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Cycling
Overview
SelfGuided
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Scottish Castles
Coast
Scotland
This biking vacation in Scotland takes you through the regions of Highland Perthshire, Angus and the Royal Kingdom of Fife, passing a few of the great Castles of Scotland. You will cycle by and visit Glamis Castle, Scone Palace where the Kings and Queens of Scotland were crowned and Falkland Palace.
You will also be able to explore the ancient town of St. Andrews, known worldwide for its university and also as the home of the game of golf.
You will be staying in 3/4 star hotels and guest houses. You can always extend your cycling holiday with extra nights in Edinburgh or by travelling further north to the Highlands of Scotland.
Biking Tour
Meeting:
Pitlochry
Airport:
Edinburgh
Transfer:
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include:
Accommodations, All breakfasts, Luggage transfers & Navigation by Smart Phone App (Access code for App emailed around 3 weeks before departure)
A | 2024 | 8 day trip - self-guided | 8d / 7n | €1210 | $1330 |
Single supplement | €775 | $850 |
B | 2024 | 6 day trip - self-guided | 6d / 5n | €1105 | $1215 |
Single supplement | €720 | $790 |
Transfer and Other Charges:
2024
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Make your own transfer arrangements
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€
0
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$0
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2024
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Bike rental, pp
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€
175
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$190
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2024
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E-Bike rental, pp
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€
330
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$365
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2024
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Aluminium Bike rental, pp
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€
370
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$410
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A |
2024
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04/01
- 04/30
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8d / 7n
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/
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Reserve
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B |
2024
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05/01
- 09/30
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6d / 5n
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/
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Transfers before and after the tour, Lunches, Dinners & Travel insurance (mandatory)
Sample Itinerary: 8-day tour - subject to changes
Note: It is possible to book a shorter version of this tour (6 days).
Bike handover is usually on the evening of Day 1, at your first accommodation (or on morning of Day 2).
Day 1: Arrival
Please, make your own way to your accommodation in Pitlochry.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Pitlochry
Day 2: Pitlorchy to Alyth / Kirriemuir
After spending some time in Pitlochry (see the Fish and Dam Ladder, the famous outdoor theatre and the Bells distillery aka Edradour - Scotland’s smallest distillery). Cycle east up the gentle climb out of the town. Eventually the climb becomes worthwhile with a scenic eight-mile descent.
A longer option takes you across to one of the stunning Angus Glens where time seems to stand still. With the Grampians behind you, each corner will provide a new visual delight.
Tonight, you shall stay in either Alyth or Kirriemuir.
Distance: 27-37-40 miles / 43-59-64 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Alyth or Kirriemuir
Day 3: Alyth / Kirriemuir Loop
Following the lower farm lands, you cycle east with the Grampian mountains providing a wonderful northern scenic splendour. Visit Glamis Castle which is everything a castle should be. It was the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and also the birth-place of HM the Queen Mother. After your visit you cycle north towards the Grampian Mountains and then west back to Alyth, the views are magnificent.
Kirriemuir is slightly east of Alyth, so if you are staying in Kirriemuir you will first cycle to Alyth.
Distance: 32 miles / 51 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Alyth or Kirriemuir
Day 4: Alyth / Kirriemuir to Dundee
Leaving Alyth or Kirriemuir you cycle south along the undulating lanes, eventually approaching the River Tay and Dundee. Dundee is an historic city with several attractions to visit. Why not visit the Discovery centre with captain Scott’s HMS Discovery or the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Distance: 27-30 miles / 43-50 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Dundee
Day 5: Cycle to St Andrews and return
Today, you cross the River Tay and have a gentle ride into St. Andrews. This university town is full of history with its Abbey, Castle, cobbled streets with ancient houses and of course the famous Links - the home of golf.
Distance: 29 miles / 46 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Dundee
Day 6: Dundee to Perth
First, you cross the River Tay and then continue along the shores of the River, mainly using part of the National Cycle Network to Perth. Take a detour to historic Falkland and its Palace, home of Mary Queen of Scots. Check into your Hotel and explore this wonderful city of Perth, enjoy some riverside walks.
Distance: 29-41 miles / 49-65 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Perth
Day 7: Perth Loop
A day to relax around the city with many non-cycling activities to occupy you or cycle out to Scone Palace. Scone Palace is full of treasures and a must for those interested in Scottish history. The palace was the crowning point of all past Scottish Kings and Queens. The famous Stone of Destiny was returned here after the devolution of Scotland from England.
Distance: 29 miles / 46 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Perth
Day 8: Departure
Make your own transfer arrangeents.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Sample Itinerary: 6-day tour - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Please, make your own way to your accommodation in Pitlochry.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Pitlochry
Day 2: Pitlorchy to Alyth / Kirriemuir
After spending some time in Pitlochry (see the Fish and Dam Ladder, the famous outdoor theatre and the Bells distillery aka Edradour - Scotland’s smallest distillery). Cycle east up the gentle climb out of the town. Eventually the climb becomes worthwhile with a scenic eight-mile descent.
A longer option takes you across to one of the stunning Angus Glens where time seems to stand still. With the Grampians behind you, each corner will provide a new visual delight.
Tonight, you shall stay in either Alyth or Kirriemuir.
Distance: 27-37-40 miles / 43-59-64 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Alyth or Kirriemuir
Day 3: Alyth / Kirriemuir Loop
Following the lower farm lands, you cycle east with the Grampian mountains providing a wonderful northern scenic splendour. Visit Glamis Castle which is everything a castle should be. It was the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and also the birth-place of HM the Queen Mother. After your visit you cycle north towards the Grampian Mountains and then west back to Alyth, the views are magnificent.
Kirriemuir is slightly east of Alyth, so if you are staying in Kirriemuir you will first cycle to Alyth.
Distance: 32 miles / 51 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Alyth or Kirriemuir
Day 4: Alyth / Kirriemuir to Dundee
Leaving Alyth or Kirriemuir you cycle south along the undulating lanes, eventually approaching the River Tay and Dundee. Dundee is an historic city with several attractions to visit. Why not visit the Discovery centre with captain Scott’s HMS Discovery or the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Distance: 27-30 miles / 43-50 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Dundee
Day 5: Cycle to St Andrews and return
Today, you cross the River Tay and have a gentle ride into St. Andrews. This university town is full of history with its Abbey, Castle, cobbled streets with ancient houses and of course the famous Links - the home of golf.
Distance: 29 miles / 46 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Dundee
Day 6: Departure
Make your own transfer arrangeents.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Meeting:
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Pitlochry
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Airport:
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Edinburgh
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Train station:
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Pitlochry
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Transfer:
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Level:
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Moderate
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Insurance
It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance that you have purchased to cover cancellations, accidents, and repatriation etc. You will need to provide details (insurer, policy number and medical emergency telephone number) of the insurance you have purchased.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you have purchased covers you for your particular activity. We will not accept liability for any costs, losses or expenses which you incur as a result in not getting the correct level of cover.
Bike
If you choose to rent a bike with us, we usually use Scott Hybrid (Sub Cross 40) and E-Bikes (Sub Tour eRide) on this tour.
Bikes come with a small bag, map carrier (1 per 2 bikes), inner tube, lock, tools, bottle carrier.
We must be notified in advance if guests wish to fix own pedals or saddles to our bikes.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are only re. more
Dundee area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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43
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45
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48
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53
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58
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63
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67
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66
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62
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55
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49
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43
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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37
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37
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39
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43
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48
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53
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56
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56
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52
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47
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41
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37
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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6
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7
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9
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12
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15
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17
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19
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19
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17
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13
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9
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6
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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3
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3
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4
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6
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9
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12
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14
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13
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11
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8
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5
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3
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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12
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9
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8
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8
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9
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10
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11
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11
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8
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11
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12
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11
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Scotland’s climate is quite moderate though changeable. As the old Scottish saying goes, 'there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!'
One of the most surprising things about Scotland's climate is how much it varies from one place to another. It's often the case that you can drive for 20 minutes and find the conditions are different.
The unpredictable nature means it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day!
Spring
A beautiful time to visit, this season sees daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons bursting into bloom. With sprightly wildlife and a milder breeze in the air, there's plenty of activities to enjoy.
Even if you do experience an April shower or two, there is a fantastic range of galleries, museums and other attractions to keep you entertained all year-round, regardless of the weather.
Summer
Scotland's high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight. In the north of the country, Lerwick in Shetland has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London. And, with the extra hours of daylight, you can pack a lot into your summer holiday.
Autumn
The colors of autumn are eye-catching and vibrant, as the trees change from green to fiery reds, oranges and yellows. It's a perfect time of year to snap some photographs as you take an invigorating autumn amble through the forest.
Winter
The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 10-20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 40 days of falling snow.
Your luggage is transported for you every day. Luggage is limited to one bag per person and with a weight limit of 20kg.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so you will sleep in different accommodations along the trail.
Description
You will stay in 3/4 star hotels, guests houses, country inns and bed and breakfast. Occasionally we have to book a nearby village in peak times which would mean a shorter day and a long days walk the next day.
Our handpicked accommodations are chosen for their accessibility to the route and warmth of welcome. We try and find accommodation which is interesting, and we are sure all our providers of accommodation will show an active interest in your tour progress.
We try and provide en-suite rooms where possible but on occasions, this may not be possible on some tours. If you insist on an en-suite room then please provide this request during the booking process.
Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Pitlochry
Night 2 & 3: Accommodation in Alyth or Kirriemuir
Night 4 & 5: Accommodation in Dundee
Night 6 & 7: Accommodation in Perth
Accommodation Itinerary for 6-day option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Pitlochry
Night 2 & 3: Accommodation in Alyth or Kirriemuir
Night 4 & 5: Accommodation in Dundee
Room Occupancy
All our prices are based on two persons sharing a twin/double room. However, single persons are most welcome but incur a supplement.
Meals
Your package includes all breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are not included and should be paid locally.
We try and provide en-suite rooms where possible but on occasions, this may not be possible on some tours. If you insist on an en-suite room then please provide this request during the booking process.
Special diets
Insurance
It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance that you have purchased to cover cancellations, accidents, and repatriation etc. You will need to provide details (insurer, policy number and medical emergency telephone number) of the insurance you have purchased.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you have purchased covers you for your particular activity. We will not accept liability for any costs, losses or expenses which you incur as a result in not getting the correct level of cover.
Bike
If you choose to rent a bike with us, we usually use Scott Hybrid (Sub Cross 40) and E-Bikes (Sub Tour eRide) on this tour.
Bikes come with a small bag, map carrier (1 per 2 bikes), inner tube, lock, tools, bottle carrier.
We must be notified in advance if guests wish to fix own pedals or saddles to our bikes.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to six months.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
N/A |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
N/A |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
N/A |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
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Scottish Castles
Tour Code:
ZZ-BKSC-H01
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,330.00
Dates: April to September
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Edinburgh
Activities:
Hiking, sightseeing
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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