Scottish Highlands Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 1-2

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Scottish Highlands Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

6 days

5 nights

Activity Levels 1-2

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2025: May-Sep2026: May-Sep

Edinburgh, St Andrews & Medieval Castles

Beyond Scotland's provincial charm of stone cottages and country lanes, discover a place where the land still feels wild. Deep valleys reveal secluded lochs and magical woodlands, and heathered moors lead to atmospheric hotels. The ruined castles and stone villages hint at the centuries of human history here, but you still have the sense you're the first to experience it.

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Highlights

  • Soak in the bucolic beauty and rich maritime history as you pedal across the ancient Kingdom of Fife
  • Stay in elegant castles and country estates where five-star R&R includes warm Scottish hospitality and fine dining
  • Experience traditional high tea and a special Scotch tasting 
  • Cycle through picturesque villages and rolling farmlands of the Lowlands and the misty bens and heather moors of the Highlands 
  • Extend your trip to discover World Heritage-designated Edinburgh, Scotland's enchanting capital since the 1500s
  • Read More
Scottish Highlands Bike Tour map

Scotland

Start/End Edinburgh

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Cyclist Red Telephone Booth Scotland

Day 1

Description

Discover the East Neuk region of the Fife Peninsula, where maritime history runs deep in quaint fishing villages and harbors • Sample local fare at a country estate that has been in the Erskine family since the 17th century • Savor views of the wild coastline and world-famous St Andrews Old Course while enjoying an award-winning meal at our elegant hotel.

Accommodations

Night 1

Old Course Hotel
St Andrews
Premiere Hotel

One of Scotland’s leading hotels, the refined and elegant Old Course overlooks West Sands Beach and St Andrews’ world-famous golf course. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Sheep Herd Road Scotland

Days 2-3

Description

Bike through the pastoral Angus countryside, passing the world's largest hedge • Cycle across rolling heathered moors and past wooded glens, admiring the soaring bens of Perthshire • Stop in historic Dunkeld and explore the summer home of Beatrix Potter • Take in the quintessential lochs, valleys and mountains of the Scottish Highlands • Fans of the show Outlander may recognize some of the dramatic places we pass in the shadow of Schiehallion, an isolated 3,500-foot mountain known as a Munro after the notable mountaineer, Sir Hugh Munro • Award-winning fine dining and a spa await at our loch-side hotel in beautiful Pitlochry • Perhaps savor a dram of single-malt Scotch before retiring to your well-appointed room.

Accommodations

Nights 2-3

Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa
Pitlochry
Premiere Hotel

A loch-side Highland retreat tucked into the Tummel Valley, offering modern rooms, award-winning fine dining and a luxurious spa. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Winding Roads Countryside England

Days 4-6

Description

If you’re in the mood for hills, the highlands offer up a challenging but thrilling ride—or opt for an easygoing spin along the River Tay • Pedal along remote country roads • Embark on a two-wheeled journey through Glen Devon and the Ochil Hills, keeping an eye out for a hilltop monument honoring 13th-century Scottish hero, William Wallace • Experience once again why the stunning Perthshire countryside is the setting for some of the finest cycling tours in Scotland • Edinburgh is a great place to extend your vacation.

Accommodations
Cromlix

(2 nights)

Nights 4-5

Cromlix
Dunblane
Premiere Hotel

An intimate boutique hotel housed in a traditional country estate owned by Scottish tennis phenom Andy Murray.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

From $6,899 /person

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Hotels

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Night 1

Old Course Hotel
St Andrews

Premiere Hotel

One of Scotland’s leading hotels, the refined and elegant Old Course overlooks West Sands Beach and St Andrews’ world-famous golf course. (pool, spa)

Nights 2-3

Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa
Pitlochry

Premiere Hotel

A loch-side Highland retreat tucked into the Tummel Valley, offering modern rooms, award-winning fine dining and a luxurious spa. (pool, spa)

Nights 4-5

Cromlix
Dunblane

Premiere Hotel

An intimate boutique hotel housed in a traditional country estate owned by Scottish tennis phenom Andy Murray.

From $6,899 /person

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Bikes

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Bike with drop handlebars and a "New" label on the top left
Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Ideal for avid cyclists
  • Redesigned for 2024
  • Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
  • Responsive, efficient and comfortable
  • Drop handlebars only
Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Suited for a wide range of cyclists
  • Comfortable ergonomic seat
  • Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
  • Upright handlebars only
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

  • One of the lightest e-bikes available
  • Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
  • Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
  • Upright handlebars only
  • Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours;  learn more

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

From $6,899 /person

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Reviewed by 11 customers

Don't miss this trip!

Submitted October 2024

By Ann

From Florida

This was a fantastic trip from start to finish. The Backroads team was amazing and every aspect was beautifully arranged. We cycled close to 50 miles a day with wonderful lunch stops and breaks. Not difficult with the e-bikes!! Accommodations were premier, as promised. I loved Scotland so very much!

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Wonderful Experience in a Beautiful Setting

Submitted July 2024

By sue

From Arizona

Everything about this trip was great. The hotels were magnificent, especially the castles and lodges. The leaders were the absolute best. They were there to address any need and provide lots of encouragement as well as information about the locale and local culture. The whisky tasting, bagpipe demonstration and Highland Games were added bonuses, which Backroads seems to add to every trip. You will not go away hungry either. I didn't associate Scotland with good cuisine but I was more than pleasantly surprised with the food.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Trip of a Lifetime

Submitted July 2024

By Alane

From Huntsville, Utah

This was an amazing adventure led by the most articulate, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable leaders. Beautiful scenery, posh hotels, five-star cuisine and fantastic cultural enrichment presentations. Top notch all the way.

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Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Fabulous leaders, terrific routes, wonderful bicycle

Submitted September 2023

By Luann

From Larchmont, NY

My husband and I had a wonderful trip. Our leaders were remarkable: attentive, responsive, energetic, creative, dedicated and deeply appreciative of the region we were biking in. The hotels were magnificent, our meals delicious. The speakers were engaging and memorable.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Our biking trip to Scotland was a dream come true

Submitted August 2023

By Sue

From Pacific Palisades, CA

From the expert, fabulous leaders to the wonderful routes and excellent hotels, our trip could not have been better in any way. Every moment was so perfect and we feel so lucky to have experienced Backroads. It is everything and more than anything you have heard or read!

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ON the bridge at St. Andrews
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Admiring sheep and fields along the way

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Fabulous trip -- even in the rain

Submitted August 2023

By Elizabeth

From Virginia

We had the bad luck to take this trip during the rainiest summer in the UK in about 25 years, we were told. Yet the great leaders stayed upbeat and positive and made adjustments on-the-fly. Their mood was infectious and our group stayed upbeat and cheerful, even when sopping wet! The itinerary was very well thought-out -- the rides varied from small villages, to a coastal path to the Yorkshire moors and dales. The stops and the "extra" experiences (falconry, bagpipes, etc) added a lot. Hotels are magnificent -- some of the best I've ever stayed in.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Inspiring experience!

Submitted June 2023

By Mary

From Lincoln, Nebraska

Our trip far exceeded our expectations. The scenery was incredible, leaders were fun, helpful and gave us confidence. We learned so much about the culture of the area. Can't wait to go on another trip!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Wonderful TRIP

Submitted August 2022

By Nanners

From Madison, WI

Cheers to Keith, Charlotte and Corey, our amazing guides. We loved every minute of this trip. The scenery, our accommodations, the delicious food, Fin, Kyle, and Gomez. We enjoyed getting to know the people in our group, and appreciated all the effort that went into this awesome adventure.

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Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Breathtaking vistas, delicious food and so much fun!

Submitted June 2022

By Traci

From Dayton, Ohio

What an incredibly wonderful trip! The rides were lovely. The accommodations and food WAY exceeded our expectations. The bikes were perfect, the guides were out of this world and we loved every minute!

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We made it to the top of the mountain!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Outstanding Trip

Submitted October 2021

By Cherie

From Washington, DC

We were fortunate too be able to join this Scotland/Highlands bike tour at the last minute, when our Netherlands/Belgium trip was unexpectedly cancelled in early September due to COVID. Backroads was able to accommodate us and provided us with great rides and cultural experiences and activities during the trip. And fine dining experiences, did I mention the good food? :)

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Highland cows
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Nordic looking woods with fern carpeting speaks to Scotland's geological history. It broke off the Scandinavian coast and slammed into England 150 million years ago
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As we approached the highest point of the Cairgorms we saw these alien looking clouds

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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From $6,899 /person

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Dates & Prices

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

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Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

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From $6,899 /person

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