Rooster Bike Tours was born from the success of our sister company, Hillwalk Tours. Having organised hiking tours for more than 45,000 explorers over the last 15 years, we thought it was high time we do the same for those who prefer pedals to hiking boots. To do this, we’ve put together a crack team of two-wheel enthusiasts to plan and organise cycling trips for other bike lovers.
Hi, I’m James! Way back in the summer of 2008, I bought a tent, a sleeping bag and a touring bike and set off on a trip around Europe. About three months and 4,000 miles (6,400km) later, I arrived back home in Ireland and decided to start organising bike tours for others. I contacted the national tourism agency and asked them for some information about biking in Ireland. Clearly, my request got lost in translation because my inbox was soon full of documents about hiking in Ireland. For whatever reason, I decided to just roll with it and set up a company called Hillwalk Tours. Thankfully, that business has been a great success and now, 15 years later, I’m finally getting around to organising those bike tours I dreamed about way back when!
G’day fellow Roosters. I’m Tom and I live, eat and sleep everything bicycle.
I don’t discriminate when it comes to riding styles. Be it on an MTB in the mountains, on the road racing or a leisurely Dublin coast cycle with my partner, I’m in my Zen zone on two wheels. The only times you’ll see me off the pedals is when I’m planning new tours for you guys and maybe doing maintenance on one of my bikes.
With a background in hospitality and e-commerce, working here at Rooster has brought all my biggest passions together in one neat little package. There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing our tours go live and sharing them for everyone else to experience the incredible adventures we’ve put together.
Hello Roosters. I’m Ciara and while the team are out galivanting on their bikes, I’m back at HQ crunching the numbers. Don’t worry, they don’t get all the fun though. On my days off, you’ll find me cycling the coast and hiking the hills of County Clare with my family. Nature and sustainability are my biggest passions. Through my career I’ve worked closely in the fields of renewable wave energy as well as projects on developing the Wild Atlantic Way. With Rooster’s mission statement of adventure with a low carbon footprint, I’m proud to be part of something that truly speaks to me. It definitely makes it easier to say no to our Route Developers endless requests for new bike gadgets 🙂
As someone who doesn’t even cycle to the shops, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this trip! The Danube Cycle Path was flat, scenic, and dotted with bakeries where I overindulged. Thanks to the clear maps, I never got lost, even with my questionable sense of direction. Reaching Vienna felt like a r...
As someone who doesn’t even cycle to the shops, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this trip! The Danube Cycle Path was flat, scenic, and dotted with bakeries where I overindulged. Thanks to the clear maps, I never got lost, even with my questionable sense of direction. Reaching Vienna felt like a real achievement—celebrating with a huge plate of schnitzel was the perfect end.
I never thought I’d enjoy cycling so much. My partner and I took this trip for a change of pace, and it delivered. We laughed at how many pastries we ate “for energy” but still managed to reach Vienna on schedule.
Cycling alongside the Danube River felt like meditation. The route was easy enough for me, a casual cyclist, but never boring. I loved stopping at tiny villages and indulging in local food—strudel and schnitzel galore! Tom ensured my trip was stress-free.
What a ride! From the buzzing streets of Vienna to sleepy villages along the way, this tour was full of surprises. David’s route notes were detailed and easy to follow, and the bikes were top-quality. 10/10 experience!
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Austria, but this trip did it for me. Each day felt like an adventure—cycling past castles, stopping for wine in Wachau, and discovering hidden riverside cafés. Ciara at Rooster Bike Tours made the whole process so simple, from bike fittings to luggage transfe...
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Austria, but this trip did it for me. Each day felt like an adventure—cycling past castles, stopping for wine in Wachau, and discovering hidden riverside cafés. Ciara at Rooster Bike Tours made the whole process so simple, from bike fittings to luggage transfers. Vienna was a spectacular ending point, but honestly, I wish the trip had lasted longer. Already planning next year’s route with Rooster!
My parents and I decided to try something new, and this bike tour was a hit! Rooster Bike Tours took care of all the logistics, making it stress-free for us. The Danube Cycle Path’s gentle terrain was ideal for my dad, who hadn’t cycled in years. We bonded over coffee breaks in riverside towns and t...
My parents and I decided to try something new, and this bike tour was a hit! Rooster Bike Tours took care of all the logistics, making it stress-free for us. The Danube Cycle Path’s gentle terrain was ideal for my dad, who hadn’t cycled in years. We bonded over coffee breaks in riverside towns and took hundreds of photos of the stunning scenery. It was the perfect blend of activity and relaxation—just what we needed.
The Danube Cycle Path was breathtaking, and most of the logistics were handled well by Rooster Bike Tours. However, one of our hotels didn’t seem prepared for our arrival, which delayed check-in after a long day of cycling. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it threw off our evening plans a bit. That said...
The Danube Cycle Path was breathtaking, and most of the logistics were handled well by Rooster Bike Tours. However, one of our hotels didn’t seem prepared for our arrival, which delayed check-in after a long day of cycling. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it threw off our evening plans a bit. That said, the rest of the trip went smoothly, and the bikes provided were fantastic.
This was a great trip overall, but there were a couple of hiccups. On one stretch, the route instructions weren’t entirely clear, and I ended up taking a wrong turn that added an extra 5 km to my day. It wasn’t a huge issue, but after a long day, it was a bit frustrating. The scenery along the Danub...
This was a great trip overall, but there were a couple of hiccups. On one stretch, the route instructions weren’t entirely clear, and I ended up taking a wrong turn that added an extra 5 km to my day. It wasn’t a huge issue, but after a long day, it was a bit frustrating. The scenery along the Danube more than made up for it, and Tom at Rooster Bike Tours was quick to respond when I contacted him for clarification.
This was a mostly great experience, but I wish the hotels had been more consistent. Most were charming and clean, but one felt quite dated, with an uncomfortable bed that left me sore for the next day’s ride. David from Rooster Bike Tours was understanding when I mentioned it and said they’d look in...
This was a mostly great experience, but I wish the hotels had been more consistent. Most were charming and clean, but one felt quite dated, with an uncomfortable bed that left me sore for the next day’s ride. David from Rooster Bike Tours was understanding when I mentioned it and said they’d look into replacing that accommodation for future tours. Despite that, the Danube Cycle Path was beautiful, and the cycling itself was a joy.
Cycling the Danube Cycle Path was a once in a lifetime experience, and Rooster Bike Tours made the logistics easy. The accommodations were great. However, one of the bikes provided had a faulty gear that started acting up halfway through the trip. While the support team was quick to deliver a replac...
Cycling the Danube Cycle Path was a once in a lifetime experience, and Rooster Bike Tours made the logistics easy. The accommodations were great. However, one of the bikes provided had a faulty gear that started acting up halfway through the trip. While the support team was quick to deliver a replacement, it disrupted part of my afternoon ride. Despite this inconvenience, the rest of the trip was fantastic. I particularly loved cycling through the Wachau Valley and stopping for wine tastings and apricot treats. Rooster’s attention to detail was evident, even if a bit more thorough bike checks would’ve been appreciated. I’d still recommend this tour wholeheartedly!
Cycling from Porto to Lisbon was pure magic! The route was a mix of rugged coastal paths, rolling hills, and serene beaches. Rooster Bike Tours thought of everything, from detailed maps to perfectly chosen accommodations. My favorite moment was stopping in Nazaré to watch the enormous Atlantic waves...
Cycling from Porto to Lisbon was pure magic! The route was a mix of rugged coastal paths, rolling hills, and serene beaches. Rooster Bike Tours thought of everything, from detailed maps to perfectly chosen accommodations. My favorite moment was stopping in Nazaré to watch the enormous Atlantic waves. Each evening ended with fresh seafood and local wines. The experience was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. I can’t wait to book my next tour!
Portugal’s Atlantic Coast offered some of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. Rooster Bike Tours organized everything so well that all I had to do was enjoy the ride. The mix of challenging sections and flat, breezy paths made it ideal. I particularly loved the detour to Sintra—it felt like s...
Portugal’s Atlantic Coast offered some of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. Rooster Bike Tours organized everything so well that all I had to do was enjoy the ride. The mix of challenging sections and flat, breezy paths made it ideal. I particularly loved the detour to Sintra—it felt like stepping into a fairytale with its colorful castles and lush forests. Every hotel along the way was welcoming, and the food was consistently amazing. I’d do this tour again in a heartbeat!
This tour blew me away! Cycling from Lisbon to Porto offered incredible views at every turn. The quiet coastal roads, lush forests, and golden beaches made for a picturesque ride. Rooster Bike Tours handled all the details, so I could focus on the journey. The GPS provided was easy to use, and the d...
This tour blew me away! Cycling from Lisbon to Porto offered incredible views at every turn. The quiet coastal roads, lush forests, and golden beaches made for a picturesque ride. Rooster Bike Tours handled all the details, so I could focus on the journey. The GPS provided was easy to use, and the daily distances were well-planned. I’ll never forget the blend of adventure and relaxation this trip offered.
This was the cycling trip of a lifetime! Rooster Bike Tours made everything so easy, from booking to the final ride into Porto. The scenery was stunning, especially the golden beaches and dramatic cliffs along the way. I loved the flexibility of a self-guided tour, with plenty of opportunities to st...
This was the cycling trip of a lifetime! Rooster Bike Tours made everything so easy, from booking to the final ride into Porto. The scenery was stunning, especially the golden beaches and dramatic cliffs along the way. I loved the flexibility of a self-guided tour, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. Each accommodation was comfortable, and the fresh seafood was incredible. The highlight was cycling through the eucalyptus forests near Nazaré. I’ll be back for more!
Portugal’s Atlantic Coast is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever cycled. The views were stunning, and the route was well-paced, with a great balance of challenge and relaxation. Rooster Bike Tours handled all the logistics seamlessly, from luggage transfers to perfectly selected hotels. I lov...
Portugal’s Atlantic Coast is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever cycled. The views were stunning, and the route was well-paced, with a great balance of challenge and relaxation. Rooster Bike Tours handled all the logistics seamlessly, from luggage transfers to perfectly selected hotels. I loved stopping in Nazaré to watch the waves and exploring Sintra’s palaces. Every evening felt like a reward after a day of cycling. This trip was everything I’d hoped for and more.
The Atlantic Coast of Portugal is stunning, and Rooster Bike Tours planned an amazing route with plenty of highlights. However, the luggage transfer on one day was delayed by several hours, which disrupted our evening plans. Thankfully, the team was responsive and quick to apologize. Despite that hi...
The Atlantic Coast of Portugal is stunning, and Rooster Bike Tours planned an amazing route with plenty of highlights. However, the luggage transfer on one day was delayed by several hours, which disrupted our evening plans. Thankfully, the team was responsive and quick to apologize. Despite that hiccup, I loved exploring Obidos and Nazaré, and the daily rides were well-paced. The GPS provided worked perfectly, and the food along the way was phenomenal. Overall, a great trip with just a small inconvenience.
Cycling Portugal’s Atlantic Coast was an amazing way to explore the country, but one day’s ride felt overly challenging for the level advertised. The incline near Sintra was tougher than expected, which was fine for me but might not suit everyone. The route itself was stunning, with ocean views and ...
Cycling Portugal’s Atlantic Coast was an amazing way to explore the country, but one day’s ride felt overly challenging for the level advertised. The incline near Sintra was tougher than expected, which was fine for me but might not suit everyone. The route itself was stunning, with ocean views and quiet paths. Rooster Bike Tours handled the logistics perfectly, and the accommodations were excellent. Overall, I’d recommend this trip, but be prepared for some surprises on the terrain.
Rooster Bike Tours knocked it out of the park with this Scottish Highlands adventure. As an avid cyclist, I wanted a challenge, and the routes around Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan delivered. The terrain was varied but manageable, and David’s route notes were spot on. I particularly enjoyed the ferry to L...
Rooster Bike Tours knocked it out of the park with this Scottish Highlands adventure. As an avid cyclist, I wanted a challenge, and the routes around Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan delivered. The terrain was varied but manageable, and David’s route notes were spot on. I particularly enjoyed the ferry to Lismore Island—it felt like a hidden gem. Ending each day in charming towns like Fort Augustus was the perfect way to recharge. If you’re craving freedom, epic views, and a bit of sweat, book this tour now!
What an incredible way to experience Scotland! My husband and I chose the Scottish Highlands tour as a way to celebrate our anniversary, and we couldn’t have been happier. The views around Fort William and Loch Ness were absolutely magical, and we loved the peaceful ride to Lismore Island. Tom recom...
What an incredible way to experience Scotland! My husband and I chose the Scottish Highlands tour as a way to celebrate our anniversary, and we couldn’t have been happier. The views around Fort William and Loch Ness were absolutely magical, and we loved the peaceful ride to Lismore Island. Tom recommended some fantastic detours, including a scenic stop at the Falls of Lora, which was a highlight. The daily rides were just the right amount of challenge for us as moderately experienced cyclists, and the accommodations were cozy yet charming. The route was so well-organized, and the luggage transfer service meant we could focus on enjoying the journey. Truly one of the best holidays we’ve ever had!
This Scottish Highlands tour was phenomenal. I’m a solo traveler, and the ride through Glenfinnan and Fort William made me feel completely immersed in Scotland’s beauty. The maps were easy to follow, and the bikes were high-quality. A special shoutout to Ciara for checking in with me before the trip...
This Scottish Highlands tour was phenomenal. I’m a solo traveler, and the ride through Glenfinnan and Fort William made me feel completely immersed in Scotland’s beauty. The maps were easy to follow, and the bikes were high-quality. A special shoutout to Ciara for checking in with me before the trip—I felt confident and ready. 10/10 experience!
I’ve cycled in many countries, but the Scottish Highlands bike tour stands out as one of the most breathtaking. The mix of mountains, lochs, and historic towns like Fort Augustus was unbeatable. Rooster Bike Tours thought of everything, from seamless luggage transfers to great suggestions for lunch ...
I’ve cycled in many countries, but the Scottish Highlands bike tour stands out as one of the most breathtaking. The mix of mountains, lochs, and historic towns like Fort Augustus was unbeatable. Rooster Bike Tours thought of everything, from seamless luggage transfers to great suggestions for lunch stops. Glenfinnan was a highlight—I even caught the steam train crossing the viaduct! A big thanks to Ciara for her help the whole way through. I’ll be back!
I booked this Scottish Highlands tour with friends for a long-awaited reunion, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the start in Oban, the stunning scenery drew us in. Each day offered new highlights, from the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct to the tranquil shores of Loch Linnhe. The ride along th...
I booked this Scottish Highlands tour with friends for a long-awaited reunion, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the start in Oban, the stunning scenery drew us in. Each day offered new highlights, from the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct to the tranquil shores of Loch Linnhe. The ride along the Caledonian Canal was a group favorite—it was peaceful and allowed us to chat as we cycled. The logistics were perfect; Ciara was always quick to respond to questions, and the bikes were in great shape. A surprise highlight was the tiny village café near Fort Augustus where we tried fresh tablet (a Scottish treat). This was more than a trip; it was a memory we’ll treasure forever!
What a journey! The Scottish Highlands are beyond words. I particularly loved the quiet ferry ride to Lismore Island, where I spent an afternoon soaking in the serene landscape. Cycling through Glenfinnan and Fort Augustus felt like stepping into a historical novel. David’s recommendations for local...
What a journey! The Scottish Highlands are beyond words. I particularly loved the quiet ferry ride to Lismore Island, where I spent an afternoon soaking in the serene landscape. Cycling through Glenfinnan and Fort Augustus felt like stepping into a historical novel. David’s recommendations for local eateries were fantastic—I’m still dreaming about the seafood chowder in Oban.
I can’t stop raving about this tour! As a solo traveler, I wanted adventure but also some guidance, and Rooster Bike Tours delivered. Cycling through Oban, Glenfinnan, and Fort Augustus was a dream. The highlight for me was the peaceful ride along Loch Ness—the water was like glass that morning. Cia...
I can’t stop raving about this tour! As a solo traveler, I wanted adventure but also some guidance, and Rooster Bike Tours delivered. Cycling through Oban, Glenfinnan, and Fort Augustus was a dream. The highlight for me was the peaceful ride along Loch Ness—the water was like glass that morning. Ciara’s support and check-ins were so reassuring; she even gave me tips for finding the best local shortbread! The ferry to Lismore Island was another favorite—it felt like a step back in time. The route was well-organized, and I felt like I had the perfect mix of freedom and structure. Scotland’s beauty is unmatched, and this tour is the best way to soak it all in.
I joined a group of friends on this Scottish Highlands bike tour, and it was an unforgettable experience. The route was well-planned, and the scenery was stunning—from the Glenfinnan Viaduct to the shores of Loch Linnhe. I particularly loved the quiet moments cycling along the Caledonian Canal. Ciar...
I joined a group of friends on this Scottish Highlands bike tour, and it was an unforgettable experience. The route was well-planned, and the scenery was stunning—from the Glenfinnan Viaduct to the shores of Loch Linnhe. I particularly loved the quiet moments cycling along the Caledonian Canal. Ciara recommended a fantastic pub in Fort Augustus where we had the best fish and chips. The bikes were comfortable and easy to handle, even for someone like me who doesn’t cycle often. I’m already looking forward to booking another adventure.
What an epic adventure! This Scottish Highlands tour was the perfect way to explore Scotland’s rugged beauty. Starting in Oban, the route led through stunning landscapes like Glenfinnan and Fort William, with stops to admire landmarks like Castle Stalker. The ferry ride to Lismore Island offered a p...
What an epic adventure! This Scottish Highlands tour was the perfect way to explore Scotland’s rugged beauty. Starting in Oban, the route led through stunning landscapes like Glenfinnan and Fort William, with stops to admire landmarks like Castle Stalker. The ferry ride to Lismore Island offered a peaceful escape, and the accommodations throughout the journey were top-notch. As a moderately experienced cyclist, I found the daily routes challenging but incredibly rewarding. Scotland’s Highlands are truly magical, and this tour made them even more special. I’ll be recommending this to everyone back home!
I’ve never felt so connected to nature as I did on this Scottish Highlands bike tour. Riding along Loch Ness and through Fort Augustus was the perfect mix of serenity and excitement. The ferry ride to Lismore Island was a unique highlight. Ciara made the planning so easy, and the bikes were excellen...
I’ve never felt so connected to nature as I did on this Scottish Highlands bike tour. Riding along Loch Ness and through Fort Augustus was the perfect mix of serenity and excitement. The ferry ride to Lismore Island was a unique highlight. Ciara made the planning so easy, and the bikes were excellent. This trip was pure magic!
Riding through the Scottish Highlands is something I’ll never forget. The mix of rugged mountains, quiet lochs, and picturesque villages made every mile a joy. The highlight for me? The ferry ride to Lismore Island. It felt like stepping into a peaceful world of its own. Rooster Bike Tours nailed th...
Riding through the Scottish Highlands is something I’ll never forget. The mix of rugged mountains, quiet lochs, and picturesque villages made every mile a joy. The highlight for me? The ferry ride to Lismore Island. It felt like stepping into a peaceful world of its own. Rooster Bike Tours nailed the logistics—I barely had to think about anything.
This trip was life-changing. I wanted to challenge myself physically and connect with nature, and the Scottish Highlands bike tour delivered. The routes were carefully planned, with amazing views at every turn. Cycling along Loch Ness in the early morning mist felt like something out of a fantasy no...
This trip was life-changing. I wanted to challenge myself physically and connect with nature, and the Scottish Highlands bike tour delivered. The routes were carefully planned, with amazing views at every turn. Cycling along Loch Ness in the early morning mist felt like something out of a fantasy novel. Ciara’s thoughtful planning ensured I never felt lost or overwhelmed, even riding by myself. The accommodations were cozy and perfectly situated for relaxing after a day of cycling. I’ve never felt more accomplished or more at peace than I did on this tour.
The Scottish Highlands are stunning, and this bike tour really showcases them. The routes were well-planned, and highlights like Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort Augustus were incredible. The bikes were high-quality, but I felt the GPS could have been more accurate—I got a bit lost once or twice. There w...
The Scottish Highlands are stunning, and this bike tour really showcases them. The routes were well-planned, and highlights like Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort Augustus were incredible. The bikes were high-quality, but I felt the GPS could have been more accurate—I got a bit lost once or twice. There were some diversions on the route that weren’t reflected on the GPS file. In saying that, Tom was available by phone and quickly set me back on track. Overall, a great tour with minor room for improvement.