Gravel
Scotland Highlands
Gravel Scotland Highlands
Scotland and gravel riding is a marriage made in heaven!
Our route has been devised by Ed Shoote, author of the book “Gravel Rides Scotland”. He’s ridden 1000s of miles of Scottish gravel and has hand-picked the very best for this unique tour.
Overview
Details
Next Departure
June 1st 2025
From
USD $4,795
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Non-Rider Friendly
No
Rental Bike
From USD $550
Ride Program
Total Distance
Total Elevation
Daily Av. Distance
Daily Av. Elevation
Overview
With stunning landscapes and some of the most remote wilderness areas in Europe, Scotland is a paradise for gravel riding. Our route, designed by Ed Shoote, Scottish gravel expert and author of the book Gravel Rides Scotland follows a magnificent journey from “Gravelfoyle” the mecca of Scottish gravel riding through the best of the Highlands to the royal estate near Braemer.
The route starts in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park, truly the heart of Scotland. It then stretches north across the romantic isolation of Rannoch moor and under the high peaks of the Central Highlands Heading east the route flies along the smooth white quartz gravel tracks of the Cairngorms National Park. Each track we ride was built for a reason and it has a story to tell, from the 18th Century military roads of General Wade to the well-trodden ‘drove roads’ that cattle traders took south to markets as far away as London.
Gravel not only shapes Scotland’s cultural history but takes us deep into its breathtaking wild and remote landscapes. This trip has just enough challenges to feel like a real adventure as it crosses rivers, climbs mountains but all the time tries to stick to gravel tracks and quiet lanes.
Trip Technical Difficulty
Ride Surfaces
Bike Setup Recommendations
Recommended Tires
700×40
A minimum 700×40, but feel free to use more rubber for more comfort and grip if your bike has extra tire clearance.
Recommended Gearing
38T × 11-42
We recommend a minimum gear ratio of 0.90 using a 38T chainring × 42 rear cog (or equivalent). Check your gear ratios at www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios.
Gravel Explained
Read below for a brief description of our gravel definitions. We have classed the surfaces into five categories, from tarmac to boulders, to give an indication of the amount and level of rough stuff on each trip.
Itinerary
Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Aberfoyle | Forest Hills Hotel, Macdonalds | |||
02 | Aberfoyle to Crieff | Crieff Hydro Hotel | |||
03 | Crieff to Loch Rannoch | Loch Rannoch Hotel | |||
04 | Kinloch Rannoch to Kingussie | Duke of Gordon | |||
05 | Kingussie to Grantown on Spey | The Speyside Hotel | |||
06 | Grantown on Spey to Ballater | Cambus O May hotel | |||
07 | Haste ye back! | ||||
Daily Averages |
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
Elevation
Aberfoyle
After lunch and getting your bike set up, where else could a gravel tour of Scotland start but the town which calls itself Gravelfoyle, aka Aberfoyle, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. From the idyllically set Forest Hills Hotel and Spa its a short distance to get off road and onto the area’s famous gravel tracks within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The most photogenic section of the day might be the gravel track snaking under victorian stone aqueducts that send fresh water almost 100 miles to the city of Glasgow, but then again it could be the sweeping forested vista over the waters of Loch Ard and Ben Lomond.
Afterwards you’ll enjoy getting back to stay in this exclusive hotel and enjoy the spa. Given the week of adventure lying ahead you’ll appreciate a soak of the legs and enjoy a hearty dinner to prepare.
Day 2
Distance
Elevation
Aberfoyle to Crieff
Enjoy a short spin along the shores of Loch Ard before you leave Aberfoyle behind and tackle a tough off-road climb up to Dukes Pass. At the pass itself awaits a fast, flowy gravel descent on the 3 Lochs Forest Drive. If three lochs wasn’t enough, a detour takes you on a small climb up to Loch Katrine, a peaceful loch nestled in verdant native forests. Callander is often called the gateway to the Highlands and appropriately has the second big climb of the day from the town. It starts on tarmac before fading into a rugged, wild and remote gravel hill track.
You next reach the town of Comrie where an avenue of giant redwood trees mark the start of the final climb, this has some very short technical sections early on and a push or two might be needed, while skilled riders might clean it all.
If that sounds rewarding but exhausting you’re in luck because the destination – Crieff Hydro, is one of Scotland’s premier hotels and perfect for rest and relaxation. It has a spa, seven restaurants serving quality Scottish ingredients and five bars to grab a whisky and share stories from the first full day of riding. If time allows, the route passes the GlenTurret Distillery in Crieff, Scotland’s oldest working distillery.
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
Crieff to Loch Rannoch
From Crieff the route delivers a real highland adventure. You will start out with a climb back out of Crieff, which rewards with a wonderful but slightly more challenging gravel descent. This takes you down towards Glen Almond which is classic Scottish gravel riding on estate tracks. To add to the sense of adventure there’s a very short hike at the head of the glen to join the next track back down towards Loch Tay and the River Tay, Scotland’s longest river. There is a welcome section on quiet back roads, this suits a gravel bike as it meanders along under tunnels of trees with a lack of any real traffic.
The road breaks out of the woods and into stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Not long after this the next big climb begins. A gravel track heads for a pass between the peaks and marks the watershed between the vast Lochs of Tay and Rannoch.
The gravel descent to Loch Rannoch is a perfect way to end the day, great views, great riding and yet another comfy, quality Loch Rannoch Hotel and Spa to welcome you.
Day 4
Distance
Elevation
Kinloch Rannoch to Kingussie
If you thought Kinloch Rannoch was in the middle of the Highlands then the ride on day 4 will take your breath away. The toughest day of the tour, but what an adventure riding along one of Scotland’s very best remote stretches of gravel.
For much of the ride you’re closer to a railway than roads. You’ll pass near Corrour station, made famous in the Trainspotting film where they get dropped off to climb a mountain in the middle of the moors. The gravel tracks are fast, smooth and scenic. Loch Ossian is a jewel in the crown with views between wind blown pine trees to the back of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak. Next up at Loch Laggan is the fairytale-like castle of Ardverikie House. It couldn’t be any more Scottish with its turrets sitting on the shores of Loch Laggan and a backdrop of some of Scotland’s highest summits.
You finally cross the first road of the day and continue onto a section of the infamous 18th century military road between Fort Augustus and Ruthven Barracks. Built to quell the highland uprisings by General Wade for the English. While this section is now paved you can still spot the original stone bridges.
Day 5
Distance
Elevation
Kingussie to Grantown on Spey
Day 5 leaves the Central Highlands behind and heads to Cairngorm National Park. You start the day in dramatic fashion alongside the ruined 300 year old Ruthven barracks, a castle perched on an imposing defensive mound. It is then all about nature as the gravel takes you into the heart of Glen Feshie and the Cairngorm mountains, this is on an estate bought by Danish Billionaire Anders Pollvsen which he is gradually re-wilding. The native pine, birch and other species are reclaiming the barren hillsides and wildlife is returning in greater numbers. Listen carefully and you may hear or even see a rare, protected capercaillie.
Hidden in the forest is Loch an Eilein, one of the most special and loved places in Scotland. On a calm day the mountains are reflected in the water but it’s the 13th century island castle in the middle of the loch that’s the real jewel in the crown. The route reaches the northern fringes of the Cairngorms and over the steep Ryvoan Pass towards Speyside. A region home to the many whisky distilleries that are household names around the world. Following the River Spey leads you to the famous old Spey Bridge and to your stop for the night at the Speyside Hotel in central Grantown, where the hotel bar will certainly supply a few local beverages of choice.
Day 6
Distance
Elevation
Grantown on Spey to Ballater
You now head to the eastern side of the Cairngorms and one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland. Queen Victoria chose to buy the royal highland estate at Balmoral which you’ll pass through.
With this being the last day it pushes onto some more technical sections and throws in some stream and river crossings too! The day starts on back roads and smooth tracks south from Grantown on Spey. At the village of Tomintoul the route takes in a fantastic private estate road south. This paved closed road might have some estate land rovers but little else to distract from the scenery. You’ll spot stags and eagles here if lucky. It is then all about getting onto gravel as a the track winds up into the hills. The path around Loch Builg is the next technical challenge of the day, but from here on the gravel is smooth, fast and often white or orange quartz gravel that will glisten in the sun as you ride. The final highlight is Loch Muick, reportedly Prince Charles’ favourite spot in the Highlands. From Loch Muick it is an easy roll along to the wonderful Cambus O’ May Hotel, in its secluded forested location.
Day 7
Distance
Elevation
Haste ye back!
Unfortunately, your trip across Scotland has come to an end.
Our shuttle will drop you off at Edinburgh Airport.
Map & Profile
Surface Details
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Dates & Prices
Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | |||||||
Jun 1 - 7 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $4,795
|
USD $900 |
USD $900 |
Book this trip |
Waiting List
Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:
Trip Hotels
Forest Hills Hotel, Macdonalds
Crieff Hydro Hotel
Loch Rannoch Hotel
Duke of Gordon
The Speyside Hotel
Cambus O May hotel
What's Included
What's Included | What's Not Included |
---|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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What's Included |
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Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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What's Not Included |
|
Pick-up/Drop-off Info
Arrival
Pickup Location | Time |
---|---|
Edinburgh Airport |
9:00am |
OR |
|
Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport |
9:00am |
Departure
Drop Off Location | Time |
---|---|
Edinburgh Airport |
11:00am |
Rental Bikes
3T Exploro Boost e-bike
Frame
3T Exploro Ultra Boost Carbon
Groupset
Sram Rival AXS XPLR Electronic
Weight
12.8kg
Wheels
Rodi alloy 700c
Chainrings
40
Cassette
12-speed 10-44t
Sizes
XXS, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
USD $750
View DetailsSpecialized Diverge Expert Carbon
Frame
Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon
Groupset
SRAM Eagle
Weight
Under 1kg (size 56)
Wheels
Roval Terra C
Chainrings
40T
Cassette
11-50t (12-speed)
Sizes
49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
USD $550
View DetailsGravel Scotland Highlands
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