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HIGHLAND
GLENS AND LOWLAND HILLS
an
the best of Scotland cycling vacation
This is an
exciting journey through some of Scotland's finest scenery with the
opportunity to enjoy both the remote glens of Perthshire and the
beautiful Trossachs Region often described as 'The Highlands in
Miniature'. The scenic route winds its way along the shores of beautiful
rivers and lochs in the shadow of majestic mountains. You can visit
distilleries and castles, sail on Loch Katrine and explore the Queen
Elizabeth Forest Park. From the sheltered Victorian resort town of
Pitlochry the tour travels to Aberfeldy, on to Killin on Loch Tay and
from there by cycle track down Glen Ogle to Lochernhead in the heart of
Rob Roy country. Perhaps pause to visit Rob Roy's grave in the
peaceful churchyard at Balquidder and view the Falls of Leny
before arriving at the bustling main town of Callander with its wide
variety of woollen and craft shops. A sail on the century old steamer SS
Sir Walter Scott will allow you to appreciate the splendour of Loch
Katrine, visit Inversnaid on the banks of Loch Lomond or cycle to
Aberfoyle. At historic Stirling, the last town. The choice of short or
long daily rides makes this an ideal tour for leisure cyclists, family
groups or the more enthusiastic long distance biker.
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Programme
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Day
1
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Arrival at Pitlochry Take
the opportunity to wander along the main street with its wide selection of
interesting shops, admire the floral displays and perhaps visit Bell's
Blair Atholl Distillery. At this pretty Victorian resort town you can also
visit the
Dam and Fish Ladder
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Day
2
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Explore from Pitlochry
Today you can choose from three different trips
each returning to Pitlochry:
1. Pitlochry - Calvine (24ml / 38 km) A
gentle cycle with plenty of interesting stops. Follow the route through the
historic Pass of Killiecrankie and on to the world-famous Blair Castle. Return
via the villages Calvine and Struan.
2.Pitlochry-Dunkeld (30ml / 48 km) Enjoy
spectacular views as you follow the Rivers Tummel and Tay to the historic town
of Dunkeld. Visit the ruined Cathedral (XIV-XVI century) and picturesque town
square.
3.Pitlochry-Glen Errochty (40ml / 64 km)
Follow route 1 to Struan, then continue west through Glen Errochty over the
hills to Tummel Bridge. A lovely ride along the shore of Loch Tummel returns you
to Pitlochry.
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Day
3
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From Pitlochry to Aberfeldy (15ml/24 km
or 24ml/39 km) Today you leave Pitlochry
following the quiet road high above the River Tummel to Logierait. You
cross the old railway bridge and follow the North bank of the River Tay to
the town of Aberfeldy. Alternatively you
could try the more strenuous route by Lochs Fascally and Tummel to climb
the pass on the old military road to Coshieville and Aberfeldy. In
Aberfeldy you can visit the old watermill (XIX century) |
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Day
4
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From Aberfeldy to Killin (23ml/37 km -
40ml/65 km) This morning you cross the River
Tay to Weem and follow the quiet road to Kenmore at the north end of Loch
Tay. A scenic ride along the south loch side road with fine views of Ben
Lawers (1214m; a National Park famous for its alpine and arctic flora) to
the busy village of Killin. Alternatively
a longer, more strenuous but very beautiful journey via Fortingall, where
according to the legend Pontius Pilatus was born), Glen Lyon and Glen
Lochay to Killin. In the church yard of the village of Fortingall is an
ancient Yew. Its age is estimated between 2000 and 5000 years, which makes
it the oldest known tree in Europe |
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Day
5
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From Killin to Callander (27ml/43 km) From
Killin you ride southwards on the cycle track through Glen Ogle to
Lochearnhead, a centre for water sports and fishing. You continue by
Strathyre and Loch Lubnaig on forest trails and old railway track to the
falls of Leny and Callander, built against the slopes of the highest
mountain of the Trossachs, Ben Ledi (879m). |
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Day
6
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Explore the Trossachs (21ml/36 km or
33ml/55 km or 36ml/62 km) The Trossachs is a
beautiful region excellent for rides and walks. Ride
by Loch Venacher and through Achray Forest to Loch Katrine: take a sail on
the steamer SS Walter Scott and return to Callander from Loch Katrine. Alternatively
alight at Stronachlacher Pier, perhaps take a detour to
Loch Lomond before returning on the private road around Loch Katrine to
Callander. For those whishing to stretch their legs continue south from Stronachlacher
on the scenic road to Aberfoyle and return through Achray Forest to
Callander. |
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Day
7
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From Callander to Stirling (19ml/30 km
or 29ml/46km or 42ml/69 km) Today a perfect
combination of nature and culture. Leave Callander and travel by the Braes
of Doune to visit ancient Doune Castle, built in the XIV century by Robert
Stuart. Continue to Dunblane Cathedral (gothic XIII century) and complete
the tour at Stirling with its Castle (XIV-XVI century). Alternatively,
cycle south by the Torrie Forest to the village of Thornhill and continue
on to Stirling. A longer scenic route passes near the Gragunnock and
Fintry Hills and through the Carron Valley. |
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Day
8
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Departure
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The
package includes:
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Bed
& Breakfast accommodation in twin/double rooms in 3 or 4 star
guesthouses
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Luggage
transportation (max. 15 kg)
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Tour
information including maps and detailed route description
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Emergency
support
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insurance
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Period
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Departures
any day from 1st April to 31st October
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Level
2/3
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Moderate
cycling. some days flat, some days with moderate hills. Daily distances between 36-67 km.
Quiet asphalted country roads or off road cycling.
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Participants
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Minimum
two persons ( a single person on request)
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Price 2012
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Per
person double room sharing B&B € 565,00
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A single room
B&B € 735,00
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A child (0-11 years) sharing a room
with two adults €445,00
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Bike rental
€ 75,00
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