Scotland The Moray Coast and Whisky Bike Tour 2019 Individual Self-guided 8 days / 7 nights From Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands travel east along the quiet roads of Moray. There are many historical sites to visit, the Battlefield of Culloden, Cawdor Castle and Gardens, Brodie Castle and at Fort George on the coast there is the Regimental Museum of the Queen s Own Highlanders. Perhaps have a swim from the golden sands of Lossiemouth before turning south along the banks of the River Spey. This area is famous for its many distilleries. Many malt whiskies such Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Cardhu and Tamdhu are produced alongside your route and some distilleries are open to visitors. Continue to Grantown-on-Spey and the Highland resort town of Aviemore before returning to Inverness by train.
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Arrival in Inverness Collect cycles and equipment, route briefing and instruction. Inverness now a thriving modern town has historical links going back to Neolithic times. Many battles have been fought for control of this strategic site. A visit to the Garrison Castle Encounter will take you back to 1745 and the Jacobite Rebellion. Day 2: Inverness Nairn 34-50 km The Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 ended with defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie s Army at Culloden 8 kilometers east of Inverness. There is now an excellent Visitor Centre with exhibitions and historical information. From there visit Cawdor Castle, the most romantic castle in the Highlands. It is the family home of Lord and Lady Cawdor with fine furnishings and beautiful gardens. Your overnight stop is at the seaside town of Nairn. Day 3: Nairn Elgin 45 km Visit Brodie Castle and the seaside villages of Findhorn and Burghead as you cycle along the flat countryside of the Moray coast to Elgin with its Cathedral and interesting museum and home to the Glen Moray distillery. Day 4: Elgin Craigellachie 33-43 km The Speyside Way begins at Spey. Cycling is permitted on this long distance walk and the route follows the River Spey on footpaths, quiet roads and disused railway tracks. The scenery is spectacular, wildlife is plentiful and beautiful wild flowers attract many butterflies. The shorter alternative avoids the Speyside way and a steep climb through the forest at the end of the day. Day 5: Craigellachie Grantown-On-Spey 39 68 km Cycle along the quiet roads of Banffshire never far from the River Spey to reach Grantown-on Spey. This picturesque town is surrounded by woodland and is very popular with summer visitors who enjoy its fresh air and woodland walks.
Day 6: Grantown-On-Spey - Aviemore 24-37 km A chance to visit the Nature Reserves at Loch Garten and Abernethy Forest on the way to Aviemore. The mighty Cairngorm Mountains tower above the clear waters of Loch Morlich. Perhaps take the chance to try some water sports or explore the many forest tracks. The shorter alternative takes you to Boat of Garten and from there it is a traffic free cycle to Aviemore. Day 7: Rest Day Aviemore 34-37 km Perhaps cycle through Rothiemurchus forest to the Water sports center at Loch Morlich and continue to the Funicular railway; 234 kilometers round trip or cycle to the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig following the sustrans route number 7. 37 kilometers round trip. If you do not want to cycle enjoy a ride on the steam train to Boat of Garten. Day 8: Depart Aviemore
Route Technical Characteristics: Tour Profile: Average. Moderate cycling. Some days flat, some days with moderate hills and longer uphill rides. Distance: 209-280 km Travel Season: Departures Friday, Saturday or Sunday only from April 1 to October 31, 2019
Price per Person: (UK Pounds) Double Occupancy 630.00 Single Occupancy 805.00 Child Rate (0-11 years old, sharing a room with two adults) 504.00 For Third Person Sharing Family Room 598.50 Upgrade to 3/4* Hotels/inns Double Occupancy 475.00 Upgrade to 3/4* Hotels/inns Single Occupancy 625.00 Bike Rental 85.00 E-Bike 150.00 Extra Nights Double Occupancy 50.00 Extra Nights Single Occupancy 75.00 Services Included: Bed & Breakfast accommodation in twin/double or single rooms with shower/wc facilities in 3 or 4 star guesthouses Tour information including maps and detailed route description Luggage transportation (maximum one piece up to 18 kg) Emergency support Not Included: Entrance fees for castles Lunches and Dinners Bike Rental
Bikes Men s Ladies Brand: GT Transeo 3 or Forme Peak Trails Number of gears: 24 Brand of gearshift GRIPSHIFT/RAPID FIRE Sizes of frames: LADIES 15 or 17. GENTS 19 21 or 23 Addition information: Bikes are equipped with suspension forks & seat posts, mudguards, rear pannier frame, stand, bell, and water bottle holder. Rental equipment includes rear pannier bags (1 set per person), helmet, pump, tool kit, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle, reflective vest, lights E-bike Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848