Your adventure begins in Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands. Spend the day wandering along the banks of the River Ness, where you’ll glimpse Inverness Castle’s impressive towers. Take a moment at the peaceful Ness Islands, surrounded by towering pines, and explore the historic lanes of the city. Visit the Victorian Market and indulge in local flavors, perhaps some fresh smoked salmon or sweet Scottish tablet. With a sense of anticipation building, soak in the city’s rich history before your cycling journey begins.
Distance: 31 kms (19 miles) / Elevation Gain: 286 m (965 feet) / Saddle Time: 2-4 hours
Leave Inverness behind, cycling alongside the enchanting shores of Loch Ness. The ride southwards offers sweeping views of this legendary loch, with its mysterious, deep waters flanked by lush forests. Feel the breeze as you ride through the tranquility of Dores and catch glimpses of charming hillside cottages. Arrive in Foyers, where the cascading Falls of Foyers await you. Stand in awe at this dramatic waterfall, whose roar echoes in the wooded glen, adding a natural rhythm to the landscape. Unwind here for the night and revel in the peacefulness of nature.
Distance: 41 kms (25 miles) / Elevation Gain: 629 m (2100 feet) / Saddle Time: 3-5 hours
Embark on a scenic ride along the quiet country lanes that trace Loch Ness’s remote, southeastern edge. The route takes you through thick woodland and past serene glens, with glimpses of the loch often peeking through. You’ll pass through the village of Fort Augustus, where you can watch the boats navigate the Caledonian Canal locks—a perfect spot for a lunch break. From there, the road gently climbs and falls as you make your way to South Laggan, where the moody landscape gives a sense of unspoiled beauty. Rest here, cradled by the surrounding hills.
Distance: 33 kms (20 miles) / Elevation Gain: 310 m (10450 feet) / Saddle Time: 2.5-4 hours
Pedal along the peaceful towpath of the Caledonian Canal, relishing the reflections of pine-clad hills in the still water. Reach Gairlochy, and continue along quiet roads that guide you towards the dramatic peaks of Ben Nevis. The closer you get to Fort William, the more the mountains seem to grow, welcoming you into the heart of the Highlands. The journey’s end for the day is Fort William, a bustling town framed by soaring hills. Take a moment to marvel at the imposing mass of Ben Nevis, hinting at the Highlands’ untamed spirit.
Spend your morning exploring Fort William, perhaps taking the time to ride the Nevis Range gondola for a panoramic view of the Great Glen. If you’re in the mood for more cycling, venture down the West Highland Way towards Glen Nevis, where streams and ancient woodlands converge to paint a scene of pristine beauty. As your time winds to a close, breathe in the crisp Highland air one last time before departing—your spirit refreshed, filled with memories of lochs, glens, and the timeless allure of Scotland’s rugged landscape.
All our accommodation selections are in-house reviewed. We partner with family-owned, charming guesthouses and hotels where you can relax and recharge. Below are some sample accommodations on our Scottish Highlands tours. Depending on availability, the accommodation you stay at may vary but will always be of a similar standard.
Welcome to The White House, your Fort Augustus “home away from home.” The White House aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year.
The White House puts the best of Fort Augustus at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
Welcome to Torlinnhe Guest House, offering exceptional hospitality and luxury value accommodation in Fort William ‘The Outdoor Capital of the UK’, on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands.
Situated 1 mile South of Fort William city centre ( 20 min walk or 5 min by car) this award-winning guest house has beautiful views over Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour peninsula.
The guesthouse provides 8 stylish and modern en-suite rooms and two luxury lodges.
All individually finished and designed with you in mind.
This tour is in our Moderate difficulty grading. Consisting of a blend of cycle lanes, quiet country roads and forest trails. The early stages of the tour have a bit more elevation gain and longer days, but the final stages give you an opportunity to recover.
We offer hard-tail mountain bikes, gravel bikes and if you are having doubts about your fitness levels, we also offer electric mountain bikes on this tour.
This tour is for those that appreciate scenery above all else. Although there may be points of steeper elevation gain, it isn’t anything unsurmountable to someone of moderate fitness.
The region can be at points very remote, so if you enjoy feeling like it’s just you brushing with unspoiled nature and wildlife, this tour will be perfect for you.
You have a choice of bringing your own bike or renting your tour bike through us during booking. For the Scottish Highlands, the bikes available are robust electric or manual mountain bikes and manual gravel bikes. If an electric bike is chosen, it will bring the daily saddle time down by approximately 1 hour.
We only partner with the best bike suppliers for all our destinations so you’ll be guaranteed well maintained, premium brand bikes such as Cube, Trek or KTM.
All bike rentals come with helmet, lock and repair kit. A network of mechanics are on call in case of any mechanical issues faced while on tour.
We offer tours in Scotland from April – September. At the start of the tour season, the average temperatures in Inverness are approximately 8 °C (45 °F). This is the quietest times of the season to miss queues at landmarks and also the driest time of the year. Temperatures peak at 18 °C (64 °F) in July & August. Temperatures as high as 25 °C (77 °F) have been recorded, but these are quite rare. Please see image below for reference.
As you will be cycling through a glen, you’ll encounter micro climates where the weather can suddenly shift. It is recommended to have emergency wet gear packed at all times while riding. Precipitation in this region is typically quite frequent but light in nature.
We include detailed navigation instructions and GPX files for your ride. Our navigation app is easy to use and we give a detailed instructional video on how to use it. If you are having any difficulty, we are on call at all times to assist you.
There is some marked signage on the routes to keep you on course, as well as many fellow bikers and hikers on the trails to steer you in the right direction.
Included in your tour, is 24/7 message and video support. If you have an issue with navigation, bike breakdown, accommodation, medical, etc, we are at the touch of a button away at all times.
We have an extensive network of suppliers along the route, who will resolve the problem as swiftly as possible.
If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for above, visit our general FAQ page for more information or simply reach out to us with the “Ask A Question” button on the side.
I wasn’t sure I could handle a self-guided Scottish Highlands bike tour, but this was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The Glenfinnan Viaduct literally took my breath away, and the ride through Loch Linnhe felt like something out of a movie. Ciara’s encouragement and clear directions made all...
I wasn’t sure I could handle a self-guided Scottish Highlands bike tour, but this was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The Glenfinnan Viaduct literally took my breath away, and the ride through Loch Linnhe felt like something out of a movie. Ciara’s encouragement and clear directions made all the difference. Highly recommend—even for less experienced cyclists!
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...
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...
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—I...
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 took this trip as a solo woman traveler, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Cycling through the Scottish Highlands felt like stepping into a fairytale. Highlights included the Glenfinnan Viaduct and riding along the shores of Loch Ness. The quiet ferry ride to Lismore Island was...
I took this trip as a solo woman traveler, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Cycling through the Scottish Highlands felt like stepping into a fairytale. Highlights included the Glenfinnan Viaduct and riding along the shores of Loch Ness. The quiet ferry ride to Lismore Island was a meditative break from cycling. The team at Rooster Bike Tours, especially Ciara, ensured I felt safe and supported the entire way. This was a deeply personal journey, and I can’t wait to return for another adventure!
This was hands-down one of the best trips I’ve ever taken! The Scottish Highlands tour had everything—stunning views, rich history, and a great mix of challenging and relaxing rides. Starting in Oban, I quickly fell in love with the charm of the Highlands. Glenfinnan’s viaduct was absolutely breathtaking, and the...
This was hands-down one of the best trips I’ve ever taken! The Scottish Highlands tour had everything—stunning views, rich history, and a great mix of challenging and relaxing rides. Starting in Oban, I quickly fell in love with the charm of the Highlands. Glenfinnan’s viaduct was absolutely breathtaking, and the detour to Castle Stalker was well worth the extra effort. David’s advice to take a slower pace through the Caledonian Canal was spot on—it was the most serene ride of my life. The luggage transfers were flawless, and the accommodations were cozy yet elegant. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for an unforgettable way to see Scotland, this tour is perfect. I’m already planning a second trip!
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...
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 the...
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 eateries were fantastic—I’m still...
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.
This Scottish Highlands bike tour was everything I hoped for and more. The ride through Glenfinnan and along Loch Ness was like stepping into a postcard. Tom’s advice about pacing myself was invaluable. I’m an experienced cyclist, but the route was still quite challenging. The views of Ben Nevis will...
This Scottish Highlands bike tour was everything I hoped for and more. The ride through Glenfinnan and along Loch Ness was like stepping into a postcard. Tom’s advice about pacing myself was invaluable. I’m an experienced cyclist, but the route was still quite challenging. The views of Ben Nevis will stay with me forever. I can’t wait to come back!
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....
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’ve done a lot of bike tours, but this Scottish Highlands trip blew me away. The ride through Glenfinnan and along the Caledonian Canal was pure magic. The views of Loch Linnhe were mesmerizing. Tom’s route tips were spot on, especially for tackling hills. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or...
I’ve done a lot of bike tours, but this Scottish Highlands trip blew me away. The ride through Glenfinnan and along the Caledonian Canal was pure magic. The views of Loch Linnhe were mesmerizing. Tom’s route tips were spot on, especially for tackling hills. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, this tour is a must-do.
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...
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 peaceful escape, and...
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...
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!
Even as someone from Scotland, this Highlands tour felt like seeing my home country for the first time. The route was perfectly curated to showcase the very best of the Highlands. Cycling through Fort Augustus and along Loch Ness was a highlight—the reflections on the water were unreal. Glenfinnan was...
Even as someone from Scotland, this Highlands tour felt like seeing my home country for the first time. The route was perfectly curated to showcase the very best of the Highlands. Cycling through Fort Augustus and along Loch Ness was a highlight—the reflections on the water were unreal. Glenfinnan was absolutely stunning, especially the viaduct, which I’d only seen in pictures before. Tom’s advice to take my time through the Caledonian Canal stretch was so helpful—it’s the most peaceful ride I’ve ever had. The logistics, from luggage transfers to accommodations, were seamless. Whether you’re from Scotland or abroad, this tour is a must-do. I’ll cherish these memories forever.
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...
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.
Scotland’s Highlands exceeded my expectations in every way. The rolling terrain, dramatic mountains, and historic villages felt like something out of a dream. Highlights for me included Glenfinnan, where the viaduct is even more impressive in person, and the ride along Loch Ness—it felt like I had the place to...
Scotland’s Highlands exceeded my expectations in every way. The rolling terrain, dramatic mountains, and historic villages felt like something out of a dream. Highlights for me included Glenfinnan, where the viaduct is even more impressive in person, and the ride along Loch Ness—it felt like I had the place to myself. Ciara gave me great advice about where to stop for lunch. As someone who cycles regularly, I found the route difficult but not overwhelming. This tour made Scotland feel like home, even if just for a few days.
If you’re even slightly considering this tour, stop thinking and just book it. I’ve never done a self-guided bike tour before, and the Scottish Highlands set the bar incredibly high. Fort William and Fort Augustus were standouts, but what really surprised me was the Caledonian Canal stretch—so quiet and peaceful....
If you’re even slightly considering this tour, stop thinking and just book it. I’ve never done a self-guided bike tour before, and the Scottish Highlands set the bar incredibly high. Fort William and Fort Augustus were standouts, but what really surprised me was the Caledonian Canal stretch—so quiet and peaceful. Rooster Bike Tours thought of everything, from sturdy, well-maintained bikes to detailed navigation and luggage transfers that worked like a charm. David suggested a stop at Castle Stalker, and I’m so glad I took the detour. The ferry ride to Lismore Island was also unforgettable. I came to Scotland looking for adventure, but I left with a sense of connection to its land and history. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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...
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.
I’ve done guided bike tours before, but this self-guided Highlands tour was a new level of freedom. The scenery is beyond anything I could have imagined—Loch Linnhe, Foyers Falls, and even hidden gems like Urquhart. The route was challenging in places, especially the climbs around Fort Augustus, but incredibly rewarding....
I’ve done guided bike tours before, but this self-guided Highlands tour was a new level of freedom. The scenery is beyond anything I could have imagined—Loch Linnhe, Foyers Falls, and even hidden gems like Urquhart. The route was challenging in places, especially the climbs around Fort Augustus, but incredibly rewarding. Tom was fantastic at answering all my pre-trip questions, and Ciara’s attention to detail with the GPS and recommendations was spot on. The trip to Lismore was a magical interlude, with sheep grazing on the hills and the sound of the water lapping against the boat. Every moment felt like I was discovering a new side of Scotland. I’d do it all over again tomorrow.
The Scottish Highlands tour was breathtaking, and the scenery alone is worth the trip. Cycling through Fort Augustus and along Loch Ness was unforgettable. My only issue was the weather—it rained most of the trip, and I wasn’t fully prepared. It was mentioned in the information pack to bring wet...
The Scottish Highlands tour was breathtaking, and the scenery alone is worth the trip. Cycling through Fort Augustus and along Loch Ness was unforgettable. My only issue was the weather—it rained most of the trip, and I wasn’t fully prepared. It was mentioned in the information pack to bring wet gear, but I didn’t realize quite how wet it could be. That said, Ciara was helpful in providing advice to adapt my plans. Next time, I’ll bring better gear!
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...
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.
A fantastic tour through the Highlands! The views of Ben Nevis and Loch Ness were epic. My only complaint was that one of the accommodations in Invergarry felt a bit outdated compared to the others. However, the cycling itself was top-notch, and David’s route advice was spot on. I’d definitely...
A fantastic tour through the Highlands! The views of Ben Nevis and Loch Ness were epic. My only complaint was that one of the accommodations in Invergarry felt a bit outdated compared to the others. However, the cycling itself was top-notch, and David’s route advice was spot on. I’d definitely recommend this to others but hope for a bit more consistency.
This was my first bike tour, and the Scottish Highlands didn’t disappoint. The scenery was incredible, especially Loch Ness and Loch Linnhe. However, I found the GPS directions a bit finicky at times, which slowed me down. Also the trails were a bit more challenging than I was expecting. My...
This was my first bike tour, and the Scottish Highlands didn’t disappoint. The scenery was incredible, especially Loch Ness and Loch Linnhe. However, I found the GPS directions a bit finicky at times, which slowed me down. Also the trails were a bit more challenging than I was expecting. My tour was classed as moderate but at times was pushing into the difficult bracket. All in all, it was a fantastic trip with a few minor frustrations.
This tour was an excellent way to explore Scotland’s Highlands, with highlights like Urquhart, Fort Augustus, and the serene Loch Ness. The bikes were comfortable and well-maintained, and the accommodations were generally good. My only gripe was that some routes felt a little too ambitious our skill level—I wish there...
This tour was an excellent way to explore Scotland’s Highlands, with highlights like Urquhart, Fort Augustus, and the serene Loch Ness. The bikes were comfortable and well-maintained, and the accommodations were generally good. My only gripe was that some routes felt a little too ambitious our skill level—I wish there had been more information about the difficulty upfront and we would have booked e-bikes instead. Tom was helpful in suggesting ways to pace ourselves, but we still felt a bit overwhelmed at times. Despite a few difficulties, we came away with amazing memories and a deep appreciation for Scotland’s wild beauty.
3* or 4* Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast Each Morning
Luggage Transfer
Itinerary & Navigation Documentation
Tips & Local Insights
24-Hour Support