Lochs and Glens to Edinburgh

The Trossach hills provide a fabulous backdrop to your route, which leads you through stunning wooded glens and beside quiet lochs to the highland town of Pitlochry. Float along the serenely beautiful Loch Katrine aboard a steam boat and ride along the water's edge of many a loch, where little breaks the silence. Pedal along the dramatic Glen Ogle Viaduct using a former railway line with views to die for. Forests alternate with sheep clad slopes, castles and distilleries where you can stop for a 'wee dram' with isolated hamlets and classic Scottish towns. Feasts for real foodies await too; not only is this area of Scotland known for its beauty, landscape, and wildlife, but more recently its cuisine has come to the fore.

Your cycling adventure ends in Pitlochry; from here you ride the train to Edinburgh and explore this vibrant capital with an overnight stay in the heart of the city.

This tour is available with both classic and luxury accommodation in the same village/town.

Arrive at Loch Lomond on Thursday and check into your hotel located adjacent to the largest freshwater loch in the UK. This is the day to enjoy the spectacular scenery and islands of this stunning location. Take a stroll along the waters edge or a cruise along the loch. If you can add an extra day here at Loch Lomond you will be able to make the most of this unique spot by pedalling north along the loch side and returning by boat.

Your host will meet you this morning, brief you on your itinerary and fit you to your bikes. Then you are off, leaving Loch Lomond behind to pedal through the Trossachs countryside - sheep clad hills and vales dotted with farms and pretty views. The town of Drymen provides some great refreshment choices as you prepare for the longish hill through forest. Beyond is a free-wheel into Gartmore with it's old world charm and to the banks of the River Forth which leads into Aberfoyle, your stop for the night.

20 miles (35 km)

Today begins with a transfer over the dramatic Duke's Pass to Loch Katrine. This magical loch is one of the Trossach's great gems - only viewable from a boat. Board the steam boat at the pier for the 1 hour cruise to the far end of the loch. Take in the view here at the cafe before pedalling around the loch. Riding on through Queen Elizabeth forest on a traffic free track you pass alongside Lochs Achray and Venachar before arriving in Callander. Relax overnight in the heart of this bustling little town.

20 miles (32 km)

What a great day lies ahead! There's plenty of gorgeous, flat cycling as you head past the Falls of Leny and along the water's edge of Loch Lubnaig. You then pick up a disused railway line that takes you to our favourite foody spot which shouldn't be missed and on to the wonderful Glen Ogle viaduct. This gives you a bird's eye view of Loch Earn and the surrounding mountains well known by Rob Roy as well as a traffic free route to die for. The Falls of Dochart signal you have arrived in the village of Killin where the mountains meet Loch Tay. Your overnight stop is in the heart of the village.

22 miles (35km)

Today is all about Loch Tay as you pedal the full length of this huge expanse of water. The ride along a back road is peaceful and undulating with stunning views across the water of mountains and Ben Lawers. Perhaps you will pack a picnic as refreshment stops are minimal until you reach the attractive village of Kenmore at the far end of the loch. Your overnight stay is in the centre of the village where you can hire boats and canoes or fish for your supper.

17 miles (27 km)

The scene changes for your last day of cycling as you leave lochs behind and follow the highland valleys of the Rivers Tay and Tummel. These wider valleys shelter villages, gardens, castles and distilleries and plenty to stop and explore. Visit 16th Century Castle Menzies and its turrets and cellars, the water mill and whisky distillery in Aberfeldy and the magical woodland gardens with some very large trees at Cluny House. The landscape here is cosy and pretty and the ride flattish for most of the day. You sneak into the highland centre of Pitlochry across the river, just downstream of the salmon ladder and refreshed by the wonders of the Trossachs.

22 miles (35 km)

Leave your bike in Pitlochry this morning and hop onto the train to reach Edinburgh in a couple of hours. Here your accommodation lies close to the station and the centre of Scotland's capital city. The day is yours to explore as you wish and we give you our top ten tips for enjoying this vibrant and wonderful city.