Mountain Biking Coast to Coast View Trip Dates Book Now · You may need to plan some pre-trip preparation to build your stamina to cope with being in the saddle for consecutive days.

Coast to CoastMountain Biking

Trip Grade: Red 8

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Our coast to coast mountain biking itinerary is an epic adventure, and without doubt one of the best mountain biking trips in Scotland. It features a week of superb riding, from Aberdeen in the east to Ardnamurchan in the west. Our pioneering route covers 400km and an awesome 7200m of ascent and descent.

The trails are as varied as the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands, and range from flowing single-track to rocky and challenging mountain passes to mellow forests tracks. You will ride under the leadership of our expert guides and spend each night in welcoming accommodations with great food. There is no doubt that this is a challenging itinerary, but there is also no doubt that this is the ultimate coast to coast mountain bike ride in the UK.

Coast to Coast

Highlights• The ultimate mountain bike ride in the UK traversing the Scottish Highlands from coast to coast. • 400km of superb riding from big mountain passes to ancient pine forest single-track• Relax on a private boat cruise on Loch Shiel at the end of a hard day’s ride. • Enjoy the magnificent landscapes and savour the view when you reach the Atlantic Ocean!

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

Book with confidence• We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 3 people have booked• Maximum of 8 places available per departure

Day 1 | Meet in Aberdeen then ride to Ballater

Day 2 | Lochnagar and Balmoral to Tomintoul

Day 3 | Through the Cairngorms

Day 4 | From the East to The West Highlands

Day 5 | Spean Bridge to Acharacle

Day 6 | Acharacle to Ardnamurchan Point

Day 7 | Return to Inverness

Planned It inerary

Arrival Info• Your Guide will meet you at the centre of

Aberdeen Railway Station by the fixed seating area• 9.00am on Day 1 of your trip

Departure Info• You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station • 1:30pm on the final day of your trip

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

Day 1 | Meet in Aberdeen Then Ride to BallaterWe meet in Aberdeen where we begin our bike journey west across Scotland. We ride through Royal Deeside, following the route of the old railway line built for Queen Victoria. After lunch we continue to Dinnet, to ride some of the best single-track on Deeside, through beautiful birch and pine forest. Our first night’s accommodation is in the charming village of Ballater. (L, D)

Route Details: 75km Ascent: 675m Descent: 480m

Day 2 | Lochnagar and Balmoral to TomintoulA classic day, typical of riding in the Scottish Highlands. In the morning we leave Ballater behind, following the River Muick, rising slowly towards Lochnagar. Climbing over the shoulder of the mountain, we then drop down to explore the trails around Balmoral Estate. Lunch is taken at Invercauld, followed by a long steady climb into wild Scottish countryside and a real mountain experience. Overnight in Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands. (B, L, D)

Route Details: 66km Ascent: 1230m Descent: 1090m

Day 3 | Through the Cairngorms An unforgettable day through the wild Cairngorms. This is backcountry biking at its best in the Highlands, and we must ride through this wilderness regardless of the weather conditions. We head west from Tomintoul into remote country, first through ancient pine forest and then into the open hills. A challenging 10km of single-track leads us into the beautiful Glen Feshie, and then the Spey Valley and our stop for the night in Newtonmore. This is the most demanding day of the trip and one you are likely to remember for a long time. (B, L, D)

Route Details: 67km Ascent: 780m Descent: 880m

Day 4 | From the East to The West HighlandsFrom Newtonmore we continue our journey west, following an old military road before taking the backdoor into Laggan. Here we stop for a coffee before we head into a remote glacial valley which passes through the heart of the mountains. Double track combined with single track to leads us on and into the West Highlands. We reach our accommodation for tonight in the village of Spean Bridge. (B, L, D)

Route Details: 70km Ascent: 720m Descent: 850m

Day 5 | Spean Bridge to AcharacleThe lower reaches of the Great Glen Way lead to Fort William where we take a short hop across Loch Linnhe. From here we journey to Loch Shiel, where we jump off our bikes and onto a boat for a private cruise down Loch Shiel (with a beer in hand!). Back on land, it’s an easy 200m roll to our hotel. (B, L, D)

Route Details: 65km Ascent: 450m Descent: 550m

Day 7 | Return to InvernessAfter breakfast we load the vehicle and bike trailer and enjoy a leisurely 3.5 hour journey back to Inverness. Here you can catch your onward travel, and on the way home you’ll have a chance to reflect on what will surely be a memorable experience! (B)

Day 6 | Acharacle to Ardnamurchan PointA great final day as we cover all types of terrains. From our hotel, we head west, soon joining a beautiful coastline trail and then heading into the hills. The views of the islands are simply amazing on a clear day. After lunch we tackle the final short section of road and coastline single-track to our final destination, Ardnamurchan Point - the most westerly point on the UK mainland! Celebratory dinner and drinks in Acharacle. (B, L, D)

Route details: 46km Ascent: 820m Descent: 820m

Trip Grading | Red 8 |Our red graded trips are designed for regular mountain bikers with a high level of both fitness and riding skill. You can expect up to 8 hours of riding each day through a wide variety of terrain. Although unlikely, there is the potential for longer days under certain conditions. Distances covered will be in the range of 50km-70km each day and this will normally include significant ascent and descent. You may need to plan some pre-trip preparation to build your stamina to cope with being in the saddle for consecutive days.

Trail conditions will vary from easy trails to rocky land-rover tracks and technical single-track. The single-track will often be technical requiring a good skill set. The hardest trips in this grade will challenge even the most skilled rider with rock gardens, drop offs and steep ascents and descents.

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join.

If our guides feel that you are not able to complete a scheduled ride they may ask you not to join in that day. If you have any questions about the grading, then please do give our Adventure Consultants a call to chat through your experience and suitability for this trip.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described rides in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.

Accommodation and MealsThis trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

All meals are included throughout the trip. Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/restaurant. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Evening meals are included, and on this itinerary and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route

On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Single RoomsFor solo travellers: Accommodation is based on sharing a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. A limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available on a first come first served basis, subject to a single supplement. Please enquire for availability.

Single supplements vary across our itineraries so please refer to the ‘What’s Included - Accommodation’ tab on the trip page on our website for this trip or contact our sales team.

InclusionsThis trip includes the following:

• 6 nights accommodation in locally owned guest house or small hotels• All meals throughout the trip as stated in itinerary (Meals included indicated as

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) • All transport throughout the trip, starting in Aberdeen and finishing in Inverness• Private boat trip on beautiful Loch Shiel • The services of qualified and experienced mountain bike guides and assistant

guide/ support driver throughout your trip• A support vehicle & trailer throughout• All group safety and bike maintenance equipment

Bike Hire You are very welcome to bring along your own bike for this trip however if you would prefer to hire a bike from us please check out the options here www.wildernessscotland.com/mountain-bike-hire/

An epic and truly memorable journey. The perfect combination of challenge, nature and culture. Being out there cycling off-road in contact with the elements changing every single minute... it was special. Nicolas Ramirez

“”

Our holidays reviewed in your words…

All Trip Reviews Here

Your GuideDuring this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages.

Sustainable TravelWilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.

We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.

You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here.

Eat | Stay | SeeLooking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do

Eat – Stay – See – Aberdeen.pdf

Eat – Stay – See – Inverness.pdf

Equipment ListCheck out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland.

www.wildernessscotland.com/blog/what-to-wear-mountain-biking-in-scotland

General Info – ScotlandFrom food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts.

General-Info-Scotland.pdf

Travel InsuranceIt is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.

We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the following companies offer suitable policies.

Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance

If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions

Travel With ConfidenceYou can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.

Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA.

FAQsLooking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page.

wildernessscotland.com/faq

Questions To Ask? Ready to Book?If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.

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email: [email protected] Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890