Bike Tour: Castles and Lochs, Bens and Glens - 8 days

Arrival in Perth, we advice you to take the train from the airport (Edinburgh is closest).

Depending on your arrival time, today you may have a chance to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley.

Accommodation: Elegant 4 Star Victorian villa, all rooms ensuite.

Cycle two miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace, a treasure house of furniture, ivories, fine porcelain, needlework and the unique Vernis Martin. From there you cycle north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld. Along the way, there are interesting sites such as Loch of the Lowes (see Ospreys and other wildlife) and Birnam (said to be the location where Beatrix Potter wrote 'The Tales of Peter Rabbit').

Dunkeld is situated on the banks of the River Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly-restored Dunkeld Cathedral, construction of which began in 1318.

Accommodation: A family-run small B&B with ensuite rooms. Start your day with breakfast taken in the conservatory and overlooking the garden.

You are never far from the swift flowing River Tay on this cycling holiday in Scotland. Leave Dunkeld passing the cathedral and follow the path along its north bank. Join the quiet road northward to cross the river by an old railway bridge at Logierait. From there cycle to Strathtay, a popular spot with canoeists and river rafters. Continue by the river to the small village of Weem. It is only a short distance now to cross General Wade's Bridge into Aberfeldy. Visit the Distillery, the Water Mill or explore the beautiful walks in the “Birks of Aberfeldy”.

Accommodation: A stunning Edwardian Guesthouse overlooking the River Tay.

Leave Aberfeldy via the same way that you entered yesterday, by General Wade’s Bridge. We recommend to stop for a visit to Castle Menzies, the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies and of which restoration work was completed in 2010. Cycle past Drummond Forest to the conservation village of Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. Here you can visit the Crannog Exhibition, which illustrates life on the Loch in the Bronze Age. By taking the south shore road you can enjoy to the full the unrivalled beauty of the Lochs and Bens on the way to Killin.

Accommodation: Two nights staying in a late Victorian country house offering excellent, 4-star Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Overlooking the River Lochay, it has a private riverside garden with its own moorings and access to Loch Tay. There are spectacular views of the mountains from the house, including Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in Perthshire

Today can be spend in rest and relaxation or you can visit the Falls of Dochart, walk in the quiet countryside, or hire a canoe. You can also choose to see more of the area and cycle to Ben Lawers visitor center (9.5km / 6 miles) for a walk up Ben Lawers, Perthshire's highest mountain. Another option is to take a roundtrip bike ride to scenic Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon, which will be 53 km / 35 miles.

Accommodation See day 4, located in Killin.

Enjoy a traffic free cycle through Glen Ogle to reach the small lochside village of Lochearnhead. From there continue along the south shore of Loch Earn while you enjoy the beauty of the loch and Ben Vorlich to reach St. Fillans at the eastern end of the Loch. Follow the valley of the river Earn through Comrie to arrive at Crieff. Perhaps visit the Glenturret Distillery and the ‘Famous Grouse Experience’ or the ‘Crieff Visitor Centre’.

Accommodation: Comfortable B&B accommodation in large and spacious rooms with ensuite facilities

Take the opportunity to visit the famous formal Italian gardens at ‘Drummond Castle Gardens’ which are just over 3 kilometres / 2 miles south of Crieff. You could also add some extra miles to your route and take in Muthill, a small village with lots of listed buildings and some fine examples of 18th century Scottish Vernacular architecture.

From Crieff it's an easy ride through quiet countryside to return to the riverside town of Perth and the end of your Scottish cycling adventure.

Accommodation: Elegant 4-star Victorian villa, all rooms ensuite.

The trip ends after breakfast when you depart your accommodation.