For those arriving by car, the meet-up point for this Skedaddle trip is Balloch. The meeting time of 13:30 provides us with plenty of time to transfer you to Fort William for late afternoon. If you are flying, we can collect you from Glasgow Airport at 12:30. If you are catching the train then there are regular journeys to Fort William.

Fort William on the west coast of Scotland is situated “beneath” the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis (1345m). It’s a busy little place with no shortage of establishments for a wee dram or to tuck into some Highland fayre. It’s the perfect place to base ourselves before we start our biking journey the next day.

Following arrival we’ve plenty of time to ensure all the bikes are ready for the adventure ahead of us. Tonight’s evening meal provides a chance to chat with the Skedaddle guides in a little more depth, about the schedule for the days ahead and get to know your fellow Skedaddlers a little better.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.

Following a hearty Scottish breakfast, we ride straight from our accommodation up into Leanachan Forest and the Nevis Range. Host of the Mountain Bike World Cup, the Nevis Range is an adventure playground where we will encounter some excellent natural mountain bike trails in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Even at this early stage, you’ll begin to get a real flavour of the amazing scenery to come.

After descending into Spean Bridge we join the famous Great Glen Cycle Route alongside Loch Lochy. At times your guides will take you off this well-used trail to ride some single track hidden gems. After some more exciting single track around Invergarry we finish the day with a simple scenic ride along the Caledonian Canal towpath into Fort Augustus at the southern point of Loch Ness.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,190 Metres Approx.

Setting off from Fort Augustus we get a few miles under our wheels before the challenge of the day unfurls in the shape of the Corrieairack Pass. Situated on General Wade's old Military Road, at a height of 772m / 2500ft this is the highest point on the whole route. The climb up the Corrieairack is a tough and long climb followed by a technical and exhilarating descent and showcases mountain biking in Scotland at its wildest and dramatic best.

Once over the pass, our route picks up the River Spey at Melgrave from where we follow the river downhill to Garva Bridge and then a country road to Laggan.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,110 Metres Approx.

Another day of varied mountain biking lies ahead today. A ride through Inshriach Forest provides great riding with some cheeky climbs, flowing singletrack and a river crossing at Allt Chromhraig to negotiate.

We follow the Spey Valley north-east before turning eastward through the stunning Rothiemurchus Estate. Today we have lunch on the shores of Loch Morlich in the heart of Glenmore Forest Park. After lunch the route takes us along forest tracks and out onto some wild moorland singletracks through the Braes of Abernethy to an afternoon snack stop at Bridge of Avon.

From here the quality riding continues on up to the highest village in the Highlands: Tomintoul. Located in the stunning landscapes of Glenlivet Estate and the Cairngorms National Park it’s a great place to end today’s ride.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

Another amazing off-road day as we skirt the east side of the Cairngorm Mountains. From Tomintoul we head south following a track up the side of the River Avon and into Glen Builg.

With spectacular mountains to the west our route soon takes us up and over the side of Culardoch before descending down to Invercauld House near Braemar.

The final part of the day sees us follow the River Dee down the valley past the Queen’s country house of Balmoral and on to Ballater where we’ll be staying for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 955 Metres Approx.

Our last full day of riding, and what a day of quality Scottish mountain biking we have in store for you!

Our morning starts with a short flat ride along the River Dee to Dinnet – the eastern gateway to both the Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park, before we turn south up Glen Tanar and through the towering Caledonian Pines of the Forest of Glen Tanar.

The Mounth Road is a technical singletrack route that takes us up and round the side of Mount Keen. From here it's all downhill to Glen Esk.

Our route then follows the beautiful River Esk to the picturesque village of Edzell.

With just a few easy miles to do tomorrow, you’ll be more than a little tempted to sample one of the fine malts on offer following a well deserved evening meal.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 155 Metres Approx.

There are no major ups on this final section to Montrose and maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a few more rashers of bacon or an extra portion of haggis during your final Scottish breakfast.

It’s around 15 miles to the coast and all on tarmac, so click off your suspension and enjoy the countryside as we ride from Edzell to Montrose, where your coast to coast journey ends.

Once here it’s time to crack open the fizz and toast your fellow riders and guides as we celebrate completing this epic journey across Scotland.

For the brave a dip in the North Sea is on the cards, before we head to a nearby leisure centre for a warming shower and a change into your civvies.

With a real sense of satisfaction we make the journey back to Balloch for those who are collecting their cars, or to Glasgow International Airport (GLA) for anyone flying. There is a train station in Montrose for anybody heading home by train.