Essential Information - Remote Highlands

• Support vehicle
• Transfer to Inverness Airport on the scheduled arrival and departure day
• Accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Dinner)
• Snacks during cycling days
• Local English speaking guide(s)

Complimentary transfers to and from Inverness Airport are provided on the scheduled arrival and departure days. For individuals arriving outside these designated dates, the estimated cost for a taxi ride from the airport to the joining accommodation is approximately £25, taking around 25 minutes. Additionally, a taxi ride to the Train/Bus station will be around £10. Please refer to the following airlines for additional information:

British Airways (from London Gatwick and Heathrow) 
Easyjet (from London Gatwick, London Luton, Belfast and Bristol) 
Loganair (from Manchester) 
FlyBe 

Traveling by Train

You can buy train tickets on the day of travel,  however this can work our costly so booking in advance is advised.

For train information please follow these links:

scotrail
thetrainline

Traveling by Bus

Regular services connect Inverness with Glasgow, Edinburgh and London along with most other main UK bus stations. The Bus Station is located in the centre of Inverness and is approximately 1 miles from your guest house (about £6 taxi fare). 

💱 Currency Exchange

Scottish Currency
Scotland uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Both Scottish and English banknotes are accepted nationwide.

There is no need to exchange currency if you're arriving from within the UK. International travellers should bring GBP or withdraw upon arrival.

What to Bring

• A Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for payments and ATM access

• Travellers from the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: bring GBP or exchange your currency before or upon arrival in the UK

• Contactless and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are widely accepted

• Have some cash for use in remote villages, cafés, and local shops

Where to Exchange

• On arrival at Inverness Airport:

  • Currency exchange facilities are limited

  • ❌ Avoid exchanging large sums at the airport due to poor rates

  • ✅ ATMs available for GBP withdrawals

✔ Your redspokes guide will help with locating ATMs and provide local currency advice during the tour.

💸 Spending Money

We suggest a budget of around £475 ($640)  for meals, drinks, optional activities, and souvenirs over the full duration of the tour.

Typical Costs in the Scottish Highlands

Prices in remote areas may be slightly higher due to limited services and transport access.

🧭 Helpful Tips

• Cards are accepted in most places, but cash is essential in remote areas

• Bring small notes and coins for ease in rural shops

• Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid blocked cards

• ATMs can be limited in remote areas—withdraw cash when in larger towns

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not expected in the UK. It’s a way to thank your guide and support team for their hard work.

💷 Recommended tip: £60–£80 per person

At the end of the tour, tips are usually pooled and distributed by the guide.
All redspokes staff are fairly paid—tips are a personal gesture of appreciation.

Given the off-road nature of the tour, having continuous vehicle support throughout the day is not feasible. However, participants can find reassurance in the presence of our backup vehicle strategically stationed at various points along the route. 

It serves as a convenient resource for accessing extra gear throughout the day. This arrangement eliminates the need for participants to carry any equipment beyond what is typically taken on a regular day ride, promoting a more comfortable and streamlined off-road experience. 

Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so if you are bringing your own bike on the tour you must ensure that it is in good working order. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.

This excursion includes breakfast, snacks, and most lunches. Our selected accommodations offer a cooked breakfast, cereals, and lighter options, ideal for sustaining a day of cycling. Lunches are enjoyed on the route, featuring buffet-style picnics crafted by our guides. While evening meals are not included in the price, we secure a group table for dinner, facilitating a post-ride gathering. For vegetarians and individuals with specific dietary needs, accommodations can be made—please specify any requirements at the time of booking.

We select high-quality 3 or 4-star hotels and B&Bs, that are cyclist-friendly, strategically situated near the cycling route, and exemplify the distinctive style and hospitality of the visited area. Whenever feasible, our preference is for locally owned businesses and establishments that feature locally sourced food and beverages.

All our Scottish trips operate on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms are available for an additional supplement, contingent upon availability at the time of booking.