Great Glen Way Bike Tour

5 days / 4 nights

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Ride the iconic Great Glen Way, cycling past ancient fortresses, Loch Ness and breathtaking Highland vistas on a journey from Fort William to Inverness.

Starting point

Fort Williams

Finish point

Inverness

Season

From May to September

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Gravel / E-bike

Choose your style

Timotej Bonifer
Timotej
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  • Ride beneath the towering presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain
  • Conquer challenging climbs that reveal panoramic Highland vistas
  • Discover the ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched dramatically above Loch Ness
  • Immerse yourself in the history of Fort William and its Hanoverian fortifications
  • Follow the tranquil towpaths of the Caledonian Canal
  • End your journey in Inverness, the vibrant ‘Capital of the Highlands’

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

4 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your tour
Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
E-bike
Gravel bike
Hotel upgrades
MTB
Single supplement

The Great Glen Way is a long-distance route that cuts through the heart of Scotland, following the natural fault line of the Great Glen that nearly splits the country in two.

This ancient route has been used for centuries, first by local clans and later as a military and trade pathway. 

Now, it’s one of the most recognized cycling and hiking routes in Scotland.

On this tour, you will ride past the evocative ruins of Fort William and the Hanoverian fortifications that once quelled the Jacobite rebellions, all while taking in views of the shimmering seaside of Loch Ness and the towering presence of Ben Nevis.

Whether it’s the quiet solitude of a forest track or the exhilarating descents into picturesque villages that excite you, every mile on this cycling holiday promises a new and exciting view. 

We’ll take care of all the logistics so you can focus on exploring Scotland’s most famous sights.

By booking your accommodations, providing you with a detailed digital guidebook complete with GPS routes and local recommendations, and offering round-the-clock support along the way, we make sure that you can enjoy a hassle-free cycling holiday.

Ready to pedal through history, nature, and culture on the Great Glen Way?

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided cycling tours provide a flexible and independent way to explore the UK on two wheels. You can set your own pace, modify your schedule, and immerse yourself in the journey. Our team handles all logistics, including booking accommodations, providing detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. This ensures a stress-free experience while giving you the freedom to discover the UK's scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks at your leisure.

To help you choose the most suitable tour, we rate difficulty on a scale of 1 to 5:

  • 1/5 – Easy: Daily rides of about 30 km on mostly flat terrain. Ideal for beginners or those with little cycling experience.
  • 2/5 – Moderate: Up to 40 km per day with slight elevation gains (up to 200 m). Suitable for anyone in reasonable health.
  • 3/5 – Intermediate: Covering around 50 km daily, with elevation gains of up to 500 m. On flatter days, distances may be longer. Best for recreational cyclists with a good fitness level.
  • 4/5 – Advanced: Expect daily rides of 60 km or more, with climbs exceeding 500 m. Some stages may include up to 1000 m of elevation. Designed for experienced cyclists accustomed to hills.
  • 5/5 – Challenging: Long distances with steep climbs, perfect for highly experienced cyclists seeking a demanding yet rewarding challenge.

Accommodation availability varies based on the season, so we partner with a selection of trusted lodging providers that meet our quality standards. We aim to match accommodations to your preferences and budget, ensuring a comfortable stay. While our itineraries provide examples of accommodation types, specific locations may change depending on availability.

We offer tours for various cycling styles, including road cycling, gravel riding, and mountain biking. Our specialists can recommend the best option based on your experience, terrain preferences, and group needs. 

Gravel bikes are the most versatile choice, even for road cycling routes, as they allow for smooth riding on paved roads and scenic backroads that may be less maintained. These bikes also provide extra comfort for long-distance rides.

Since many of our tours feature hilly landscapes, some cyclists opt for e-bikes for added support. However, we recommend having prior experience with e-bikes, as they handle differently from traditional bicycles.

If bringing your bike isn’t an option, we offer rental services. Our range includes road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes to match the needs of your tour. Simply provide your preferred bike size and any special requests, and we’ll ensure you get the best fit for a comfortable ride.

Bike rentals include delivery before the tour and collection afterward. Each rental comes with a helmet, spare chain, basic repair kit, and pedals if required.

We strive to accommodate dietary needs, though availability varies by region. Vegetarian meals are usually easy to find in larger towns and cities, but vegan options may be more limited in rural areas. Many of our lunch stops are at traditional UK eateries, where dietary choices might be restricted, so we recommend planning.

The best time to cycle in the UK is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). May and June offer long daylight hours and relatively dry conditions, while September provides quieter routes with fewer tourists. However, UK weather is unpredictable, so it’s always wise to be prepared for occasional rain.

Most tours can continue in light rain with the right clothing. Thunderstorms are more common in summer afternoons, so we suggest starting your rides early in the day. If extreme weather is forecasted, we can modify your itinerary. Our support team is available to help with last-minute adjustments.

Ratings & Reviews

Google Reviews

5.0 average rating

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Greg Martin

Verifed customer · 9 months ago

Great holiday. Really easy to follow routes, good choice of hotels and the en route places to eat and visit was really helpful. Super responsive to questions during my holiday. Would definitely use them again.

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Andrija V.'s profile photo

Andrija V.

Verifed customer · 2 months ago

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SHONA Goaman

Verifed customer · 8 months ago

Well organised, great route and lovely hotels.

Sp/f Martin Mørk's profile photo

Sp/f Martin Mørk

Verifed customer · 9 months ago

Karen Bergman's profile photo

Karen Bergman

Verifed customer · 10 months ago

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip! The guides were professional and provided excellent leadership. They clearly know this country and the best cycling routes. I would definitely do another trip with them.

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Amy Berger

Verifed customer · 2 years ago

Great trip! Klemen set up our trip perfectly. When we needed him he was there. The hotels were excellent. The biking a blast. We did a 5 day self guided tour. Do it!!

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

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HANDPICKED ADVENTURES

Only the best adventures across the world, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the regions.

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL

Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.

VALUE YOUR TIME

VALUE YOUR TIME

With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

TRUSTED BY MANY

TRUSTED BY MANY

We are a financially protected company operating since 2014, and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.

from 1.290 € /person
Pedal through the UK’s most scenic routes, from the rugged Cornish coast to the historic Hadrian’s Wall, exploring charming villages and rich heritage.

Have qustions? Talk to us.

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