E-MTB HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is great fun on a regular mountain bike or an e-mountain bike and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us! If you’re an experienced rider, you can choose one of our quality e-mountain hire bikes and experience the buzz of a pedal-assisted ride. Select your e-MTB hire when you book a tour with us. Bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders with a regular mountain bike.

Scotland

Scotland - Highlands Coast to Coast

Guided Mountain Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$2,950 P.P.
BOOK NOW
1-888-414-6437 Search Holidays
View Reviews
15
A classic wilderness journey through the remote and beautiful Scottish Highlands. This route dives into the very heart of the Highlands on a series of ancient drove roads, loch-side routes, forest tracks and twisting singletrack.
Over six days of riding the route takes us 215 miles from Fort William on the west coast to Montrose on the east coast. This is a route that is varied throughout and, while achievable for fit intermediate riders, there are plenty of technical sections which will challenge more experienced riders and is perfect for those up for a mountain biking challenge.
We start in style on day one with a climb up into the Nevis Range, rewarded with great views, which will paint the picture for the rugged Scottish landscapes to follow.
On reaching the Great Glen we follow the Caledonian Canal, have the opportunity for some monster spotting at Loch Ness and as the miles and days pile up, we cross the Monadhliath Mountains dropping into the Spey Valley and the Cairngorms.
From here on in the trip heads deep into the Glenmore Forest Park, passing through the remote Braes of Abernethy and tackles some river crossings along the way. As we straddle the side of the majestic Cairngorm Mountains, we are rewarded with a night in Tomintoul; a 17th century village and the highest in the Highlands - one of our many chances for a wee dram.
After a final night of celebrations in Edzell, we pedal the final few miles the next day to the coast at Montrose.
We have E-bike hire available for those looking to enjoy the journey with a boost up those cheeky climbs!
View Full Screen Map >>

Highlights

  • True wilderness mountain biking in awesome scenery
  • Mix of great biking trails across the Highlands
  • The views from the top of the Corrieyairack Pass
  • Rolling into Fort Augustus along the Caledonian Canal
  • Choosing your daily Highland single malt
  • Blasting down Mount Keen to Glen Esk

Back to Top

One of the best mountain bike holidays we have done, quality was fantastic. We would certainly consider doing this trip again!

Lisa, UK

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Fort William

Close Full Details

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.

Close

Day 2 Fort William to Fort Augustus

47 Miles / 76 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,100 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • 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.

Show Profile
Close

Day 3 Fort Augustus to Kingussie

38 Miles / 60 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,175 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,175 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.

Show Profile
Close

Day 4 Kingussie to Tomintoul

45 Miles / 73 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 920 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 920 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.

Show Profile
Close

Day 5 Tomintoul to Ballater

35 Miles / 57 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 780 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 780 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 King’s country house of Balmoral and on to Ballater where we’ll be staying for the evening.

Show Profile
Close

Day 6 Ballater to Edzell

38 Miles / 62 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 960 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 960 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.

Show Profile
Close

Day 7 Edzell to Montrose

14 Miles / 23 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 160 Metres Approx.
Close Full Details
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 160 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.

Show Profile
Close

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain.

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

GPS units and navigation softwares produce different statistical information based on a number of different factors, so please keep in mind the information we’re providing here is meant to be an indicative guide only.

Gradients in particular can be difficult to measure consistently, and sometimes steepness shown can vary as much as 5-10% from what’s signposted on the ground.

Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, should however give you a good idea of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be.

Learn More

Back to Top

Still Thinking It Over?

Register your interest and we'll keep you up-to-date on departures, availability, accommodation and all the amazing experiences we have in store on this trip.

The Cycling

Terrain

This epic adventure crosses the Scottish Highlands on mixed trails, ranging from tough and gnarly singletrack and stalkers paths, to long winding Land Rover tracks.

Being the Highlands, there are of course some serious climbs to tackle and some long, rough descents – so a good level of fitness, as well as bike handling skills and off-road experience, are required. We’d expect all riders on this tour to have mountain biking experience, and be confident taking on the technical terrain and challenging nature of a grade 4 holiday.

This trip crosses some high mountains, and with that comes the inevitable weather changes, and potential for wet, cold and windy conditions. This all adds to the challenge of this trip – although on a good day there is no better place to be than the Scottish Highlands!

Please note if opting for an e-MTB, the pace of riding will be set by the standard MTB riders.

E-bikes would be beneficial for some of the short and sharp climbs which are sometimes un-rideable on regular mountain bikes, but also for the longer climbs over Corrieyairack Pass and Mount Keen. Please note – E-bikes are heavier than standard mountain bikes, so worth considering when handing or picking the bike up over some obstacles such as gates and river crossings. Chat to us if you would like to rent or bring your own.

If you are interested in riding an e-MTB on this holiday please click here for more information.

Cyclist mountain biking a trail in the Scottish Highlands on a guided tour

Mountain Biking Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 4 : Challenging

Distances of 25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day

For regular mountain bikers who have a good level of fitness

Routes with frequent moderate to difficult technical sections

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

As well as keeping a good level of fitness you are also an experienced biker and enjoy riding more challenging trails. You usually ride most weekends and can cover between 30 and 50 miles over a full 8-9 hour day (with breaks). The routes you choose generally include more challenging 1-2 hour long climbs perhaps with sharp switchbacks and sections of large and loose rocks. You are comfortable riding most trails including sections of technical or exposed singletrack with some testing obstacles such as drop offs and steep downhills. Our grade 4 trips should suit you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

Back to Top

Faultless guides and trip and I absolutely loved the riding. Honestly was the best organised trip I have ever been on.

Vicky, Australia

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
To see the prices for any optional extras, including bike hire, select your date below.
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
20/06/2027
Return Date
26/06/2027
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,950.00
Close Select
Start Date
05/09/2027
Return Date
11/09/2027
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,950.00
Close Select

The Essentials

Travel Options

This trip starts in Fort William and finishes in Montrose, and the meeting point is Balloch, on Loch Lomond. Group transfers are included in the holiday cost.

If you are driving your arrival destination is Balloch, parking is free of charge. You’ll need to be in Balloch at 13:30 for a transfer to Fort William. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you from Montrose back to your car in Balloch for around 15:30.

If you are taking the train then you can either arrive into Balloch or Fort William. If arriving in Balloch, you’ll need to arrive prior to 13:00 for a 13:30 transfer to Fort William. If arriving at Fort William, you can arrive any time and make your own way to the hotel (check in is usually from 15.00), and your guides will meet you in the evening. At the end of your trip return trains can be booked from Montrose station and there will be a scheduled transfer to the train station at approx. 13:00.

Airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. To join the airport transfer on arrival, you’ll need to arrive into Glasgow airport (GLA) for a 12:30 transfer to Fort William via Balloch. At the end of your trip, we will transfer you back to Glasgow airport, with an approximate arrival time of 16:30. Please consider this when booking your return travel and allow enough time to check in for your chosen flight.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Contact us for full details on the travel options on this trip

Accommodation

In the UK we use good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses that are cycle friendly, located close to the cycling route and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting.

Where possible we prioritise locally owned businesses and those offering locally sourced food, drink and speciality products. This all promotes sustainability in-line with our responsible travel policy.

All our UK trips are operated on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms can be provided for a supplement and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Contact us for full details on the accommodation for this trip

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent.

We have Giant Trance and Stance full suspension Enduro/Trail bikes. These are 29ers set up tubeless with disc brakes, dropper seatposts and quality components.

We also have a limited number of Electric Mountain Bikes available to rent. These bikes are good quality Giant Trance X E+ 2 with 625Wh batteries. The full suspension electric Enduro / Trail bikes are tubeless 29ers with disc brakes, dropper posts and quality components.

EMTB rentals are dependent on availability which will be checked for you at the time of booking and one of our team will be in touch to confirm the details.

If you do decide to rent a bike we can include a helmet (though always nicer to bring your own!) and all necessary spares for the trip. If you would like to borrow a helmet please let us know before the trip.

Our bikes come with high quality male and female MTB saddles but you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer. If you use clip-in pedals / SPDs you will need to bring these along.

If you are travelling overseas, hire bikes might have a different brake set-up to what you are used to. In the UK typically the front brake is operated by your right hand and the rear brake will be operated by your left hand. This may take a short while to get used to. We recommend that you use brakes appropriate to the conditions. Using both brakes at the same time can help reduce loss of control (and it’s recommended to brake gently until you are used to how the brakes work).

If you choose to bring your own e-bike, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.

Contact us for full details on the bikes available for hire on this trip

Back to Top

What's Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid

E) GPX files

F) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

G) Group airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Glasgow airport (GLA)

H) Group airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Glasgow airport (GLA)

I) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

J) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff

Back to Top

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

Scotland - Highlands Coast to Coast FAQs

Can I hire a bike?

Yes, we have a range of high-quality hire bikes available on all of our tours that you can select at the time of booking (you can see more details about our hire bikes in the dedicated section above.) Or, if you prefer the flexibility to bring your own bike, this is also an option.

Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?

Yes. We take very seriously the duty of care we have towards our customers, and we will always ask that you wear a helmet. If you don’t own a helmet, then let us know and we’ll ensure there is one available for you. More about our helmet policy.

What bike spares should I bring?

If you’re bringing your own bike, it’s a good idea to pack basic tools (tyre levers, pump, chain tool) and a puncture repair kit with a spare inner tube in a saddle bag or day bag. If you’re hiring a bike with us, then we’ll provide you with tools and spares. If you run into problems with your bike or have a mechanical, we’ll always be available to assist.

Do you transfer my luggage and bike box?

Yes, our tours include luggage transfers so you can enjoy cycling without the need to carry heavy bags. If you’re bringing your own bike in a bike box or bag, then we will store and transfer it for you. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing a bike box – the size, make and model.

How many guides will there be and what kind of support do they offer?

Each tour has a minimum of two guides, depending on the group size, with one guide riding and one guide in the support vehicle. Our guides are qualified, experienced and always ready to offer support when needed. Whether fixing a bike mechanical, administering first aid, preparing delicious picnics or simply offering advice and motivation for your ride, they want to make sure every pedal stroke of your trip runs like clockwork.

Is there a support vehicle?

Yes. Each tour has a support vehicle which will typically be there for coffee stops and picnic lunches. The vehicle may not always be with the group for the duration of the riding day, but it’s never too far away and within easy reach, if needed. You’re welcome to leave a day bag in the vehicle with spare clothing and snacks.

Can I use the support vehicle if I need a lift?

Our team are always happy to discuss grades and training so hopefully you’ll be able to complete your tour comfortably. Of course, there may be times when something happens and you’re not able to ride. Our support vehicle is there to help should you feel unwell or unable to ride and we always have further back-up transfers and taxis available should an issue arise.

What are the group sizes?

We deliberately keep our group sizes smaller than you might find with other companies. We typically guarantee group trips to run on a minimum number of five to six riders, and some popular tours can reach 14 or 15 riders.

Can you organise private group tours?

Yes, we can organise private group tours. We usually recommend a minimum group size of 8 to 10 riders for our tailor-made itineraries. Chat to our team to find out more.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Absolutely! We welcome many solo travellers on our group holidays. It’s a great way to meet like-minded cyclists. Our rooms are allocated on a twin share basis, but you can select a single supplement when you book if you would prefer to have your own room. These are subject to availability.

Do you cater for different dietary needs?

Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements will be catered for – please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. Snacks will always be available, but you are also more than welcome to bring any specific foods or energy gels that you prefer. Download the Trip Notes for more information about the local cuisine you can expect on this holiday.

News, Reviews & Stories

Dave Jones, Saddle Skedaddle cycle guide

Meet the Guides: Dave Jones

Meet Dave (yes, another Dave at Skedaddle!) one of our fantastic UK cycling guides. He first joined the scene 14 years ago guiding a mountain bike trip and was instantly hooked. Now retired, he’s enjoying even more time guiding and he can't wait to join you! Read on for a Q&A with Dave, plus a behind-the-scenes interview ...

Endura Guide – How to Build Your Perfect Mountain Biking Outfit

Our mountain biking holidays are truly global covering some incredible trails in the UK, Europe, or South America. Working out what to wear for mountain biking in spring and early summer conditions can sometimes be a bit tricky but Endura, our technical bike clothing partner, has some tips on how to choose the right kit, ...

Our expert’s guide to biking the Scottish Highlands

In our 30 years of travelling the world by bike, we’ve seen lots of amazing places, but there are some that we never stop getting inspired by and Scotland is definitely one of them. Hands down, it’s a place home to some of our absolute favourite routes on the planet - a complete wilderness on ...

Reviews

15

SHOW MORE

You May Also Like...

Group of mountain bikers riding in Coniston in the Lake District on a guided tour
  • United Kingdom
  • Duration: 5 days

Lake District - Classic Coniston

Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour
Cyclists on the King Alfred's Way cycle route
  • United Kingdom
  • Duration: 8 days

Wessex - King Alfred's Way

Guided Mountain Bike Tour
Cyclists riding past the Glyderau mountains in Wales
  • Wales
  • Duration: 7 days

Wales - Traws Eryri

Guided Mountain Bike Tour
Contact Us
Give Us A Call on:
1-888-414-6437
Drop us an email on:

Back to Top