Scotland · Highlands
Seven days from the Atlantic coast to the North Sea.
About this tour
This Scotland Highlands Gravel crosses the northern half of Britain from west to east — Fort William on the Atlantic seaboard to Montrose on the North Sea — almost entirely on unpaved roads, forestry tracks and ancient droving routes. Five riding stages, 520 to 540 kilometres, with 5,100 to 6,500 metres of cumulative climbing. A serious gravel traverse, not a sightseeing loop with bikes.
Scotland doesn't ease you in. From the first pedal stroke you're in it — wide open moorland, ancient military roads, estate tracks that disappear into the hills. The Highlands don't perform for anyone.
They're simply there, vast and indifferent, and riding through them on gravel feels like something you'll be explaining to people for years.
Route overview
520–540 km · 5,100–6,500 m total · Fort William → Montrose, Scotland
What you get
Forestry roads, droving routes and moorland tracks across some of the oldest landscape in Europe.
Seven nights in small hotels and guesthouses chosen for location — some remote, all with character.
Fort William on the Atlantic, Montrose on the North Sea — a full Highland traverse from one coast to the other.
Day by day
Arrive into Edinburgh; the shared transfer leaves the airport at 16:00 for the three-hour drive north to Fort William, past some of Scotland's finest scenery. Bike assembly, welcome dinner and briefing.
Small roads, gravel tracks and beautiful passages along the Caledonian Canal, riding lochside through open landscapes to Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness.
Defined by the Highlands: General Wade's Old Military Road across one of Scotland's most remote areas — gravel, wind across open moorland, the feeling of being small in a vast landscape — then down toward Kingussie.
Deeper through small towns, forest and open highland, terrain changing from wide glens to rawer, exposed passages near the Cairngorms. Finish in Tomintoul, Scotland's highest village. Dinner included.
Ease off and enjoy the Highlands slowly: the Glenlivet distillery offers tours and tastings, or join a lighter gravel loop. Dinner included.
Up the River Avon through Glen Builg, where the route opens into something genuinely wild — long stretches, few people, enormous views — then down toward the River Dee valley and Tarland.
A long, beautiful closing day. Gradually east, the landscape opening to the first hints of the sea across easy gravel, small lanes and faster connections. Reach Montrose and the North Sea — coast to coast complete. Celebration dinner included.
The bus leaves the finish hotel at 09:00 for Edinburgh airport, arriving by about 11:00 — book return flights from 13:00 at the earliest.
How we ride
Follow the guide across the passes and long descents. The support vehicle is positioned at key points, navigation and logistics are handled — you focus on the riding.
Load the day's route and set off when you're ready — you control the breaks and stops. The crew is positioned along the route and meets you at the hotel each evening.
Every tour is run in English — guiding, daily briefings, route notes and all documents are in English.
What's included
Common questions
The Adventure route suits riders comfortable with 3–4 hours in the saddle over consecutive days — at home on a gravel bike in hilly terrain, but no need to race. The Explorer route asks more: 5–6 hour days, more elevation, and the confidence to navigate loose gravel and estate tracks independently. This is about distance, weather and remoteness rather than technical riding.
A gravel bike (mechanical or e-assist), or a light MTB with suitable tyres and gearing — road bikes and hybrids aren't suitable. Minimum 38 mm tyres (wider is better), tubeless strongly recommended for Scotland's wet conditions and rough estate tracks, and a low gear around 0.9 for the climbs. Have it freshly serviced before you travel.
Rental isn't readily available in the Scottish Highlands, so we recommend bringing your own bike as checked baggage — a good hard case makes the trip more straightforward. Get in touch if you'd like guidance.
Both, daily. A guide leads each stage and handles navigation, with the support vehicle always within reach; or follow the GPS files (Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot) at your own pace and the crew meets you at the hotel each evening.
The support vehicle carries tools, spares and a spare bike, and the guides help with repairs — you only pay for parts. On remote stages you may be further from the vehicle, so be able to handle a puncture or chain issue yourself.
Most of our riders are 45–65. Sensible daily distances, a genuine rest day and the option of the support vehicle let you calibrate it to how you feel. Cycling fitness and multi-day experience matter more than age.
Yes — many riders come solo. Groups are up to 10 per guide and typically international. Accommodation is a shared double room by default; a single-room supplement is available.
Before you go
Fly to Edinburgh (EDI). A shared bus transfer departs Edinburgh Airport at 16:00 on the arrival day for the three-hour drive north to Fort William. On the final day the bus returns to Edinburgh Airport by about 11:00 — book return flights no earlier than 13:00.
Bring a gravel bike (mechanical or e-assist) or a light MTB with suitable tyres and gearing — road bikes and hybrids aren't suitable. Minimum 38 mm tyres (40–45 mm better), tubeless strongly recommended, and a low gear around 0.9 for the steeper climbs. Have it freshly serviced before you travel and carry a spare tube. Rental can be arranged through a local partner — ask when you book.
Comprehensive travel and accident insurance — including medical cover and repatriation — is required and not included. Take out cover that includes cycling before you travel; ask us if you'd like a recommendation.
Scotland doesn't ease you in — pack for four seasons in a day. A proper waterproof, warm layers and gloves earn their place even in summer, and tubeless tyres handle the wet estate tracks. Towels and toiletries are provided; bring comfortable walking shoes and something smart-casual for dinner.
Intermediate — challenging. This tour is graded Explore & Adventure. You don't need to race, but you should be comfortable riding back-to-back days on mixed terrain. A good benchmark is 70–80 km with 1,000–1,200 m of climbing with energy to spare. See our levels page, or get in touch if you're unsure.
When to go
| Dates | Availability | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| 13 – 20 Sep 2026 | Open | From €2,650 |
| 2027 | ||
| 26 Jun – 3 Jul 2027 | Open | From €2,650 |
| 28 Jul – 4 Aug 2027 | Open | From €2,650 |
Per person, shared room. Single supplement on request. A deposit secures your place; the balance is due 60 days before departure.
Private & group tours
A cycling club, a group of friends or colleagues — we can arrange a private departure on dates that suit you, same route and same support, just your own group. We also run fully custom private tours for smaller groups.
Also worth considering
Stay in the loop
New routes, trip reports and quiet-season departure alerts — before anyone else. No spam, just the good gravel.
Thanks — you're on the list.
