Finally!The Coast to Coast is a National Trail
2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • 7 day guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 6 nights barge
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£2280GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: XGC

Trip highlights

  • Absorb the impressive views of majestic mountains and large expanses of open water
  • Discover smaller atmospheric lochs and pretty canal sections along the Great Glen Way
  • Relish in the accomplishment of cycling the breadth of Scotland
  • Relax on board your floating hotel in the company of like minded fellow travellers

Scotland's Great Glen Way walking trail stretches 75 miles from Fort William to the capital of the highlands, Inverness. Based on board a comfortable barge at night, this bike and barge cruise offers the opportunity to cycle from one coast of Scotland to the other. During the weeklong trip, the barge stops are planned to suit the cycling stages. Guided along the route by an experienced escort, who will point out places of interest along the way, there is no shortage of highlights. From impressive views of the mystical Loch Ness to glimpses of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, this relaxed pace cycle will immerse you in the Scottish Highlands. In the evening, share stories of your day with like minded travellers and relish in the accomplishment of cycling the breadth of Scotland.

Countries:

Scotland

Starting Point:

Inverness or Banavie (Fort William)

Carbon Footprint

101kg of CO2-e PP per day

(608kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

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We will board the barge at 14:00 (2pm) today and after meeting the crew and other guests, we make our way to Clachnaharry Sea Lock, the easternmost point of the Caledonian Canal, to start our coast to coast journey. The canal which was constructed in the early 19th century connects the east coast of Scotland, from Inverness to Fort William. This afternoon we will follow the barge to Dochgarroch, a picturesque settlement located on Loch Dochfour, where we'll stay for the night. The cycle follows the towpath with the Caledonian Canal on your right and the River Ness on your left. Height gain: 15m/49ft

Meals:  D

Our tender will drop us ashore at a small inlet on the shores of Loch Dochfour. The cycle route follows the forest path past the spectacular Aldourie Castle, through Tor Point woods to the village of Dores on the shores of Loch Ness. The shingle beach by The Dores Inn provides a spectacular location for refreshments whilst admiring the view down the length of Loch Ness. The route then follows a back road along the shore of Loch Ness to Inverfarigaig. From here the route heads uphill along good forest roads, with occasional views over Loch Ness, before reaching Upper Foyers with its shop and café, with a short walk on offer to a spectacular gorge and waterfall. The route to Lower Foyers is a welcome downhill to the shore of Loch Ness, where our barge will be waiting at the pier. Height gain: 240m/792ft

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day with a steep climb to Upper Foyers to re-join the South Loch Ness Trail. This takes us along back roads via the picturesque Loch Tarff. The fun descent to Fort Augustus offers some wonderful views of the village and Loch Ness below. For an easy-going morning alternative, you can stay aboard the barge and enjoy cruising along the spectacular wild quarter of Loch Ness. We are reunited with the barge in Fort Augustus. The village is centred on a staircase of 5 canal locks which raise the canal high above Loch Ness. This is the main habitation on our route and there are a variety of cafes, shops and visitor centres as well as an interesting museum describing the life of the 17th Century Highlander. Height gain: 400m/1312ft

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we can cruise or cycle along the middle section of the canal and through the first half of the beautiful Loch Oich. The barge will anchor on Loch Oich by the elegant Glengarry Castle Hotel, within sight of the ruined Invergarry Castle. This stage: no height gain After the morning cruise or cycle, we can set off along the road to Skye for a few miles before heading off on the start of the longest no-through road in the UK. We leave that road to cross the narrows of Loch Garry on a bridge, then head onto a fairly remote forest trail climbing steadily uphill before an exciting descent takes us down to the River Garry and then back to the shores of Loch Oich. Back on board the barge at the end of the day, we spend the night at our beautiful anchorage overlooked by Old Invergarry Castle. Height gain: 250m/825ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, the barge will weigh anchor and cruise along the remaining half of Loch Oich and on through Laggan Avenue, which makes for a stunning journey by bike or barge. The cycle route would then follow a forest trail along Loch Lochy, with views of the largest of Scotland’s mountains across the loch. The trail takes a moderate undulating route to Clunes, the start of the Dark Mile, and then passes the stunning Cia-aig Falls. After crossing the bridge at the foot of Loch Arkaig and stopping to enjoy the views stretching out to the west, we head through the Achnacarry Estate, home of Clan Cameron of Lochiel. Here the Clan Cameron Museum makes an interesting stop, offering information about the history of the area and a chance to buy a well-deserved ice cream. The last leg of the day takes us along The Great Glen Way to meet the barge at Gairlochy. Height gain: 150m/495ft

Meals:  B,L,D

From Gairlochy, we cycle past the impressive Commando Memorial to the village of Spean Bridge. We then head onto forest tracks through the spectacular scenery of The Nevis Range, our local ski centre and home to the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Here you can take the optional gondola ride up to 650m, for spectacular views and a high level café stop. Later we take the cycle track towards Fort William, passing the local Distillery before returning to Banavie for our last night aboard the barge. Height gain: 300m/644ft

Meals:  B,L,D

For our final morning we cycle the towpath and explore the local features of the dramatic Caledonian Canal. We will see one of the aqueducts that carries the canal over the tributary rivers to the River Lochy and visit Corpach where the canal meets the sea. We then cycle back to reach journeys end at the top of the spectacular flight of eight canal locks, known as Neptune’s Staircase. A fitting end to an inspirational adventure. Disembarkation is at Banavie. Height gain: 30m/99ft

Meals:  B

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We will board the barge in Banavie at 14:00 (2pm) today and after meeting the crew and fellow travellers, we set out by bike to explore the dramatic landscapes surrounding the Caledonian Canal. Following the towpath, you will cycle alongside one of Scotland’s great engineering achievements and visit the aqueducts that carry the canal over tributaries flowing into the River Lochy. Continuing to Corpach, where the canal meets the sea, you will enjoy views towards Ben Nevis and the western Highlands. Returning to Banavie, we cycle back to the barge via Neptune’s Staircase, a spectacular series of eight canal locks and one of the highlights of the Caledonian Canal.

Meals:  L,D

From Banavie, today’s cycle takes you along forest trails through the spectacular landscapes of the Nevis Range, home to Scotland’s leading ski centre and the renowned UCI Mountain Bike World Cup course. There is the opportunity to take an optional gondola ride to 650m / 2,133ft for expansive views across the Highlands and a chance to enjoy a break at the mountain café. Continuing on to the village of Spean Bridge, you will pass the striking Commando Memorial before descending back towards the Caledonian Canal to rejoin the barge at Gairlochy. Height gain: 300m/644ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, you will cycle along the shores of Loch Lochy and through the historic Achnacarry Estate, ancestral home of the Clan Cameron of Lochiel. After crossing the bridge at the foot of Loch Arkaig, there is time to pause and take in the sweeping views west across the Highlands before continuing past the beautiful Chia-Aig Falls at the start of the famous Dark Mile. The route follows a moderately undulating trail along the length of Loch Lochy, with impressive views across the water towards Ben Nevis, before rejoining the barge at Laggan Locks. Later, your journey continues with a scenic cruise or cycle along the tree-lined Laggan Avenue and onto Loch Oich. Tonight, the barge anchors on the loch near the elegant Glengarry Castle Hotel, with views towards the atmospheric ruins of Invergarry Castle. Height gain: 150m/495ft

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast at anchor, today’s ride explores the scenic landscapes of Glen Garry. Following the River Garry, you will cycle along quiet country roads that gradually climb into the hills before joining forest trails above Loch Garry. From here, the route descends to a bridge crossing the loch, leading onto Scotland’s longest dead-end road which traces the shoreline through remote Highland scenery. For the final leg of the ride, you join the road towards Skye before returning to the barge, anchored on Loch Oich for the night. Height gain: 250m/825ft In the afternoon, you can choose to cruise or cycle along the second half of Loch Oich and the central stretch of the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus, our overnight stop. The village is centred around an impressive staircase of five canal locks which lift the canal high above Loch Ness. Fort Augustus is the largest settlement along the route and offers a selection of cafés, shops and visitor centres, along with a museum exploring the history and culture of the 17th-century Highlanders. Cycle distance: 11.3km/7mi

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning begins with a cruise through the impressive flight of five locks at Fort Augustus, giving you time to explore the village or visit the local shops before continuing south along Loch Ness. After lunch at the foot of the locks, today’s cycle follows quiet Highland roads as you climb to the highest point of the week, rewarded with expansive views across Fort Augustus and Loch Ness. From here, a long and gentle descent leads back towards the loch shore, passing the impressive Falls of Foyers before rejoining the barge at Foyers Pier, where we spend the night. Height gain: 400m/1312ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s cycle begins with a short climb away from Loch Ness before descending into the village of Inverfarigaig. From here, you follow quiet roads tracing the shoreline of Loch Ness to the village of Dores. The shingle beach beside the Dores Inn is an ideal place to pause for refreshments while enjoying your final views across the loch. Continuing onwards, forest trails lead past the impressive Aldourie Castle and onto a small inlet on the shores of Loch Dochfour. Here, a small tender transfers you the short distance back to the barge waiting at Dochgarroch, our final overnight stop along the Caledonian Canal. Height gain: 240m/792ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning’s ride follows the final stretch of the Caledonian Canal, leading to the sea lock at the eastern entrance to the canal and marking the completion of your coast-to-coast journey across Scotland. Afterwards, you return to the barge for coffee and farewells before disembarkation at 11:00am.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners
  • Breakfast includes porridge, cereal, yoghurt and fresh fruit, followed by toast and a hot cooked option. At lunchtime we have home-made bread, soup and fresh salads. Packed lunches are individually prepared.
  • Dinner consists of a main course with two options, dessert and cheeseboard. Local produce is sourced wherever possible including: fresh fish; Scottish venison and Scottish beef. Haggis, meat or vegetarian is provided as an option on one of the meals.
  • The chef is happy to cater for most dietary needs as long as you advise us on booking.
  • Daily tea and coffee
  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with split level beds. Single cabins are limited and on a request basis (supplement applies).
  • Boat crew and experienced cycle guide
  • Hybrid bike and helmet rental
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Inverness and from Banavie
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Drinks - payable locally
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers) Note: If more than 1 single cabin is booked, higher rates apply to book further single use cabins. Ask for details.
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend GBP20-25 per person (to be distributed between the leader, captain and crew).
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Ros Crana Barge

Ros Crana has 6 en-suite cabins with a large (4’) lower berth and a standard (2’6”) berth above. All berths are 6’4” long, have a radiator, heated towel rail, good storage and a large opening window.

Fingal Barge

There are 6 ensuite cabins with a large (3'6") lower berth and a standard (2'6") berth above. All berths are 6'3" long, have under floor heating, heated towel rail, good storage and a large opening window.

Cabins

Fingal of Caledonia

Ros Crana

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

The hybrid bike Claud Butler 3.0 has a hydroformed alloy frame including SR Suntour NEX-DS suspension forks, 21 speed Shimano Altus transmission, A-head stem and Tektro disc brakes. A good all terrain bike. Helmet rental is included.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

GRADE 2 - The cycling offers a variety of enjoyable options. Each day the experienced guide will show you the finest trails and rides around and beyond the Great Glen. These will range from a mixture of trail, forest track, towpath and quiet, scenic roads. Some of the areas include the start of the longest no-through road in the UK, the famous Leanachan forest trails around Nevis Range, home to the Fort William UCI World Cup; the old Great Glen Cycleway which takes you high above Loch Ness offering some fantastic views and a real sense of "a space to breathe".

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Limited twin cabins for single use are available, ask for supplement costs for 2nd and 3rd cabins and availability. The cancellation and payment terms and conditions are different for this trip. Please see the detailed trip notes for information.
1
Trip commences from Inverness onboard Ros Crana
2
Trip commences from Banavie onboard Ros Crana
Note:
Fuel surcharge may apply

Priceper person from

£2280GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single cabin supplement (1 per departure)GBP£250
  • 2027 - Single cabin supplement (1 per departure)GBP£320
  • Electric bike hire & delivery chargeGBP£450
  • 2027 - Single cabin supplement *3rd single cabinGBP£630
*Prices listed are per person

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