THE TOUR OF SCOTLAND

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A Cycling Route Around Scotland

In my youth I spent many summer holidays touring the highlands of Scotland on my bike. This books brings together some of my favorite routes into a single circular tour of Scotland starting at Moffat in the southwest and finishing at Edinburgh castle.

This is primarily designed as a cycle tour of Scotland however it is equally valid for travellers by car or motorbike. The Stages breaks down the tour into day sized stages. Doing the complete Tour will take the average cyclist two weeks. Some of the Stages are short, almost time trial in nature, while others are long days in the saddle. No day is over the hundred miles however! The focus of the tour is the mountains, not just the Highland scenery, but the climbs along the way. The mountain climbs are all catagorised to give the rider a feel for what is in store during the day.

The lend themselves well to the tourer with a car who can sample the best bits of the Tour. Alternatively the cyclist can treat them as individual day rides to be sampled at leisure. However they are taken, they provide some of the best and most challenging riding that Scotland has to offer.

It is also worth bearing in mind the weather in Scotland. It can be very hot during the Summer, particularly in May and June, but it can equally be wet and cold. Unfortunately for the tourist this can happen on the same day! It is worth therefore planning your tour with care. Choose suitable accommodation for overnight stays. If you are carrying everything with you on the bike then make sure you have suitable clothing for all weathers. If you have a back-up bus then ensure you can get you stuff on and off the bus easily.

The Mountains

The mountains are given four classifications 1*, 1, 2 and 3, with 1* being the hardest. The categories are defined as follows:-

Category 3

A climb of greater than 50 m but not exceeding 100m and with no gradient steeper than 1 in 15.

Category 2

A climb not exceeding 200m and with no gradient steeper than 1 in 10.

Category 1

A climb of over 200m but with no gradient greater than 1 in 10.

Category 1*

A climb of over 200m with a gradient of steeper than 1 in 10.

The categories are defined for the direction of ascent given in the book.

Training

I believe that anyone who can cycle can do this tour. It just takes the mental attitude to do it. If you've picked up this book and started reading it then you are already interested enough to give it a go. Some cyclist will do the Tour with ease; if you already do cycle touring then you know what you are in for. You can use the book as a guide to the route. If you do a bit of cycling but have never completed a major tour then you could choose to do the Routes section of the book, or you could grasp the thistle and take a two week break in Scotland and see some of its best scenery close up. Even if you do not do a lot of cycling you can still do this tour. To be realistic you have to start off doing some basic training. This need only be building up to 30 miles in a day. You may be already there or you may need to build this up over a period of a month doing 10, 15, 20 and then 30 miles at the weekend. Then you can go for it. I would not suggest any more training than that, otherwise you might loose the excitement and spontaneity of it. The best way to train for cycling is to cycle and that is what you are doing on the Tour. So just go do it!

Equipment

You probably already have your bike, so you will already have chosen whether its a mountain bike, road bike or hybrid. You should get some cycling clothing, a top with pockets in the back, shorts (padded crotch) and a waterproof jacket (see the climate of Scotland Section). The additional equipment you need will depend on your type of touring. If you are going to stay in B&Bs or hotels (see accommodation section) then you do not need to carry too much. If you are taking tents and roughing it then your load will be much heavier. You will need some basic cycle tools and repair equipment.

Hillclimbs

The strategy for the hill-climbs is steady pace. Try to stay in the saddle as long as possible. If you are laden with panniers then for stability you will have no choice. If you are on a mountain bike you should have plenty of low gears. Most of the climbs are constant gradient climbs that respond well to a steady approach, that is the beauty of them! Psychologically the worst thing you can do is focus on the top when you are at the bottom. Save that for the last push. You want to concentrate on the rhythm of your pedals. Watch the crank go round. Look up periodically to check the road for pot-holes and obstacles. Use the white line at the side of the road to keep a straight line. Avoid wandering all over the road. Focus on the pedal rhythm. Keep it smooth.

Before the start of the climb, be conscious of your gearing. Get in a high gear for as long as possible beforehand. This conditions your legs to turning at a slow pace under pressure. As you feel the gradient start, drop to a medium gear and ride this until it starts to slow. The secret is to keep a rhythm; you do notwant to stall in too high a gear, but you want to save a gear or to for nearer the top. If you loose momentum, its okay to get out the saddle and pick up speed, then drop back into the saddle and pick up the rhythm. As the summit nears you can start to focus on it and feel the elation as you pull over the top. Unless you are completely exhausted, you should try to keep going for a bit rather than stopping abruptly. This will allow the lactic acid to be flushed out of your muscles and stop you getting sore legs.

Midges

No book on touring Scotland would be complete without a word or two about the midge. The midge is a small, flying insect, whose bite is disproportionate for its size. The sheer number of midges in a cloud can make for some very unpleasent times in the highlands. People have resorted to wearing women's tights over the heads, or dressing in full all weather gear including balaclavas in the height of summer, just to avoid them. When you are on the bike, there are not that bad, as once you get above about 8 miles per hour, you simply outrun them. However when you stop, then they can quickly come out of the trees or grass and find you exposed legs or arms. If you are camping at night, then choose you site with care. Avoid wooded areas, areas near water, or sheltered, windless spots. There are many proprietary sprays available, such as Jungle Formula, which is a nasty chemical that can take the dye out of your Goretex jacket! There are also scented candles which aim to keep them away. The smoke from a fire can also help. Avon 'oh so simple' hand and face creme is said to work well for many. Once bitten the effects vary from person to person. If you are allergic to the bite then they can be very itchy and last for up to a week. Taking antihistamines can reduce the itching and swelling.

Check the Midge Forecast before you go

Climate and Weather

The weather in Scotland is notoriously changeable. Even in summer it can be cold and wet. It can also be sunny and warm – all in the one day. The best time of year is usually April, May and early June. During this period the weather is often stable and dry. Winds are light and midges are not yet out.

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The Stages

STAGE 1 - MOFFAT (Circular Route)

The tour starts with a warm up time trial. A circular route of 39 miles.


Climbing the Devil's Beeftub

STAGE STATISTICS

Stage Map

Stage Description

The stage contains two categorized hill-climbs, one of which starts the day. It is a long steady climb up to the Devil's Beeftub. It is therefore worth making sure you are warmed up before the start. After that there is along decent, before a steep climb up past the Meggit Resevoir. The route back along the main road can be tough into the wind that funnels down the valley. You've been warned.

Distance (Miles) Description
0.0 Leave Moffat on the A701 heading north towards Edinburgh. The category 1 climb starts immediately on leaving the town
4.0 The summit of the "Devil's Beeftub" (375mm). Category 1 Climb 302m
12.5 Turn right off the A701 just before Tweedsmuir
16.0 Summit of "Meggithead" (452m)
22.0 Cappercleugh
39.0 Moffat (Finish)

STAGE 2 - MOFFAT - STRATHAVEN

Today we travel out of the Borders and into Central Scotland.


Climbing up to Wanlockhead

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 72 Miles
Altitude 3061 ft
OS MAPS 78 & 71
Dificulty Rating 3

Stage Map

Stage Description

This stage starts in the small market town of Moffat, in the Dumfries and Galloway region. The route contains 3 major hill-climbs. The first two climbs are mirror images as you cross and re-cross the hills of Wanlockhead. On the east side the hills are open landscape with challenging but not over steep ascents. On the west side the road runs through corries cut by rivers running down the valley. The third climb of the day is much more open, climbing over essentially high moor land. The stage finishes in the town of Strathaven a popular commuting town for Glasgow, which still manages to maintain a country feel.

Distance (Miles) Description
0.0 Moffat (105m). Leave town heading south west on the A701 for 3 miles
2.0 At the roundabout take the old A74 (now a national cycle route) heading north.
9.0 Beattock Summit (314m). Category 1 climb. (209m).
18.4 Elvanfoot. Turn left onto the A702 heading south towards Durisdeer. (there are signs for Drumlanrig Castle).
25.1 Summit of Dalveen Pass (345m).
30.0 Turn right at Holestane Farm. (Morton Castle on left). Follow signs for Drumlanrig Castle.
31.0 Turn right onto the A76, heading north towards Mennock. (Drumlanrig is straight ahead at this junction.)
41.8 In Mennock, turn right onto the B797 heading east towards Wanlockhead.
48.5 Carry on through Wanlockhead.
49.0 Reach the summit of the climb (466m). There is a cattle grid at the local district boundary.
50.1 Carry straight through Leadhills, keeping left on main road (B797).
53.1 Bear left onto a local road rising steeply. Marked Crawfordjohn
54.5 Climb over the summit of Pyatshaw Brae (366m) and decend into Crawfordjohn
56.3 Turn left at the T junction in Crawfordjohn onto the B740 towards Sanquhar for 2 miles
58.0 Turn right onto a local road heading north west to Glespin for 6 miles
63.6 Turn left onto the A70 for 8 miles heading west towards Cumnock & Murkirk
72.0 In Muirkirk, turn right onto the B743 towards Strathaven for 14 miles. Climb to the summit of Dumgavel (277m). The the long descent to Strathaven.
86.0 Finish in Strathaven

STAGE 3 - STRATHAVEN - LARGS

Doon the watter to the river clyde.


The picturesque town of Largs is today's finish

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 55 Miles
Altitude 2037 ft
OS MAPS 71, 70 & 63
Dificulty Rating 2

Stage Map

Stage Description

This stage is dominated by the high moor land that sits between Glasgow and the Clyde coast. The main climb is over the Fenwick Moor rising to 974 ft. The stage briefly uses the A77 which is a busy trunk road. It is wide and cars can go very fast. It is worth making sure you are brightly dressed, keep well into the edge and cycle one a breast. The remainder of the stage is undulating landscape eventually dropping down to the coast at West Kilbride. The stage joins the A78. Like the A77 this road can be busy, but is not nearly as dangerous as the A77. The views along the coast are fantastic on a sunny day.

Distance (Miles) Description
0.0 Leave Strathaven on the B743 for 1 mile to reach the A71
1.2 Turn right onto the A71 towards Darvel for 1 mile
2.2 Turn right onto a local road at bend in the A71. Follow road till cross roads
4.6 Turn right at cross roads heading towards Eaglesham for 12 miles. Pass Ardochrig farm.
8.6 Turn left at cross roads. 90 degree turn right after 1 mile.
10.5 Turn left. 90 degree bend after 1 mile. Go straight through cross roads.
13.1 Turn left at Y junction.
16.3 Turn left onto the B764 and head over the summit of Fenwick Moor. Ballageich Hill (974ft)
22.5 Join the A77 for 4 miles
26.2 Leave the A77 at the Fenwick exit
26.7 In Fenwick turn right and head under the A77. At the roundabout carry straight on onto the B778 heading towards Stewarton
30.1 In Stewarton turn left down main street for ¼ of a mile.
30.3 Turn right onto the B778 for 4 miles heading west
34.0 Turn right onto the A736 and up through Auchentiber.
34.7 Turn left onto the B707 (when leaving Auchentiber) heading west for 4 miles towards Dalry
39.1 Turn left onto the A737 towards Dalry
40.4 In the middle of Dalry turn right on the B780 towards (marked Kilbirnie) but turn left onto the B781 to West Kilbride
47.3 Turn right in West Kilbride and follow road leading down to coast road
48.3 Turn right onto the A78 heading north
51.8 Carry on through Fairlie on the A78
54.7 Arrive Largs

STAGE 4 - LARGS - ABERFOYLE

Crossing the Clyde.


The days starts with a climb of the Hayley Brae

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 80 Miles
Altitude 2,270 ft
OS MAPS 63, 64 & 57
Dificulty Rating 3

Stage Map

Stage Description

We leave the west coast town of largs and head north east towards Glasgow. We avoid the city itself by crossing the clyde on the Erskine Bridge. The we saunter up through the Campsie Fells before arriving at the small town of Aberfoyle.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Leave Largs heading south. At the junction with the A760 turn left following signs for Kilbirnie. Category 2 climb Hayleigh Brae (231m).
7 miles Stay on the A760 for 7.6 miles till Kilburnie.At the roundabout follow signs for Lochwinnoch.
11 miles Leave the A760 at Lochwinnoch turning left through the town. Take the B786 towards Kilmacolm
12 miles At Carruth House (in a small wood) turn right towards Bridge of Weir
15 miles In Bridge of Weir cross the main A761 road and take the B790 to Houston
16 miles In Houston turn left at the roundabout and take the B789 towards Bishopton.
20 miles Turn right off the B789 to Bishopton
22 miles In Bishopton follow signs for the Erskine Bridge
28 miles Erskine Bridge. Cross the bridge
29 miles On the north side of the bridge join the busy A82 for a mile. Leave the A82 at the exit for Duntocher and Milngavie.
31 miles Follow the A810 through Faifley, turning left onto the B8050 to Milngavie
36 miles In Milngavie, go through the roundabout, follow the road round to the left.
37 miles Turn left (going back on oneself) at the Y junction. Follow road round to the right.
38 miles At the bend take the road to the left out to Mugdock resevoir passed on the right. Keep right at the Y junction and keep going to Strathblane
39 miles Leave Strathblane heading east on the A891 towards Lennoxtown and Kilsyth
43 miles In Lennoxtown turn left onto the Campsie road (B822)
44 miles Category 2 climb (1115 ft) Decend the B822 and follow road to Fintry
49 miles In Fintry bear right on the B822
52 miles Pass the Balfron exit and leave the B822 to the left towards Arnprior
54 miles In Arnprior cross over the A811 and take the B8034 to Port of Menteith
59 miles In Port of Menteith turn right onto the A873 towards Calender
60 miles Turn left off the A873. Category 3 climb. (172m) Decend through the woods, follow the road around to the left and enter Callender
65 miles In Calander do not go up onto the A84 main street, but turn left at the back of the town following the river passed the caravan site to join the A821 at Bochastle
66 miles Turn left onto the A82. Cycle along the banks of Loch Venachar to reach Bridge of Turk.
71 miles Cycle round Loch Venachar passed the Hotel and climb up into the Achray Forest
73 miles Category 2 climb (loch venechar) (860 ft)
80 miles Decend the Queens View to reach the day's end at Aberfoyle

STAGE 5 - ABERFOYLE - TYNDRUM

...Into The Highlands


Crossing Loch Lomond on the ferry

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 61 Miles
Altitude 1,778 ft
OS MAPS 57, 56, 51 & 50
Dificulty Rating 2

Stage Map

Stage Description

This stage is the first taste of the highlands. Leaving Aberfoyle the stage takes you over a high moorland and on to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. A short ferry ride later (one of two on the tour) takes you into the highlands. The climb of the Rest and Be Thankful is a classic constant gradient climb up a steep glen to a col at 1014 ft. The decent is fast on very good roads followed by a pleasant trip round Loch Fyne. Why not stop for some seafood at the restaurant. The stage passes though the historic town of Inverary before climbing steeply up to Dalmally and finally down to the small town of Tyndrum.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Depart Aberfoyle on the B829 heading north west towards Stronachlachar
12 miles Turn left at the T junction and head down the hill to the hotel and pier at Inversnaid (NN 396 099)
16 miles At the pier at Inversnaid get the ferry across Loch Lomond
16 miles On the western shore at Inveruglas turn left heading south onto the A82
20 miles n Tarbert, turn right at the T junction with the A83, the hotel is on your left. Follow the road round to the left and over the hill and decend into Arrochar
23 miles Cycle through Arrochar, follow the road round the top of Loch Long
16 miles Category 1 Climb. Climb the hill up Glen Croe known as the Rest and Be Thankful. Reach the summit of the Rest and Be Thankful. Take the small road to the left (B828) which rises at first to the summit of the climb (1014ft). The decend into Hell's Glen
29 miles Take the B839 on the right. Climb to the summit of Hell's Glen (791ft). The descend towards Loch Fyne at Ardno.
33 miles Turn right onto the A815 at the T junction.
34 miles Turn left onto the A83 and follow the road round the top of Loch Fyne
44 miles In Inverary turn right up the hill taking the A819 into Glen Aray, towards Cladich and Dalmally.
50 miles Climb to the col of Glen Aray (682ft), then descend to Cladich, keeping on the A819 to Dalmally.
55 miles Turn right onto the A85 and head into Dalmally. Follow the road along Glen Lochy to arrive at Tyndrum
67 miles Finish in Tyndrum

STAGE 6 - TYNDRUM - BEN LAWERS

...A Short Time Trial


Above Loch Tay on the way to Glen Lyon, near Ben Lawers Visitor Centre.

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 92 Miles
Altitude 3.068 ft
OS MAPS 51
Dificulty Rating 2

Stage Map

Stage Description

This circular stage has only one major hill climb. The climb of the Gleann Da-Eig (1969ft). The rest of the route is along relatively flat glens. The south side of Loch Tay (Loch Tatha – Calm Lake) is a quite road, which makes a pleasant way to enjoy the tranquility of the Loch . Glen Lyon is surrounded by Munros (hills higher than 3000ft) on both sides.

Distance (Miles) 70
START Start at Tyndrum at 745 ft. Head south east on the A82 towards Crianlarich.
5 miles Carry on straight through Crianlarich (600ft), following the A85
14 miles Turn Left at the A827 (marked for Killin) at the Lix Toll.
20 miles Follow the river Dochart into Killin (380ft). Carry on through the centre of the town
22 miles Follow the road round to the right. Loch Tay is on the right. The road rised up on leaving the town and runs parallel to the loch about 250ft above it.
25 miles Follow the road round to the right. Loch Tay is on the right. The road rised up on leaving the town and runs parallel to the loch about 250ft above it.
28 miles he road hairpins up the hillside to eventually reach the Ben Lawers visitors centre (1,726ft). The col is reached at 1,969ft.
33 miles Decend steeply to Bridge of Balgie. Turn right at Bridge of Balgie to follow Glen Lyon eastwards.
45 miles The farms of Innerwick, Camusvrachan and Invervar are passed before reaching Fortingall. Turn left at the T junction into Fortingall.
49 miles At T junction with the B846 turn right towards Aberfeldy.
50 miles Turn right onto the B road to Kenmore.
53 miles Turn left at the T junction. Loch Tay is now on the right. Go through Kenmore.
54 miles Turn right at the small road marked for Ardeonaig. Follow this road along the south side of Loch Tay.
71 miles Turn right onto A827 for ¼ miles
72 miles At Killin turn left and head out of the town back towards the days start
78 miles Turn right onto the A85 towards Crianlarich
87 miles Carry on through Crianlarich towards Tyndrum
92 miles Arrive in Tyndrum

STAGE 7 - TYNDRUM - FORT WILLIAM

Through the mighty Glen Coe and heading West


The Black Mount

The View Down Glen Coe

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 113 Miles
Altitude 3.720 ft
OS MAPS 51, 42 & 40
Dificulty Rating 2

Stage Map

Stage Description

We are really in the Scottish Highlands now. We start by crossing the Black Mount and then decending into Glen Coe, perhaps the most famous glen in world. Rather than heading directly to Fort William, we detour at Onich to head further west, taking in views of Loch Sunnart, Loch Ailort, Loch Eilt and Loch Shiel.

Distance (Miles) 70
START Depart Tyndrum heading north on the A82
7 miles Pass through bridge of Orchy
9 miles Hill Climb
33 miles Carry on the A82 passing the village of Glencoe
35 miles Pass Ballachulish on the A82
40 miles Arrive in Onich where the ferry departs across the Corran narrows. At corran on the other side head south towards Strontian.
55 miles Carry on through Strontian heading west on the A861
64 miles Pass the village of Salen
67 miles Carry on through the village of Acharacle
73 miles Ardmolich
86 miles Turn right onto the A830 at Lochailort towards Glenfinnan
95 miles Glenfinnan

STAGE 8 - FORT WILLIAM - KYLE OF LOCH ALSH (via Skye)

On the road to the Isles.


On The Bealach na Ratagen

The Bealach na Ratagan Summit Views

The author on the Skye Bridge

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 83 Miles
Altitude 2,392 ft
OS MAPS 41, 34 & 33
Dificulty Rating 4

Stage Map

Stage Description

A big day today. Leaving Fort William and heading further north, through Spean Bridge and along the banks of Loch Lochy to Invergarry. The turning west we go along the side of Loch Cluanie. The mountains all around are spectacular. At Shile Bridge we take a detour over the fabulous Bealach na Ratagan taking us down to Kylerhea and the Skye Ferry. What better way to take in our first (and only) island. We then cycle across the eastern tip of Skye before crossing the Skye Bridge to end the day in Kyle of Lochalsh.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Depart Fort William heading North on the A82
10 miles Continue through Spean Bridge on the A82
25 miles In Invergarry turn left onto the A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh
40 miles Turn left at the T junction onto the A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh
60 miles At Shiel Bridge turn left onto the local road to Ratagan
65 miles Summit of the Bealach Ratagan
70 miles In Glen Elg turn right towards the ferry. Take the ferry across to the Isle of Skye
71 miles Leave Kylerhea heading north
78 miles Turn right onto the A850 towards Kyleakin
82 miles Cross the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh
83 miles Arrive Kyle of Lochalsh

STAGE 9 - KYLE OF LOCH ALSH - TORRIDON (Via Bealach na Ba)

to the top of the World.


The assent of the Bealach na Ba

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 74 Miles
Altitude 5,305 ft
OS MAPS 33
Dificulty Rating 4

Stage Map

Stage Description

Today takes us over the highest road in the UK -The Bealach na Ba. It is a steep single track road, so care needs to be taken. The atmosphere as you ascend into the corrie is amazing. The decent on the far side is long, but prepare yourself for the grouling round of the Applecross penisula which is undulating and unforgiving before you arrive at Shieldaig.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Depart Kyle of Lochalsh heading east on the A87
5 miles Turn left left onto the 890 heading north towards Strath Carron. Hill Climb
11 miles Carry on though Stromeferry and cycle along the south side of Loch Carron
19 miles Carry on through Achintee
20 miles Turn left onto the A896 heading towards Lochcarron
23 miles Pass through Lochcarron
30 miles Turn left onto the Applecross road. Hill Climb
35 miles Summit of the Bealach na Ba
41 miles Arrive in Applecross village, carry on through heading north. Carry on round the penisula for 25 miles
66 miles Pass through the village of Shieldaig
73 miles Turn left onto the local road to Torridon
74 miles Arrive in Torridon

STAGE 10 - TORRIDON - STRATHPEFFER

Time to head south (after some more north!).


The Beauty of Loch Carron

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 107 Miles
Altitude 5305 ft
OS MAPS 24, 25 && 26
Dificulty Rating 4

Stage Map

Stage Description

Leaving the coast at Kyle we turn quickly up hill at Auchtertyre. We ascend to 208m before dropping back down to sea level at Stromeferry (no ferry). We go round the end of Loch Carron. At Torrnapress we take the small single track road over the Bealach na Ba to Applecross. The highest road in the UK. The route around the coast from Applecross to Shieldaig is long and undulating before bringing round to Torridon at the foot of the fantastic Liathach; a Munro at 1053m. Don;t worry you don't have to climb it! (But it is worth doing on foot as the views are amazing).

Distance (Miles) Description
START Depart Torridon heading south on the local road
1 mile Turn left onto the A896 main road
11 miles Turn left in Kinlochewe onto the A832 heading north west
44 miles Pass through the village of Laide
60 miles Pass through the village of Dundonnell
75 miles Turn right onto the A835
104 miles At Contin turn left onto the A834 towards Strathpeffer
106 miles Arrive Strathpeffer

STAGE 11 - STRATHPEFFER - BRAEMAR

Into Royal Country.


The picturesque victorian spa town of Strathpeffer.

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 107 Miles
Altitude 6227 ft
OS MAPS 26, 27 & 43
Difficulty Rating 4

Stage Map

Stage Description

Today we leave the western highlands. We visit the highland capital of Inverness and then continue south adn east into the Monadh Ruadh and the Cairngorms. Another day of climbing. After Inverness the route takes us further east to Nairn and then take the Ferness Moor Road to Grantown on Spey. From here you are heading to Tomintoul and the infamous Cock Bridge to Tomintoul Road which appears frequenctly inroad traffice reports in winter as being unpassable. If you are doing this in summer then this should not be a problem. But itis Scotland so you can never be sure! We are climbing to 644m and passing the ski centre.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Leave Strathpeffer heading north on the A834 towards Dingwall
5 miles At Dingwall go onto the A862
6 miles Then turn left onto A835 heading south east
12 miles Go onto the A832 heading east
13 miles Pass through the village of Tore
13 miles Turn left onto the A9 towards Inverness
20 miles Travel through the center of Inverness and take the A96 towards Nairn and the airport
35 miles Go through the centre of Nairn going right at the roundabout heading towards Elgin and Forres.
36 miles Bear right onto the A939 towards Grantown on Spey and Ferness
47 miles Pass through the village of Ferness. Keep on the A939 towards Grantown
60 miles Pass through Grantown on Spey
62 miles Turn right onto the A939 towards Tomintoul
83 miles Carry on through Cock Bridge on the A939
92 miles Bear right onto the B976 towards Ballater
98 miles In Crathie turn onto the main A93 heading west
106 miles Arrive Braemar

STAGE 12 - BRAEMAR - GLENSHEE

Almost a complete circle.


Where are we today

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 114 Miles
Altitude 5121 ft
OS MAPS 43
Difficulty Rating 4+

Stage Map

Stage Description

This is a large circular route around eastern Scotland. It has an intermdiate climb between Strachan and Fettercairn and ends with the brutal climb to the Glenshee Ski Centre.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Depart Braemar heading north on the A93
17 miles Pass through the town of Ballater heading east on the A93
28 miles Turn right onto the B968 heading south
30 miles Turn left onto the B976 heading east
33 miles Pass through the village of Marywell
39 miles Turn right heading south
40 miles Bear right onto the B974 heading south towards Fettercairn
52 miles In Fettercairn join the B966 heading west
57 miles Pass through the village of Edzell
59 miles Turn right heading south west towards Kirkton
64 miles Pass through Kirkton heading south west
68 miles Pass through Fern
71 miles In Tannadice turn right onto the B957
78 miles Pass through Kirriemuir on the B957
79 miles Turn left onto the B955 heading south
80 miles Turn right onto the B951 heading west
82 miles Pass through Kirkton of Kingoldrum
94 miles Bear left towards Blacklunans
98 miles Turn right onto the A93 heading north
105 miles Pass the turn off for Spittal of Glenshee and begin the climb of the Bealach Ghleann Shidh
114 miles Arrive summit of Bealach Ghleann Shidh (428m)

STAGE 13 - GLENSHEE - STRATHMIGLO

To the Kingdom of Fife.


The Lommond Hills on the approach to Strathmiglo

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 56 Miles
Altitude 1293 ft
OS MAPS 53, 58 & 59
Dificulty Rating 2

Stage Map

Stage Description

Its all downhill from here. Okay its not really, but the day starts off with a definite downhill feel. Once we are south of Perth, there is some really nice cycling around Glenfarg before arriving at the small town of Strathmiglo in Fife.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Head south on the Old Military Rd A93
25 miles Go through Blairgowrie
40 miles Go through Scone on the A912
46 miles Go through Bridge of Earn on the A912
47 miles Begin climb of Glen Farg.
50 miles Turn left off the A912 at the Bein Inn onto the B996
52 miles Cycle through Glenfarg. Summit 148m
54 miles Turn left onto the A91 and head to Gateside
56 miles Arrive at Strathmiglo

STAGE 14 - STRATHMIGLO - EDINBURGH

Homeward Bound.


Over the top in Glen Tarkie

STAGE STATISTICS

Distance 62 Miles
Altitude 3058 ft
OS MAPS 58,65 & 66
Difficulty Rating 2

Stage Map

Stage Description

Today we head across the Kingdom of Fife, taking in the Ochil Hills (our final climbing) before crossing the Forth Road Bridge and arriving at our final destination -the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

Distance (Miles) Description
START Heead north out of Strathmiglo taking the Glen Tarkie Road
5 miles Summit of the Glen Tarkie Road (208m)
9.0 At Aberargie head west to Dron
11 miles Take the B985 to Forgandenny
14 miles Conitue through Forgandenny
19 miles In Dunning, turn left and head south on the B934
26 miles Summit of Dunning Glen (307m)
29 miles Continue south through Yetts O Muckart
31 miles Continue south at Powmill on the A823 towards Dunfermline
41 miles Negotiate Dunfermline, heading towards Inverkeithing, Forth Rd Bridge and Edinburgh
48 miles Cross the Forth Road Bridge on the cycle path.
53 miles In South Queensferry follow the B924 towards Edniburgh
62 miles Arrive at the final destination -the centre of Edinburgh

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE TOUR OF SCOTLAND

PXYL

Contact Me

Gordon Robertson
gordon.robertson67@talktalk.net