Scotland's Grand Tour

The route traverses the full range of iconic Scottish landscapes, from epic mountains and lochs to forests and sweeping sand dunes.

With so much to see and do along the way, the option of staying two nights in each hotel comes highly recommended. Play on the world-famous golf courses, sample an award-winning 'wee dram' of whisky at a local distillery, take a flight in a sea plane over the Trossachs’ glens, visit historic castles and unspoilt medieval villages, explore the historic and culturally vibrant city of St. Andrews, or spend the day in tranquility with a spot of fishing on the lochs. Nothing could be grander!

Arrive at Gleneagles Hotel and relax in the setting of this world famous hotel. The day is yours to enjoy in the way you choose. The hotel offers a huge range of activities but the best known is golf – with the Ryder Cup course and two further courses to choose from. Our host will meet you to brief you on the route and run through your itinerary. If you are hiring bikes from us, we will fit these too.

This first day of the tour is stunning riding. With a serious climb across the Ochil Hills you are soon savouring the majestic Scottish landscape. Here are mighty views with wondrous sheep clad hills and a cosy landscape on the top. Skirt the shores of Loch Leven and the Lomond Hills before reaching charming Falkland with its palace, favoured by Mary Queen of Scots. Country lanes lead on to St Andrews – the home of golf that also boasts beaches, an ancient university and plenty more to explore. The Old Course Hotel, overlooking the famous 17th fairway with the sea beyond and the town close by, is your luxury stay for the night.

54 miles (87 km) with 3,000 ft climbing

Today is a different scene as the River Tay runs close by for much of the route which is peppered with some steep hills. Pass the Eden estuary where the vast tidal flats support a huge variety of birds before climbing up onto the hills overlooking the Tay. Ride leafy lanes and through woodland along the shores of the Firth of Tay to reach the bustling city of Perth. At Scone Palace, immerse yourself in history as you stand on the spot where many kings have been crowned. Then pedal northwards through peaceful fields of sheep, past the world’s tallest hedge, to reach the small town of Blairgowrie, gateway to the Glenshee mountains. Your country house hotel Kinloch House lies not far beyond with dinner included there tonight.

54 miles (87 km) with 3,000 ft climbing

Enjoy panoramic views on this soaring route with spectacular scenery with some long stretches of quiet road unfurling in front of you and hills in the backdrop. Start the day riding through the wildlife reserve of Loch Lowes where ospreys nest. Take in Dunkeld village with its white washed cottages and cathedral and head south skirting Glen Almond and through forests and a series of authentic Scottish villages. Reach the holiday town of Crieff which nestles beneath thickly wooden hills and head on through pretty valleys and a string of climbs which make the day a special one. Cromlix, just outside Dunblane is your hotel for tonight. Recently remodelled, courtesy of Dunblane tennis star Andy Murray, this is a very special hotel.

53 miles (85 km) with 3,500 ft climbing

The final leg of the trip leads west through the idyllic Trossachs National Park – an area of steep glens and tranquil lochs with some big climbs. Forests are usually in view with small traditional Scottish towns along the way. Pass the enchanting 14th Century Doune Castle and visit Deanston whisky distillery where they will show you how they hand craft their produce. Pedal beside Lochs Venachar and Achray before climbing Duke’s Pass, which affords incredible, to-die-for views. There are intimate landscapes too with cosy village pubs, stone farms and tiny valleys before you reach the tour end and Cameron House on the shores of majestic Loch Lomond.

53 miles (85 km) with 3,600 ft climbing

Depart at your leisure and we will collect your bikes. Balloch station is on the doorstep of Loch Lomond.