Freewheel - Scotland Lakes and Castles

Scotland Lakes and Castles

United Kingdom

From £880 P/P

This tour encompasses all that is great about Scotland in the beautiful region of Perth. The Highlands of Scotland never fail to disappoint with its rugged beauty, which is clear to see from the start to finish of this tour. As you cycle through this region, you will enjoy the purple heather of the highlands, the glistening water of Scotlands impressive lochs, and, to the south, the vast and impressive expanse of flat farm lands.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival in Callander

Make your own way to Callander. Located in the historic county of Perthshire, close to the University town of Stirling, this small but popular tourist town is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Highlands.'

DAY 2 Tour the Tossachs approx. 35-55 km

You will head out, by bike, along the banks of Loch Venachar, with the hills on either side reflecting in the sparkling waters of the loch. Today's destination is Loch Katrine, a beautiful and remote loch where you can take a ride on a traditional steamer boat, which was built in 1872. After your boat ride you will head back to Callander on a route made up predominantly of cycle trials .

DAY 3 Callander – Doune – Dunblane approx. 40 km

Cycling southwards to the ancient village of Doune with its famous Castle. The hit USA Series Outlander was filmed here at Doune Castle. Doune Castle is a medieval tower castle.

DAY 4 Callander – Killin approx. 40-55 km

Today we follow the National Cycle Network north, alongside Loch Lubnaig, towards Strathyre where you are sure to find a nice place for a coffee break. You then continue to cycle, making your way north, heading up, over the gentle climb of Glen Ogle, before descending to Killin. The waterfall, Falls of Dochart, that you will find here really is spectacular, and many people sit a while on the rocks to watch the cascading waters pass by.

DAY 5 Killin – Aberfeldy approx. 40 km

Cycling alongside Loch Tay, which is around 27km long, to Kenmore. Here you can visit the Scottish Crannog Centre which shows what typical life would have been like on the Loch during the bronze age. Then continue, passing Castle Menzies to Aberfeldy. Just before you enter Aberfeldy you cross a famous bridge built by General Wade. It forms part of the network of army roads built by the English in the 18th century.

DAY 6 Aberfeldy – Pitlochry approx. 20 / 50 km

Today you have a shorter ride, which will allow plenty of time to explore Pitlochry on arrival. Before setting off today though visit the whisky distillery. Your ride starts cycling along the River Tay valley. When you the turn north to Pitlochry, a few short hills await you before you reach your destination.

DAY 7 Pitlochry Loop approx. 15 / 60 km

Here there is much to see and do, two whisky distilleries to visit one the world’s smallest. The Fish and Dam Ladder allowing salmon to jump the dam wall. Many shops to visit along with many pubs and bars. For those who wish to cycle it’s worth the short trip to Blair Castle one of Scotland’s grand castles and home of the Duke of Athol and his family. Follow this turbulent history as you walk from room to room. There are fabulous gardens and many walking trails available. You then cycle back towards Pitlochry where you can visit the Killiecrankie visitor centre, which shows the history behind the Jacobite raising.

DAY 8 Departure or Extension
Route Overview

Route Overview

Total Distance: Approx 250 Km (some routes can be adapted to make overall tour longer/shorter)

Overall Difficulty: Medium

There is no day longer than 45 km (alternative routes up to 70 km). Generally flat along the “lochs” on bike paths or quiet secondary roads. On the 3rd day there is one longer climb, a bit longer but not steep. On day 4 there is a climb on the alternative route of about 500 m in altitude. The route whereas is short and softly undulating.

This holiday is not suitable for people with very reduced mobility
Getting There

Getting There

Nearby Airports can be found in Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are good rail links in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. Buses are available into Callendar.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
What’s Included?

What’s Included?

Accomodation in the respective category

Traditional Scottish Continental breakfast

Personal rental bike handover every Saturday (English)

Luggage transfer between the hotels

Detailed travel documents 1 x per room (German, English with route maps, route description.

local attractions, important telephone numbers)

GPS-data is available on requestService hotline (English)
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling offers quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.

Along with your hire, you will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Men's Bike (Colour may vary)

Electric Bike (Colour may vary)

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gears

7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.

We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Hotels

Hotels

Category A: 1x 3***- and 4**** gotels and guesthouses

Categroy B: 3***- hotels, guestouses and BBs

Date & Prices

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >>

Dates:

Season
Season 1	1 April 2021 - 30 September 2021

	Cat A	Cat B
Double	£880.00	£755.00
Single	£645.00	£465.00

Extra Nights	Room Type	Price
Callander	p.p. dbl/bb	£85.00
	sgl/bb	£150.00
Pitlochry	p.p. dbl/bb	£85.00
	sgl/bb	£150.00

Bike Hire:

Bike Type
Rental bike 21-gear	£115.00
Electric bike	£230.00

Date From	Date To
01 April 2021	30 September 2021

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