About this trip.
Coast to coast on drove roads
215 miles separate Fort William on the west coast from Montrose on the east, and Saddle Skedaddle's route between them stays off tarmac wherever possible. The line stitches together ancient drove roads, loch-side tracks, forest trails and twisting singletrack — a wilderness traverse rather than a road tour, taken on mountain bikes with proper kit.
The terrain is the point. This trip is graded across the full 1 to 5 spectrum, which is honest of them: fit intermediate riders can complete it, but there are technical sections that will give experienced mountain bikers something to work for. River crossings feature. So do long, exposed climbs. E-MTB hire is offered if you want pedal assistance up the cheekier ascents, though the group pace is set by riders on regular bikes — so an e-bike here buys you headroom rather than speed.
Six days of riding through the Highlands
Day one climbs into the Nevis Range above Fort William, which sets the tone — big views, rugged ground, no easing in. From there the route drops into the Great Glen and follows the Caledonian Canal, rolling into Fort Augustus and giving the obligatory pause on the shores of Loch Ness. The Corrieyairack Pass, one of the trip's signature climbs, carries you over the Monadhliath Mountains and down into the Spey Valley.
The Cairngorms section is the wildest stretch. The route runs through Glenmore Forest Park and across the remote Braes of Abernethy before reaching Tomintoul, a 17th-century village that holds the title of highest village in the Highlands and is a sensible place to commit to a single malt. The final two days cross Mount Keen, drop down into Glen Esk, overnight in Edzell, then pedal out to the coast at Montrose.
The practical side
The trip runs seven days end to end, with six days of riding, and prices start at £1,995 per person. Meet-up is at Balloch at 13:30 with a transfer up to Fort William for late afternoon, or there's an airport pickup from Glasgow at 12:30. Fort William's rail link makes train arrivals straightforward.
This is a guided trip, which matters on a route this remote — you're trusting someone else with route-finding across the Monadhliath, and that's the right call. It suits riders who already have a few seasons of off-road miles behind them and want a properly demanding week rather than an easy tourist circuit. If your idea of a good week is being damp, tired and a long way from the nearest road by mid-afternoon, this is the holiday.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
