, Perthshire’s highest mountain. Another option is to cycle to scenic Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Killin
Distance: (Optional) 53km, 879m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Cycle Along Loch Earn and onto Crieff

Enjoy a traffic free cycle through Glen Ogle to reach the small lochside village of Lochearnhead. From there continue along the south shore of Loch Earn enjoying the beauty of the loch and Ben Vorlich to reach St Fillans at the eastern end of the Loch. Follow the valley of the river Earn through Comrie to arrive at Crieff. Perhaps visit the Glenturret Distillery and the ‘Famous Grouse Experience’ or the ‘Crieff Visitor Centre’.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Crieff
Distance: 45km, 467m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Cycle to Perth

Take the opportunity to visit the famous formal Italian gardens at ‘Drummond Castle Gardens’ which are just over 3 kilometres south of Crieff before an easy ride through quiet countryside to return to the riverside town of Perth.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Perth
Distance: 45km, 296m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

The trip ends after breakfast when you depart the accommodation.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast