Itinerary:
Far North Cycling Holiday

10 Day: Guided: Road/Touring

Day 1: Inverness

Your redspokes Scotland cycling tour begins in the vibrant Highland capital of Inverness. The city is well-connected, with flights arriving from across the UK and Europe, along with excellent coach and rail links. Taxis are readily available at the airport, coach, and rail stations to transfer you to your hotel.

Upon arrival, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the area at your own pace. Discover the charm of Inverness Old Town, browse the Victorian Market, or visit the historic St. Andrew's Cathedral. For a scenic option, take a circular walk from the castle, following the river and crossing the tranquil Ness Islands.

Accommodation: Hotel/B&B

 Day 2: Inverness 

The first day of your cycling tour from Inverness to Loch Ness starts with a gentle ride along mostly flat terrain for the initial 20 kilometers. The route gradually climbs as it reaches Dores, offering beautiful views of the loch. However, the real challenge begins after Foyers, where the profile reveals a series of steep ascents, peaking at around 300 meters. The demanding climbs reward cyclists with panoramic views before rolling over undulating terrain. As the route nears its end, there's a long, exhilarating descent back to Inverness, a perfect way to wrap up the first day’s ride with a rush of speed and satisfaction.

Day 3: Inverness to Tain

Today’s ride begins with a gentle section as we leave Inverness, heading towards Chanonry Point on the scenic Black Isle. The route features a short climb and descent around the 10 km mark, leading to one of the best coastal viewpoints for spotting dolphins, seals, and porpoises playing in the Moray Firth.

The real challenge of the day begins after Chanonry Point, as we tackle a significant climb reaching over 200 m around the 30 km mark. This rewarding ascent is followed by a long, thrilling descent as we approach Cromarty, the Highlands’ best-preserved historic town. Here, we take the iconic King’s Ferry across the Cromarty Firth to the village of Nigg. This ferry route, once traveled by King James IV, connects us to the quieter side of the Highlands.

From Nigg, we continue riding through peaceful farmland, passing the historic Shandwick Stone—a beautifully carved Pictish monument encased in glass for protection. The terrain flattens out as we cycle toward Balnagall, offering a relaxed ride with a mix of long, straight sections and gentle descents.

A final short climb brings us into the ancient town of Tain, Scotland’s oldest royal burgh. Here, you can explore its rich heritage, including a museum showcasing the stories of the ancient kings of Scotland who once visited this historic town.

Cycling Distance: 68 km (42 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 541 m (1,775 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel/B&B (B,L,S)

Day 4: Tain to Lairg

We start today’s ride with a gentle section passing the famous Glenmorangie distillery before crossing the Dornoch Firth on the A9 bridge. The route remains largely flat for the first 20 km as we reach Dornoch, a charming Edwardian resort town. We continue cycling northwards along the coast, hugging the shores of Loch Fleet, a Scottish heritage nature reserve teeming with diverse wildlife.

Around the 25 km mark, we encounter a few rolling hills as we ride another 7 miles inland to Dunrobin Castle—the largest in the Northern Highlands. With its fairytale French château design, beautiful gardens, and fascinating history, it’s the perfect spot for lunch and exploration.

After a well-deserved break, we begin a notable climb at approximately the 40 km mark. This steady 8 km (5 mile) ascent takes us through stunning, quiet backroads with rewarding views. Once at the top, the terrain levels out briefly before descending towards Lairg, where we finish today’s ride and settle into our accommodation.

Today’s route offers a mix of coastal flats, rolling hills, and one sustained climb, rewarding us with both history and spectacular Scottish scenery.

Cycling Distance: 71 km (44 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 560 m (1,837 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel/B&B (B,S)

Day 5: Lairg to Lochinver

This morning, our tour continues as we ride along scenic back roads through lovely, wooded areas beside the River Oykel, which flows down from Ben More through an impressive ice-carved valley. The route starts with a moderate climb in the first 10 km, reaching over 200 m, before descending steeply to more level terrain around the 20 km mark.

We continue through a rugged section of the Western Highlands, an area dotted with nature reserves that foster harmony between visitors and the environment. Around 25 miles in (40 km), we cycle alongside Loch Borralan, followed by some gentle rolling terrain before reaching the intriguing Bone Caves. Located on the limestone cliffs of Creag nan Uamh, these caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s ancient past.

From here, the route flattens significantly over the next 15 miles, leading us toward Lochinver. For those with energy to spare, just before reaching Lochinver, there’s an optional 7-mile (11 km) detour to Achmelvich Bay—a stunning white sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, take photos, or dip your toes in the cool Atlantic waters.

Cycling Distance: 72 km (45 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 570 m (1,870 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel/B&B (B,L,S)

Day 6: Lochinver to Ullapool (Loop around Achiltibuie)

Today’s ride is an undulating adventure filled with climbs, descents, and stunning coastal views. The route starts with short, rolling hills as we cycle south from Lochinver to Inverkirkaig, skirting the picturesque bay. We head inland through tranquil landscapes, climbing gently before descending to Loch An Arbhair at the 20 km mark.

We rejoin the coast briefly before tackling a mix of climbs and descents toward Loch Osgaig. By the mid-point, the terrain levels off as we cycle along Loch Ra and ride uphill toward the Achiltibuie loop.

Here, the route becomes an undulating mix of moorland roads with dramatic views across the Summer Isles. Passing through Achnahaird, Althandu, and Polbain, we encounter abandoned stone crofts and grazing sheep, soaking in the peace of this remote area. Achiltibuie, romantically named the “field of the yellow-haired boy,” marks the loop’s highlight with its serene beauty.

As we leave Achiltibuie, the ride takes us alongside Loch Vatachan and retraces our route past Loch Osgaig, before a twisting climb to Drumrunie. From here, enjoy a steep and exhilarating descent toward Strathcanaird, with stunning views of the Coigach Hills.

The final stretch delivers a final climb near Ardmair before a rewarding roll down into the whitewashed fishing village of Ullapool, completing an epic day on the saddle.

Cycling Distance: 74 km (46 miles) 
Cycling Ascent:  915 m (3,004 ft) 
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,S)

Day 7: Ullapool - Rest Day

Located on the eastern shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool is a distinctive white fishing village designed and built in 1788 by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society. The town is also the terminus for the ferry to Stornoway.

Although a small community of 1500, Ullapool is the largest settlement in the area and an important port and tourist destination. If the weather is good, there are many walking routes, from coastal trails to inland footpaths. For a more relaxing way to enjoy the scenery, consider a boat trip from Ullapool Harbour to the Summer Isles. These trips showcase the stunning mountains of Coigach and Scoraig peninsulas, with views stretching to the Hebrides on clear days. Wildlife such as seabirds, seals, and dolphins can often be spotted. If you decide to go, it’s best to book in advance as trips can fill up quickly.

On rainy days, visit Ullapool’s museum in a Grade A listed building to explore local history, including crofting, fishing, and the “klondykers.” Art galleries feature works by local artists, and the town’s pubs and cafes offer warm food, drinks, and even live traditional music in the evenings.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 8: Ullapool to Poolewe

Today’s ride offers a mix of dramatic climbs, thrilling descents, and breathtaking views. We start the day with a gentle ride along the shores of Loch Broom, warming up on relatively flat terrain for the first few kilometers. Soon, the route turns inland, and we begin a significant climb over the next 15 km, reaching an elevation of over 300 m as we ascend through the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. This stunning area features dense forests and the roaring River Droma, cascading down a series of spectacular waterfalls.

From the peak, enjoy a rewarding and exhilarating long descent back to the coast, reaching the scenic shores of Little Loch Broom. The next section through Gruinard Bay offers a more relaxed ride with rolling hills and sweeping views of the rugged coastline.

As we approach the final section of the route, a few short, punchy climbs test our legs before leveling out near Loch Ewe. Just before reaching our final destination in Poolewe, a stop at the iconic Inverewe Gardens is highly recommended. This unique Atlantic Coast botanical garden showcases a variety of exotic plants, fostered by the Gulf Stream, and is also an excellent spot to observe red squirrels, otters, golden eagles, and sea eagles.

Cycling Distance: 79 km (49 miles)
Cycling Ascent:  998 m (3,275 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel/B&B (B,S)

Day 9: Poolewe to Achnasheen to Inverness

Our final day of cycling begins with a series of short climbs and descents as we leave Poolewe, passing through moorland landscapes and enjoying peaceful coastal views. The first 10 km features undulating terrain, providing a scenic warm-up for the day.

We continue toward the picturesque village of Gairloch, nestled amidst rugged moorland and celebrated for its stunning scenery, considered some of the most beautiful in the British Isles. From here, the route becomes flatter as we ride toward Loch Maree, one of Scotland’s most iconic natural landmarks. With its 30 scattered islands, bordered by the towering peak of Slioch (3,215 ft) and ancient Caledonian pine forests, Loch Maree is home to diverse wildlife, including black-throated divers, sea eagles, otters, and even red deer known to swim between the islands.

As we head inland, the terrain remains relatively flat until 40 km, where the route begins a notable climb, rising over 200 m. The steady ascent rewards us with expansive views of the remote Highlands before leveling out into gentler terrain. The final section takes us through quiet backroads, leading us to the remote village of Achnasheen, where our cycling journey ends.

From Achnasheen, we board a scenic train transfer bound for Inverness, offering a relaxing and picturesque journey through the Highlands. On arrival in Inverness, we will transfer you to your accommodation where you can unwind and reflect on the week’s incredible adventures.

Cycling Distance: 56 km (35 miles) 
Cycling Ascent:  672 m (2,205 ft)
Accommodation: B&B (B,S)

Day 10: Inverness - Home

After a final hearty breakfast, your Highland cycling adventure comes to a close. Reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, historic towns, and shared memories with fellow cyclists. Whether heading home or exploring further, you leave Inverness with a sense of achievement and the beauty of Scotland firmly in your heart.
(B)