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

1
2
3
Technical, advanced gravel, where classic gravel and paved roads will be combined with some rocky fast descents, technical steep climbs and random mountain challenges.

Ride Surfaces

Grade 1
20%
Grade 2
15%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
25%
Grade 5
15%

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.

Click below to see Cycling Tips’ great explainer video on gravel surfaces.
GRADE 1
Bad roads, cobbles and rough paved surfaces. You’d find this rideable on a standard road bike.
GRADE 2
Well-made, hard-packed dirt roads offering a road-like experience but without the traffic. Some rutting and looseness of stones.
GRADE 3
Reasonably smooth gravel. Discernible small rocks over a hard-packed surface.
GRADE 4
Rough gravel with conditions that may include shale, larger gravel and rocks. Tubeless tyres and big clearance are the most practical choice.
GRADE 5
Borderline MTB terrain, at the rougher end of the spectrum for the capabilities of most gravel bikes.

Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

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 View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

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

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
40%
Grade 3
30%
Grade 4
0%
Grade 5
0%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
40%
Grade 3
15%
Grade 4
5%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
25%
Grade 3
30%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
40%
Grade 2
25%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
5%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
20%
Grade 3
30%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
10%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
20%
Grade 2
25%
Grade 3
30%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
15%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
0%
Grade 2
0%
Grade 3
0%
Grade 4
0%
Grade 5
0%

Surface Details

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06

Dates & Prices Illustration

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
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Waiting List


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    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 arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off at Edinburgh Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off at Edinburgh Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Edinburgh Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport

    View website arrow

    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 Details

    Specialized 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 Details


    Gravel Scotland Highlands


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