Scottish Castles

Coast Scotland: (ZZ-BKSC-H01)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_cycling_scotland_castles.aspx

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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

Riding

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.

Itinerary

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 

-------------------------------------

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 


Rates and Dates for Scottish Castles

Rates include:

Accommodations, All breakfasts, Luggage transfers & Navigation by Smart Phone App (Access code for App emailed around 3 weeks before departure)

Packages and Options



  • SeasonYearDescriptionEUR ~US$
    A
    20248 day trip - self-guided€1210$1330
    • Single supplement€775$850
  • B
    20246 day trip - self-guided€1105$1215
    • Single supplement€720$790
The US Dollar Rate is Based on Exchange Rate of 1.1

* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy

Transfer and Other Charges:



 DescriptionEUR~US$
2024 Make your own transfer arrangements 0 $0
2024 Bike rental, pp 175 $190
2024 E-Bike rental, pp 330 $365
2024 Aluminium Bike rental, pp 370 $410

Season Seasons Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 04/01 - 04/30 8d / 7n / Reserve
B 2024 05/01 - 09/30 6d / 5n / Reserve

Dates Note:

Rates do not include:

Transfers before and after the tour, Lunches, Dinners & Travel insurance (mandatory)

Other Info
Meeting: Pitlochry
Airport: Edinburgh
Transfer:

Climate:
                                               Dundee area


Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

43

45

48

53

58

63

67

66

62

55

49

43

Average Low Temperature (°F)

37

37

39

43

48

53

56

56

52

47

41

37

Average High Temperature (°C)

6

7

9

12

15

17

19

19

17

13

9

6

Average Low Temperature (°C)

3

3

4

6

9

12

14

13

11

8

5

3

Average Precipitation (days of rain)

12

9

8

8

9

10

11

11

8

11

12

11

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.

What To Bring:
Your luggage is transported for you every day. Luggage is limited to one bag per person and with a weight limit of 20kg.