Essential Information - Far North - Self Guided

• Luggage transfers (2 items of luggage limited to 25kg)

• Accommodation - (twin / double en-suite rooms)

• All Breakfasts

• GPS route directions and maps

• Waterproof Bike phone holder

• Portable Power Bank (Ideal back up for charging up your phone without needing a plug socket )

• GPX tracks uploaded to your phone

• Emergency support (which might be at extra cost)

• Pre-booked evening meal reservation at each location

• Travel to Inverness (a taxi from and to the airport costs £35 per journey)

• Single supplement (available on request)

• Visa fees (if applicable)

• Travel insurance

• Bike hire (available if required)

• Any entry fees to sights en route

Travelling to Inverness is easy, as the city is well served with transport links. The airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre and there are good inland road and rail links into Inverness.

By plane

Flying to the Scottish Highlands couldn’t be easier.  Inverness airport is located 10 miles from the city centre and is serviced by both taxi and bus services. Taxi will cost around £35 for the 20 minute journey to your accommodation, the bus services which takes around 30minutes to the city centre. Check the following airlines for more information:

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

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 accommodation (about £6 taxi fare). 

Self-led trips are priced based on two participants sharing a room. For those who prefer their own room, a single supplement will apply per person, including for solo travellers.

Bike Hire -  All bikes are thoroughly serviced before rental to ensure top performance throughout your journey. In the unlikely event of a bike issue, such as a flat tyre, a call-out service is available at a charge of £50 to provide assistance on the route.

Hybride/Touring - We have Trek FX 3 Disc Hybrid BikeHybrid/Touring

Road Bikes - We have  Trek Emonda or similar

 Trek Emonda ALR 4

E-bikes are TREK Powerfly. A durable aluminium frame that fully encases a long-range 625 Wh battery for great aesthetics and protection on the trails & Boardman HYB 8.9 which is a fast and practical flat-bar hybrid style e-bike, which uses the sophisticated, German engineered Fazua Evation drive system.  

E-Bikes Available

A pump, spare tube, tyre levers and multi tool are included in the price of the bike rental. All bikes are equipped with flat pedals. Those who prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, are welcome to bring these with you. You are also welcome to bring your own saddle. 

The bikes will come with one water bottle cage fitted.

You are required to bring your own cycle helmet as this is not included as part of your bike hire and hire or purchase options cannot be guaranteed.  Failure to wear a cycle helmet is at your own risk and might also affect the validity of your travel insurance.

Your daily route notes will include suggestions for lunch spots, and we’ll pre-book your evening meals to ensure availability in areas with limited dining options. We’ll also provide GPX files that you can easily upload to your Garmin or smartphone. To use these on your phone, simply download the Komoot or Ride with GPS app. If you don’t have a Garmin or need assistance uploading the files to your device, we’ll be happy to help you with this upon arrival in Inverness. All files will be sent to you no later than two weeks before the tour.

It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.

You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.

After a day of cycling, you’ll find your luggage has been transferred to your next accommodation.

The majority of the accommodation for this trip is in either Hotels or quality Bed & Breakfast. All rooms will have En suite facilities, all will offer a great breakfast to keep you going through the day.

Our choices usually come recommended for their character, warm welcome, facilities and location.

If you decide to bring your own bike we strongly recommend that you have it fully serviced before going on the tour. Ensure that wheel spokes are adjusted, greasing all bearings, check gear and brake cables, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamp and tyres. Put in a new inner tubes and check wheel rims aren't worn.

Scotland has 4 seasons (spring, summer, autumn & winter) and is generally discribed as cool and wet.  If you don't like the weather you're experiencing at any moment, just wait 5 minutes as it's remarkably changeable and you can experience all four seasons in one day. 

In terms of clothing, below is a rough guide as to what to bring. This guide is entirely flexible and should be tailored to your specific requirements. 

The weather in Scotland is variable and can be four seasons in one day, so please be prepared for chnages in the weather. 

• Cycle Helmet (mandatory and to be worn at all times when cycling)
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle or camelbak
• Base layer tops
• Fleece jacket/ pullover
• Waterproof/ Windproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)
• Padded cycling shorts
• Long cycle tights
• Lightweight socks & heavyweight socks
• Trekking Shorts 
• Clothing to wear in the evenings
• Lightweight T-shirts 
• Long-sleeved shirt 
• Fingerless cycling gloves
• Warm gloves
• Warm fleece hat
• Buff
• Towel
• sunscreen

We recommend you bring your own first aid kit which should contain the following item; 

• Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer for headache)
• Lomotil or Diacalm
• Rehydration salts (Dioralite)
• Antiseptic cream
• Throat lozenges
• Plasters (band aids)
• Eye drops
• Anti bacterial hand wash
• Antiseptic wet wipes
• Midge Repellent

Miscellaneous

• Energy Bars (gels, power bars)
• Energy/recovery drinks
• Camera
• Travel adapter plug

Scotland - Capital City Edinburgh

Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals - this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.

You must ensure that you are in possession of a full passport with at least 6 months validity from the date you enter the country.