Scottish Highland’s Caledonia Way Bike Tour

Your journey begins in the charming coastal town of Campbeltown, nestled on the Kintyre Peninsula. Once a thriving whisky capital, this historic town still boasts a few renowned distilleries, offering a perfect start to your Scottish cycling adventure. Take a stroll along the waterfront, explore the rich maritime heritage, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere before setting off on the ride of a lifetime.

Your first day on the bike will be a challenging one, with a series of ascent and descents across the rolling landscapes of Kintyre, a region of rugged coastlines, quiet country roads, and expansive sea views. The route follows a mix of smooth tarmac and undulating rural roads, with rewarding glimpses of the Atlantic on one side and lush green hills on the other. Arriving in Tarbert, a picturesque harbor town, you’ll be greeted by colorful boats bobbing in the marina and the ruins of Tarbert Castle watching over the bay.

Today, you’ll follow the scenic coastal road through Kilberry, a quiet, windswept stretch where the sea meets rolling moorland. Stop at the Kilberry Sculptured Stones, a collection of ancient carved stones that whisper tales of Scotland’s medieval past. From here, the ride continues toward Ardrishaig, where you’ll cross over to the banks of the Crinan Canal, often called "Britain’s most beautiful shortcut." The final stretch into Lochgilphead is relatively gentle, and you’ll be left with plenty of time to prepare for your most difficult day.

You’re in for one of the most difficult yet the most rewarding rides of your cycling holiday. You’ll weave through ancient forests and rolling hills before reaching Kilmartin Glen, a valley rich with prehistoric standing stones and archeological wonders. The route then climbs steadily, offering sweeping views over the coast before descending toward the shimmering waters of Loch Awe, Scotland’s longest freshwater loch. The final push into Oban takes you along winding roads with breathtaking sea views before you roll into this "Gateway to the Isles”.

Leaving Oban, you’ll follow quiet, well-paved roads that hug the coastline, offering stunning views across to the islands of Mull and Lismore. The route is mostly flat in the beginning, but as you approach the ferry crossing at Corran, the terrain becomes more rolling. After the short ferry hop, you’ll find yourself on even quieter roads, surrounded by towering mountains and deep glens. Another ferry at Camusnagaul takes you across the water for the final approach to Fort William, where Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms over the town.

From here on, you’ll be following the Great Glen Way markers from the evocative ruins of Fort William. Today, you’re in for mostly paved towpaths beside the Caledonian Canal and along the shores of Loch Linnhe, where the majestic presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, will be a constant companion. You will experience a gentle ascent by a series of charming canal locks before transitioning onto a gravelly fire road along the west side of a shimmering loch, ending the day in Invergarry.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll tackle a challenging hill as you ascend behind Invergarry through Nursery Woods. A wide variety of terrain is waiting for you today – from paved paths to single-track trails, footpaths along Loch Ness and steep climbs through wooded fire roads. Some patience and caution will be required today as you make your way towards Drumnadrochit, also known as the ‘Green Village’ and a hub for Loch Ness Monster enthusiasts, and its iconic Urquhart Castle.

You will start your day with a somewhat challenging climb out of Drumnadrochit, riding sharply along the flanks of Carn na Leitire as you leave the enigmatic shores of Loch Ness behind. Heading towards the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, you will ride through dense woodlands and second alongside Loch Laide. You will then navigate a series of well-worn minor roads and forest tracks that weave through remote moorlands before following the gentle course of the River Ness into the bustling heart of Inverness.

Your final day will greet you with the relaxed atmosphere of Inverness, where you can enjoy a leisurely morning exploring local landmarks and preparing for your departure. If time permits, we suggest you visit Inverness Castle or the Clava Cairns, the inspiration of the “Outlander” series before returning to reality.