More Tours...
Mountain Bike Tour
Mountain biking in Scotland is massive, in fact the International Mountain Bicycling Association has named Scotland as a 'global superstar' for the last two consecutive years.
Wherever you choose to go in Scotland you will find routes of all standards, from easy going routes to tracks for the most experienced cyclists, family routes and hilly routes.
It would be impossible to list a tour that would suit everyone, but for the average mountain biker we offer the following option. This tour takes in the natural beauty of the Scottish highlands as you travel and some magnificent cycle routes.
Highland Tour - Head north through the Loch Lomond National Park, before heading west past some of the many sea lochs and onwards to the village of Knapdale. On the way perhaps you could visit the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, stop on the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond. From Knapdale take the moderate cycle route to Ardnoe.
Knapdale is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and this route in the west part of it takes in some wonderful views. The route consists of a nine mile off road section which takes you north-west towards Ardnoe Point, after this it turns south towards Tayvallich. Return to the start is four miles on the B8025, this is reasonably quiet. The whole route is very scenic, with fine views towards Jura in the middle section. It is hilly at times, mostly on forest roads.
Continuing north you could visit Oban, and onwards to witness the beauty of the West Coast as you head for the spectacular Pass of Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Macdonald Clan in 1692. Onward north, at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britainís highest mountain, you will come to Fort William, the countries "outdoor capital". There are a number of cycle routes from this point, including the "Great Glen" running from Fort William to Inverness. The full route is not circular, and would involve having to move the motorhome from start to finish. We suggest perhaps the first section of the route from Fort William.
The Great Glen Cycle Route runs from Fort William to Inverness. Fort William to Laggan is mostly easy. Much of it is on the Caledonian Canal Towpath and the towpath section is traffic free. Later parts of the route, north of Laggan, are very hilly, with long climbs and steep descents.
>From Fort William, travel the length of the Great Glen along the bank of the world famous Loch Ness, to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. You have to stop on route and spend a little time to see if you can spot "Nessie".
Travel yet further north to the Dornoch Coast and the village of Golspie. Here you will find the Highland Wildcat Trail (Blue).
The Highland Wildcat Trails are set in a superb coastal location in Golspie, above the Dornoch Firth. Featuring the longest freeride descent in the UK from the summit of Ben Bhraggie (1300í to sea-level) - and the longest technical singletrack climb.
The trails have been designed with everyone in mind and are graded from the blue family/novice trails through mixed woodland to more technical red & black graded trails through conifer woods and open hill at higher elevation.
From here, you can turn and take the road back south, passing many places of interest such as Aviemore, Braemar, Blair Atholl, Pitlchry, and Perth, and possibly even head east to the ancient town of St. Andrews, probably best known as ìthe Home of Golfî.
Near Aviemore on your way south is the Rothiemurchus Estate, site of a number of varied cycle routes.
Around Rothiemurchus you will experience rushing rivers, native pine forests, and a variety of mountain biking options - you can see why this area is popular.
For the adventurous the trip to Loch Einich will provide a challenge, and a view of the remote loch long remembered. For families the trails around Loch an Eilein and south of Loch Morlich will provide good days in beautiful scenery, the backdrop of the Cairngorms never far away.
Once you head back to Glasgow, see a little of the city with the Glasgow: Art and the Park route. Three parks, two art galleries, a swimming pool, a ski centre - and you get to ride your bike. This short circular route will be interesting to visitors to Glasgow and families who are looking for an attractive bike ride within the city.
Pollock Park houses the Burrell Collection & Pollock House, both open to visitors all year round Ross Hall Park is small compared to Pollock Park, but quite attractive with the river running through. Thereís a wood and some good places to picnic by the river. The 1938 Empire Exhibition was held in Bellahouston Park, 13,500,000 people visited it. The centrepiece was a 300 foot high tower built on the top of 170 foot high Bellahouston hill. Not a trace of all this remains nowadays. At one time Bellahouston Park also had the biggest amusment park in Europe. Nowadays there is a sports centre which includes a swimming pool with a cafe.
This of course is only a flavour of what is available. With our motorhomes, you are free to visit places of your choice, at a pace that suits you. The following link may be of assistance in planning your holiday
http://www.visitscotland.com