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Scotland
Cycling Holidays

Far North

9 Day: Guided: Road/Touring

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9 days from

£1675

The Wild West

10 Day: Guided: Road Bike

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10 days from

£1875

Remote Highlands

12 Day: Guided Off Road

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12 days from

£2149

Cairngorms & Speyside - Self-Guided

7 Day: Self-Guided : Road/Touring

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7 days from

£995

Loch Ness & The Great Glen Way - Self-Guided

5 Day: Self-Guided: Off Road Tour

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5 days from

£695

Far North - Self Guided

9 Day: Self-Guided: Road/ Touring

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9 days from

£1349

Whisky and Castles - Self-Guided

11 Day: Self-Guided: Road/Touring

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11 days from

£1575

Customised Tour

Bespoke tours of Scotland tailored especially for you

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Scotland holds a special place in the heart of redspokes, and it's also the residence of our managing director, Dermot MacWard. Where better to unearth the wonders of nature and the true spirit of exploration that defines redspokes Adventure Tours?

The Scottish Highlands, a hidden gem in Europe, offer a vast, scenic wilderness of towering mountains, ancient rock formations, and expansive moorlands. Meandering narrow roads traverse picturesque hills adorned with heather, dramatic sea cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, all while preserving the traditions of crofting and fishing villages. The sheer magnificence of the Atlantic scenery is bound to leave you in awe.

We offer three enticing itineraries, providing quieter alternatives to the bustling North Coast 500 route. On our Far North Scotland tour, you'll relish cycling along tranquil narrow roads that wind through beautiful heather-clad hills, past dramatic sea cliffs and waterfalls.

For those who prefer off-road cycling amidst postcard-worthy mountain scenery, our Remote Highlands tour is the perfect choice. Here, you can expect to encounter roaming red deer, wild salmon, and majestic eagles.

If you're a road cyclist seeking adventure, consider our two new 2023 trips: The Wild West tour, which features a thrilling ride along Bealach na Bà, the UK's highest surfaced road.

For those desiring the freedom to explore at their own pace with expert support, our NEW self-guided cycling tours of Scotland are an excellent choice. Discover the Cairngorms & Speyside, Whisky & Castles, Loch Ness & Great Glen Way, and The Far North. Please note: The Far North can be enjoyed as either a self-led or guided cycling tour.

We prioritise quality equipment, with a focus on providing top-notch bicycles and e-bikes at redspokes. This ensures a comfortable and efficient ride, even on challenging terrain in the Highlands.

No matter which tour you select, you'll undoubtedly fall in love with this enchanting corner of Scotland. 

Here are some more details on our cycling holidays in Scotland

Far North

The far north of Scotland is one of the last great scenic cycling secrets in Europe; a vast wilderness of extraordinary mountains set in ancient rock and moorland. On our tour you will enjoy biking on quiet narrow roads that wind through beautiful heather clad hills, high sea cliffs and waterfalls.

Our tour sets off from Inverness with a ride across the Black Isle to Cromarty, a beautiful 18th Century fishing town. Poised on the edge of the Black Isle, at the mouth of Cromarty Firth it is the best-preserved historic town in the Highlands. Here we catch the Kings Ferry, one of the world’s smallest car ferries to the small village of Nigg. Here we’ll find the Old Parish Church which is home to one of the finest surviving Pictish Cross-Slabs, carved with Pictish symbols and early Christian imagery.

We continue past Glenmorangie distillery riding to the Edwardian seaside resort Dornoch and follow the shores of Loch Fleet cycling through the national nature reserve to Rosehall.

We’ll enjoy rugged scenery on our ride towards the west coast fishing village of Lochinver, through a landscape which becomes more spectacular with every turn of your wheel. We pass picturesque lochs and rivers teeming with fish, surrounded by the rugged grandeur of mountains rising from glens gouged during the last ice-age.

Our tour will cross hilly terrain and loch side to reach Ullapool, cycling the Achiltibuie loop. After a rest day in Ullapool, a picturesque white fishing town, we’re refreshed and ready to cycle to Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful, forested area where the River Droma rushes along a series of tumbling waterfalls and where Inverewe Garden is located, a unique Atlantic Coast botanical garden.

There are red squirrels, red deer, otters, golden eagles and sea eagles in the area. Reaching the shores of Loch Maree, we cycle a final undulating stretch and finish at Achnasheen where there is a short transfer back to Inverness.

Beaches, mountain passes, green valleys, lochs and fast flowing rivers. Scotland has them all and what better way to see them than from the saddle of a bicycle?

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The Wild West

Our Scottish Wild West cycling tour begins in Inverness. From the Highland capital we cycle across the Black Isle to Rosehall. Following in the tracks of King James IV on pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Duthac at Tain. We’ll take a ferry across the Cromarty Firth and ride on through the Seaboard villages. We pass Glenmorangie distillery riding to Edwardian seaside resort Dornoch and follow the shores of Loch Fleet cycling through national nature reserve to Lairg. We ride on through the wilds of Sutherland with scenic views of Ben Klibreck. 

We reach the north coast of Scotland following the shores of Loch Eriboll. Continuing to cross Sutherland the most remote part of the British Isles, we cycle through heather clad moorland alive with wildlife. We pass picturesque lochs and rivers teeming with fish, surrounded by the rugged grandeur of mountains rising from glens gouged during the last ice-age. Our route continues to the bustling fishing port of Lochinver, where Scottish & European Boats unload their catch ready for the evening market.

We ride on crossing hilly terrain and loch side to reach Ullapool cycling the Achiltibuie loop. After a rest day in Ullapool the picturesque white fishing town, we’re refreshed and ready to cycle to Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful forested area where the River Droma rushes along a series of tumbling waterfalls and Inverewe Garden a unique Atlantic coast, botanical garden. There are red squirrel, red deer, otter, golden eagles and sea eagles in the area. Reaching the shores of Loch Maree, we cycle a final flat stretch to reach Kinlochewe. 

Our Wild West cycling holiday continues as we follow a single track road to Torridon before we take on the ultimate challenge of our cycling holiday riding the UK’s highest tarmac road, Bealach Na Bà. Starting from near sea-level it rises 626m in 9.1km of uphill, reaching 20% at its steepest gradient. From the peak, we will have great views of the Cuillin mountain range across the water on Skye. Over the summit we cycle down thrilling hairpin bends and on to Locharron.

Riding on through scenic woodland passing lochs and rivers we stop at Rogie Falls. In August and September from the viewpoint of the dramatic suspension bridge that hangs over the rushing waters, you may see salmon leaping on their journey upstream. We ride on to the Muir of Ord, home to one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. From here we drop down to the shores of the Beauly Firth riding our final few miles on quiet road to reach North Kessock and cross back over the bridge to Inverness where our Highland Highlights Scotland cycling holiday ends.

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Remote Highlands

Embark on an extraordinary off-road cycling adventure with our latest offering for 2024 – a captivating journey from Inverness to John O'Groats. This meticulously crafted tour invites cycling enthusiasts to traverse the scenic landscapes of Scotland, revealing hidden gems along paths and quiet roads, where solitude and breathtaking vistas become your constant companions.

Setting out from the historic Highland capital, Inverness, riders will follow the iconic Great Glen Way, a route that seamlessly blends natural beauty with the thrill of off-road exploration. The emphasis on paths and quiet roads ensures an intimate connection with the environment, with days unfolding where the only company is the whispering wind and the occasional bird's song.

As the tour progresses through Invermoriston, Struy, and Contin, cyclists will encounter a minimal amount of singletrack, carefully curated to provide an immersive experience without requiring technical expertise. The journey weaves through Alness, offering a well-deserved rest day amidst the town's charm. For those seeking an extra layer of indulgence, an optional visit to the renowned Glenmorangie Distillery is on the agenda – a chance to explore the world of Scotch whisky craftsmanship.

Continuing the odyssey, the route unfolds through Rosehall, Altnaharra, and Forsinain, introducing riders to landscapes where encounters with other travelers are a rarity. This carefully selected path ensures an unhurried exploration of Scotland's less-explored corners, allowing cyclists to savor the freedom of the open road and the tranquility of untouched nature.

The culmination of this extraordinary journey awaits at the iconic John O'Groats, where the northernmost tip of mainland Britain greets intrepid cyclists. The absence of technical challenges ensures accessibility for riders of various skill levels, making this tour an ideal adventure for those seeking a blend of off-road excitement and serene landscapes.

In 2024, our Inverness to John O'Groats off-road cycling tour is an invitation to discover Scotland's soul-stirring beauty, where each pedal stroke carries you further into the heart of the untamed wilderness. Join us on this unparalleled adventure, where the road less traveled becomes the canvas for an unforgettable cycling experience.

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Cairngorms & Speyside - Self-Guided

redspokes' Cairngorms & Speyside self-guided cycling tour is a journey through one of the most scenic and historic parts of Scotland. The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK with a hugely diverse landscape – from soaring mountains and dense forests to wild heather moorlands, interspersed with trickling streams and rushing rivers. Speyside boasts more distilleries than anywhere else in the nation. Its fertile farmlands are perfect for growing barley, which produce exceptional malt whisky when combined with soft spring water from the surrounding mountains. A wee dram is highly recommended after a day in the saddle.

Your Scottish cycling holiday begins in Inverness, the beautiful capital of the Highlands. Leaving the city, the first stage of the ride is packed with history, culture and stunning scenery. You cycle on quiet back roads past the famous battlefield at Culloden and the Bronze Age cemetery at Clava Cairns en-route to Grantown-on-Spey. Located at the northern edge of Cairngorms National Park, this picturesque town overlooks the River Spey which is central to the country’s salmon and whisky industries.

The ride continues along the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail, taking in Ballindalloch Castle, and Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries along the way. Heading north from the world's malt whisky capital of Dufftown, you arrive at Spey Bay. This river estuary is one of the best places in the UK to watch dolphins and home to the Scottish National Dolphin Centre.

Other highlights of your cycling tour in Speyside include the town of Elgin – where you may want to climb the majestic cathedral for panoramic views – and visit Forres which lies on the south coast of the Moray Firth. The final day of cycling back to Inverness takes you past castles – including the imposing Cawdor Castle immortalised by Shakespeare in Macbeth – coastal towns and championship golf courses. 

Ancient woodlands, whisky distilleries, historic landmarks and scenic backroads all come together in redspokes’ Cairngorms and Speyside self-guided cycling tour. We look forward to welcoming you on this spectacular adventure through one of the driest and sunniest parts of Scotland.

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Loch Ness & The Great Glen Way - Self-Guided

redspokes Loch Ness & Great Glen Way self-guided cycling holiday begins in Inverness, capital of the Highlands. The city is also the starting point of the Great Glen Way and gateway to the world-renowned Loch Ness.

The Great Glen Way follows the major natural fault line which divides Scotland from coast to coast. It stretches for 73 miles (117km) across the length of the country’s longest glen all the way to Fort William. Your circular cycling adventure sets off from Inverness Castle which is the start of this famous long-distance path.

Leaving the city, you climb to the forested area around the village of Abriachan before descending to the banks of legendary Loch Ness. Known for its mythical monster, Nessie, this iconic loch is the setting for your cycling holiday in Scotland. Over the next 3 days, you’ll experience the highlights of Loch Ness at your own pace. Our carefully-planned cycle route is a balance of well-known landmarks and remote riding through dramatic Highland scenery.

On the western shores of Loch Ness, marvel at Urquhart Castle which remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Then cycle through Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness Monster exhibition, and continue riding along the Great Glen Way to the quaint village of Invermoriston with its gently tumbling waterfalls.

At the southwest end of the loch lies Fort Augustus, a popular tourist destination on the impressive Caledonian Canal. There are spectacular views from the waterside along the 23- mile (37km) length of Loch Ness. The Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre gives a fascinating insight into the history of the canal.

The remainder of your self-guided Loch Ness tour is along its eastern shores. One of the highlights of the next section is ascending the rocky summit of Glendoe – the views across Loch Ness and nearby Loch Mhòr are breathtaking. The Falls of Foyers are also worth a visit on the journey back to Inverness. The impressive waterfall drops 165ft (50m) into a gorge that winds its way through the trees until it spills out into Loch Ness. 

Highland villages, ancient woodland trails and spectacular waterside biking come together in redspokes’ Great Glen Way & Loch Ness self-guided cycling tour. This is an unparalleled adventure through some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.

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Far North - Self Guided

The far north of Scotland is one of the last great scenic cycling secrets in Europe; a vast wilderness of extraordinary mountains set in ancient rock and moorland. On your self-guided tour you will enjoy biking on quiet narrow roads that wind through beautiful heather clad hills, high sea cliffs and waterfalls.

Your tour sets off from Inverness with a ride across the Black Isle to Cromarty, a beautiful 18th Century fishing town. Poised on the edge of the Black Isle, at the mouth of Cromarty Firth it is the best-preserved historic town in the Highlands. Here we catch the Kings Ferry, one of the world’s smallest car ferries to the small village of Nigg. Here we’ll find the Old Parish Church which is home to one of the finest surviving Pictish Cross-Slabs, carved with Pictish symbols and early Christian imagery.

You continue past Glenmorangie distillery riding to the Edwardian seaside resort Dornoch and follow the shores of Loch Fleet cycling through the national nature reserve to Rosehall.

You'll enjoy rugged scenery on our ride towards the west coast fishing village of Lochinver, through a landscape which becomes more spectacular with every turn of your wheel. We pass picturesque lochs and rivers teeming with fish, surrounded by the rugged grandeur of mountains rising from glens gouged during the last ice-age.

Your tour will cross hilly terrain and loch side to reach Ullapool, cycling the Achiltibuie loop. After a rest day in Ullapool, a picturesque white fishing town, your refreshed and ready to cycle to Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful, forested area where the River Droma rushes along a series of tumbling waterfalls and where Inverewe Garden is located, a unique Atlantic Coast botanical garden.

There are red squirrels, red deer, otters, golden eagles and sea eagles in the area. Reaching the shores of Loch Maree, we cycle a final undulating stretch and finish at Achnasheen where there is a short transfer back to Inverness.

Beaches, mountain passes, green valleys, lochs and fast flowing rivers. Scotland has them all and what better way to see them than from the saddle of a bicycle on a self-guided cycling tour?

View Cycle Tour

Whisky and Castles - Self-Guided

Embracing two of Scotland’s most iconic characteristics, redspokes & Whisky & Castles cycling holiday is a journey through Moray Speyside and Aberdeenshire. In Speyside, you’ll find the nation's greatest concentration of malt whisky producers and more than half the distilleries in Scotland. In Aberdeenshire, there are more castles and fortifications per hectare than anywhere else in the UK. You’ll enjoy cycling on well-surfaced, quiet roads while taking in the rich history and culture of this stunning region. At the end of a day in the saddle, a few wee drams will warm the cockles.

Your self-guided cycling holiday begins in Inverness, capital of the Highlands. You set off on a warm-up ride to legendary Loch Ness, making a stop in Dores for sweeping views of the loch before looping back to Inverness. The next stage of your adventure is cycling across Moray to picturesque Grantown-on -Spey, located on the edge of Cairngorms National Park. Grantown is set in ancient woodlands that provide a unique habitat for local wildlife. The River Spey is Scotland’s fastest-flowing river and central to the nation’s salmon fishing and whisky production. You continue your Scottish cycle tour by exploring the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail, stopping off for castle visits and distillery tours along the way. You encounter some dramatic climbs, including following the scenic Snow Roads to the Lecht Pass at 2090ft (645m) and descending into swooping valleys through some of the most spectacular stretches of road in Scotland. 

After a rest day in Ballater, you ride towards the picturesque coastal town of Banff, where on a fine day, a myriad of white horses break the clear blue waters of the North Sea. You follow the Moray coast, cycling through an area well known for sightings of dolphins. Then, it’s onto the magnificent medieval ruins of Elgin Cathedral, the battlefield at Culloden and the Bronze Age cemetery at Clava Cairns before cycling back to Inverness where redspokes’ Whisky & Castles self-guided cycling holiday ends.

There’s no better way to experience the great Scottish outdoors than by bike and this tour has it all – historic castles, whisky distilleries, mountain passes and coastal views.

 

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Scotland Custom Tour

If our advertised dates don’t suit you, if you’re looking for a shorter/longer tour or simply want the enjoyment of travelling on your own or with friends, why not let us create a customised itinerary for you? We can organise private tours for groups of 2 or more people. This will usually be the same cost for our advertised tour if there are 6 or more and 20-90% higher for smaller numbers.

We have years of experience working in adventure cycling and providing our clients with customised itineraries. A tour with redspokes will capture the imagination and leave lasting memories of this fascinating country.

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Scotland Cycling Holidays