Cycling the Great Glen
An inspirational bike and barge adventure along Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
Enchanting shores of Loch Ness
On three days days (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday) the height gain is between 200m and 300m. On the other days the height gain is max. 150m. A good condition is required.
An inspirational bike and barge adventure along Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
A variety of biking options will be offered on this 7day/ 6 night cruise. Each day our experienced guide will show you the best of the trails and rides around and beyond the Great Glen. We look for a mixture of trail, forest track, towpath and scenic road. We will venture into the famous Leanachan forest trails around Nevis Range, home to the Fort William World Cup. There will be the opportunity to cycle on the old Great Glen Cycle way which takes you high above Loch Ness offering some fantastic views.
Our carefully selected routes offer wonderful cycling options amongst the beautiful hills and glens along and near to the Caledonian Canal. The average daily distance is around 20 kilometers.
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
June 21
Twin ensuite cabin: € 2.260,-
Twin ensuite cabin for single use: on request but approx. € 2.500,-
September 6
Twin ensuite cabin: € 2.260,-
Twin ensuite cabin for single use: on request but approx. € 2.500,-
Extra options:
Return minibus to the start point approx. € 70,- per person (this will take approx. 2 hours and must be booked at least 2 months in advance).
We’ll be ready to welcome you aboard between 2.00 and 2.15 pm on the start date of your cruise. Please try not to arrive before 2pm – our ‘turnaround’ time is short and busy and we may not be available to give you the welcome we’d like to.
By rail
The rail journey to Inverness is via Edinburgh and passes through interesting and dramatic scenery as well as going over the famous Forth Bridge. The railway station is in Inverness city centre about a mile from Muirtown Basin where the barge will be moored. Taxis can be taken from outside the station.
By bus / coach
There is a coach service from Edinburgh to Inverness. The bus station is near to the train station in Inverness town centre, about a mile from Muirtown Basin where the barge will be moored. Taxis can be taken from the bus station.
By air
There are airports at Glasgow and Edinburgh but the nearest is Inverness Airport about 12 miles out of town off the A96 Nairn road. You can take a taxi from the airport or a bus into town followed by a taxi to Muirtown Basin where the barge will be moored.
Journey’s end
We finish our cruise at Banavie, near Fort William at the specified finishing date and time. For those who have booked our minibus ( € 50,- per person) it will collect you from here and return you to the start point. This will take approx. 2 hours.
On this tour the following barge is scheduled
By this tour the following bike is include:
These are good quality hybrid bikes, with disc brakes and front suspension (not full mountain bikes). They do not have mudguards or luggage racks. People usually take a small rucksack for personal items.
This bike is included by the tour. Don't forget to send us your height to select the correct frame size.
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
The skipper, mate and the chef all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tour leader accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way.
Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you.
If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but at the latest until 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board. We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families.