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170 mile glensStarting in the west end of Glasgow, we follow the West Highland Way north along Loch Lomond-side, skirting Ben Lomond, Scotland’s southern-most Munro.
Riding into the central Highlands, we’ll pass through Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe to tackle the infamous Devil’s Staircase. Next, we arrive in Lochaber, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, where we spend two nights in Fort William at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain.
Fort William marks the start of the Great Glen Way, which leads us along the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus, where we will spend our penultimate night, then up forest tracks above Loch Ness before descending into Inverness. ItineraryOur first night is spent in Inverness, where we will meet up to discuss the week, get to know each other and divide up the gear and kit trailers. This will allow us a nice early start the following morning.
We’ll leave Inverness behind and drive down to Milngavie in north west Glasgow, in the valley of the River Allander. We will start along the famous West Highland Way, the first long distance trail in Scotland. On leaving the city, you will see the landscape change very quickly and we will soon be out into the open countryside and tackling the lower level hills of Central Scotland. After a few hours of really enjoyable cycling we will arrive at the ferry at Inversnaid, which will take us over to the west side of Loch Lomond and our night stop at Inverarnan. Here we’ll have a good bar meal and our accommodation for the night will be wooden wig-wams. Distance covered = 65km
After a good sleep and ample breakfast, we’ll leave the Central Belt behind and start riding into the dominating landscape of the Scottish Highlands, passing Crianlarich, the half-way point of the West Highland Way. We will stop a Tyndrum for a quick re-fuel before heading off on the next leg of our adventure, which takes us over a rocky, technical section of the path to Bridge of Orchy and then to Inveroran. The track goes up the old military road, looking over the Blackmount Forest, and then on to Rannoch Moor, the largest uninhabited wilderness in the UK. After a short ride we will crest a ridge which will allow you to have your first view of Glen Coe and your accommodation for the night at the Kingshouse. Here we will be rewarded, for a fairly tough day in the saddle, with some great pub food. Distance covered = 51km
We’ll set off after breakfast and head towards the end of Glen Coe, up and over one of the best mountain bike trails in Scotland - the Devil’s Staircase - which will lead us into Kinlochleven where we can stop for lunch. After lunch we head over the last part of the West Highland Way which will lead us into Glen Nevis and our campsite for the next two nights at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. There are plenty of eating places to choose from in Fort William and a good selection of local pubs. Distance covered = 35km
You can choose to relax for the day, exploring the Fort William area, or take part in one of the many activities on offer in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. If you’re up for some more riding, there’s the World Championship course at Aonach Mor, and plenty of other routes that we can show you.
With our batteries re-charged, we’ll leave Fort William behind and set off from the old fort in the shadow of Ben Nevis. We pick up the Caledonian canal at Corpach, and journey along Scotland’s longest glen at more than 100km in length. The next part of the trail winds its way over forest tracks and alongside Loch Lochy to our welcoming B&B and the excellent local food in Fort Augustus. Distance covered = 52km
The last leg of our journey takes us from Fort Augustus, climbing high above Loch Ness, then descending into Drumnadrochit and on to our final destination in Inverness. We’ll have a well-deserved celebratory dinner and drinks in the Highland capital, before retiring to your B&B for a good night’s sleep. Distance covered = 65km
Download pdf of full itinerary Skill LevelRed/ blue Distance: 170 miles (268km) AccomodationWig-wams on the first night at Inveranan, B&B at the Kingshouse, camping in Fort William, and a B&B in Fort Augustus and Inverness. MealsBreakfast and lunches included in cost, except on rest day; evening meals not included in cost Dates of Holiday9th - 16th August 2008 Full 23rd - 30th August 2008 Limited availability
Contact us if you require alternative dates Price£550 pp 
Skills List
Green grade
Green grade trails are suitable for: beginners or novice cyclists.
Blue gradeBlue grade trails are suitable for: intermediate mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills. • Bike required: Front suspension mountain bike. • Skills needed: basic off-road riding skills to cope with uneven surfaces and small obstacles. • Trail and surface types: as above, plus specially constructed singletrack trails. Trail surface might include small obstacles of root and rock. • Gradients and technical trail features: most gradients are moderate but might include short steep sections. Technical features such as roots and rock might be present. • Suggested fitness level: a good standard of fitness can help as some trails have short climbs. 
Red gradeRed grade trails are suitable for: proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills. • Bike required: suitable for better off-road quality mountain bikes. • Skills needed: good off-roading skills and techniques to cope with technical trail features. • Trail and surface types: as above but steeper and tougher, mostly singletrack with technical sections. Expect variable surface types. • Gradients or technical trail features: a wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers and water crossings. • Suggested fitness level: a higher level of fitness and stamina is required to deal with technical features and longer distances. 
Black gradeBlack grade trails are suitable for: expert mountain bike users, used to physically demanding routes. • Bike required: a good quality full suspension mountain bike is recommended. • Skills needed: advanced level off-roading skills and technical ability. • Trail and surface types: as above, but with an expectation of greater challenge and continuous difficulty. • Gradients or technical trail features: expect large, committing and unavoidable obstacles and technical features. Sections will be challenging and variable. Might also feature 'downhill' style sections. • Suggested fitness level: suitable for very active people used to prolonged exercise. Kit List
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