Bike Tour: - 7 days

Make your own way to Oban, known as the "Gateway to the Isles" and one of Scotland’s most picturesque coastal towns. While the town has grown around its busy ferry terminal, the heart of Oban still retains its charming Victorian character. Stroll along the waterfront, where seafood restaurants and shops line the bay, or take in the panoramic views from McCaig's Tower, a striking hilltop folly inspired by the Roman Colosseum.

If you have the luxury of staying an extra night, Oban is the ideal place. You could consider a boat trip to the nearby Isles of Mull, Iona, and Staffa, or explore the dramatic ruins of Dunstaffnage Castle, steeped in centuries of Scottish history. Alternatively, visit the Oban Distillery to learn about the town’s whisky-making heritage and sample its iconic single malt. Whether you're relaxing by the harbour or venturing further afield, Oban offers something for every traveller.

Your journey begins in Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” with its bustling harbour and sweeping views over the Hebrides. After a leisurely breakfast at your guest House, set off along the coast, cycling northward through tranquil landscapes of hills and lochs. The route follows quiet B-roads with stunning views of Loch Linnhe and occasional glimpses of distant islands.

As you pass through the charming village of Benderloch, stop for refreshments at the popular Ben Lora Café. Continuing north, cross the striking Creagan Bridge, with the mountains of Morvern looming to the west. Your destination is the quaint village of Port Appin, famed for its views of Castle Stalker perched dramatically on its islet. The luxurious Airds Hotel offers a well-earned rest with a renowned menu of local seafood

Departing Port Appin, you’ll quickly encounter the spectacular sight of Castle Stalker, an iconic Scottish tower house dramatically set on a tidal islet in Loch Laich, a tranquil inlet of Loch Linnhe. Continuing along the Caledonian Way’s scenic cycle path, you’ll hug the shoreline of Loch Linnhe, where sweeping vistas of the loch and its surrounding hills provide an unforgettable backdrop.

As you cycle through the village of Onich, the route leads to the ferry crossing at the Corran Narrows. This short but memorable ten-minute journey brings you to Ardgour, a picturesque spot where the road once again follows the loch’s edge. Another 16km of peaceful cycling delivers you to Camusnagaul, where a second ferry awaits to take you across the loch to Fort William.

Arriving in Fort William, the majesty of Ben Nevis and the Nevis Range dominates the skyline, a fitting welcome to Scotland’s outdoor capital. Highlights of the area include Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable series of eight canal locks that form part of the Caledonian Canal, and the lively high street filled with outdoor shops, cafes, and restaurants. Recharge here, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before continuing your adventure northward.

Following the Great Glen Way markers from the ruins of Fort William, the Hanoverian Fort built to quell the Jacobites, at the seaside of Loch Linnhe. Roll out passing underneath the mass of Ben Nevis and past an even older castle fortress at Inverlochy which is worth a browse. Cycle along to cross the River Lochy and at the loch at Corpach, you may get some great views of Ben Nevis. Now join the tow path to the famous Caledonian Canal. Via various natural lochs and man-made canal sections, this runs all the way through Inverness and into the Moray Firth. You shortly ascend gently by the watery escalator of eight locks known as ‘Neptunes Staircase’ which bring the boats up or down to or from sea level. The ride stays on the towpath until you reach Gairlochy. It is fairly flat going up to this point, then the route heads round the west side of Loch Lochy changing onto a gravelly fire road, with a bit of ascent around the loch shore before reaching South Laggan with its lock system. You could have a break here, as an old Dutch sailing barge doubles as pub/restaurant nearby on the canal. The bike trail leaves the walking path at this point and heads up into forest above the loch before a descent through trees into the village of Invergarry which has a castle.

After breakfast, tackle your first steep hill on the climb behind Invergarry up through Nursery Woods, with commanding views of Loch Oich wherever there are breaks in the trees. The route returns to the loch then undulates on single track through the woods to cross the beautiful chain tapered suspension bridge built in 1854, bringing you into Aberchalder. Here you rejoin the Caledonian Canal towpath and the Great Glen walking trail. This pretty and relaxing section gives you time to rest your legs along the towpath to Fort Augustus. As you reach the town there is another series of boat locks before you reach the shores of Loch Ness. Some might have the idea to lock their bikes up and take a pleasure cruise on the loch to see the famed but normally rare monster; nevertheless Fort Augustus is a good place to snack up before ascending back into the forest above the loch on the fire roads. Some of the climbs are quite steep and there is no harm in walking a hill, have your camera ready for some dramatic views of Loch Ness and mountains. A sharp descent into Invermoriston follows. A pretty feature here are the falls of the Moriston River under the old Thomas Telford Bridge (1813). Another very steep climb takes you back onto the undulating balcony track above the loch for another 12 miles/20km or so until you start to descend into the unusual Scottish village with a green called Drumnadrochit. It has been a long day but, if you have the time and inclination, you can cycle a couple of kms around to Urquhart Castle, one of the most dramatically situated in Scotland.

The first part of the day climbs sharply out of Drumnadrochit away from Loch Ness through forest and up some 370 metres around the flanks of ‘Carn na Leitire.’ You then descend past Loch Laide to join minor roads and forest tracks deeper into the hills and fields that surround the Great Glen. The route takes you through beautiful remote moorland and wooded countryside then begins the descent into Inverness, along the River Ness, finally arriving at Inverness and the “capital of the highlands.” this is an attractive and interesting small city which has a slightly frontier feel to it. Perhaps relax and celebrate completing the Great Glen Cycle route. It is worth having an extra day in Inverness: The National Trust Culloden Battle site is a short bus ride away and a bit further afield is Fort George, a fascinating complex built to protect Scotland from French invasion.