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Coast to coastOur pioneering route covers 400km and over 4000m of ascent and descent and is the ultimate coast to coast ride in the UK. The trails are as varied as the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands and range from flowing singletrack to rocky and challenging mountain passes to mellow forest fire-road. Beginning in Aberdeen, we leave the city behind and ride all the way across the Highlands through the backcountry all the way to the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Britain.
This is a truly superb multi-day mountain bike ride offering world class riding through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands. ItineraryFrom the east coast city of Aberdeen we begin our journey west across Scotland. We ride through Royal Deeside, following the route of the old railway line built for Queen Victoria. After lunch we begin a steady climb into the hills before descending one of Scotland's finest singletrack trails to Glen Tanar and the village of Dinnet. Distance covered = 60km A classic day, typical of riding in the Scottish Highlands. The route takes us into the heart of the Cairngorms and through Glens Gairn and Avon. This is wild country and a real mountain experience. Overnight in Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands. Distance covered = 55km This is undoubtedly one of the best days of the trip and one of the best day rides in Scotland. A long and unforgettable day through the mighty Cairngorms massif and some of the best scenery in the UK. Some big mountain climbs, twisting forest trails and magical singletrack eventually lead us to Glen Feshie, where we cross Inshriach forest to Kingussie and our accommodation for the night. Approximately 8 hours of riding, all off-road - simply superb! Distance covered = 65km Following the River Spey towards its source, we climb into the remote Monadhliath mountains via the Corrieyairack Pass. A strenuous climb leads us to the highest point of our coast to coast route at 775m. This summit effectively divides the East and West Highlands on this ride and from hereon, we will be riding almost directly west all the way to the Atlantic. A brilliant hour long, rock-strewn descent leads all the way into Fort Augustus, on the shores of Loch Ness. Distance covered = 50km An easier day today, with lots of off-road cruising down the Great Glen passing Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Although mostly on forest road, there are one or two sections of excellent singletrack high above the Great Glen. Our destination is Fort William - outdoor capital of the UK. Distance covered = 52km The morning begins with a short journey across Loch Linnhe to Camusnagaul. We follow the shorelines of Loch Eil and Shiel in an area of considerable historic interest; this is where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. Our lunchtime destination is the beautiful River Polloch. From here the route takes one of the steepest road climbs in Britain - 400m of ascent in 3km! The downhill cruise into Strontian is adequate reward with great views over the western seaboard. Distance covered = 55km A great final day and a suitably epic end to the trip. From Strontian we head west, soon joining a beautiful coastline trail which climbs into the hills. This is one of the best singletrack sections of the route and the views of the mountains of Skye and the Small Isles are simply amazing. After lunch we can opt for the challenge of riding through an ancient volcano (seriously!) or simply cruise the short section of road to our final destination: Ardnamurchan Point! Celebratory dinner and drinks in Strontian. Distance covered = 58km Following breakfast we load the vehicle and bikes and enjoy a leisurely three hour journey back to Inverness, arriving around lunchtime.
Download pdf of full itinerary Skill LevelRed/blue AccomodationSeven nights accommodation in 3-star and 4-star guest houses and small hotels MealsLunch included on first day, breakfast and lunch included each day thereafter Dates of Holiday14th - 21st June 2008 Full 23rd - 30th August 2008 Full 20th - 27th September 2008
Contact us if you require alternative dates Price£795 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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