Coast-to-Coast MTB Experience in Scotland

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Scottish Highlands

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Scottish Highlands, please refer to the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 updates.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced MTB guide with extensive local knowledge of the area
    • Leader qualified in first aid
    • Transportation during the adventure
    • Support vehicle and luggage transfers
    • Accommodation (shared twin/double en suite rooms)
    • Meals (as indicated in the itinerary)
    • Transportation from and back to the Glasgow International Airport

  What’s not included:

  • • Bike rental (available for an additional fee)
    • Flights and charges for traveling with your bike (if applicable)
    • Meals not stated in the itinerary
    • Single room (available for an additional fee)
    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
    • Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival/departure days and times
• How fit do I need to be?

  To embark on this epic MTB adventure through the Scottish Highlands, you need to be an experienced biker comfortable with riding sections of technical or exposed singletrack. You’ll need to be able to bike between 25 and 50 miles (40-80 km) each day for 6 consecutive days. The terrain in the Scottish Highlands features mixed trails, ranging from tough and gnarly singletrack and stalkers paths, to long winding Land Rover tracks. You need to be able to tackle some serious climbs, as well as long, rough descents. Keep in mind that you will frequently take breaks and receive extensive guidance on how to successfully cross any given section.

• What if I’ve never mountain biked before?

  For this adventure, you need to have an extensive experience in mountain biking. The tour is suitable only to intermediate and advanced bikers because it involves 8-9 hours and up to 50 miles of riding (with breaks) per day in terrain which is often challenging, involving long climbs (1-2 hours at a time), technical switchbacks, rough descents, sections with large and loose rock, as well as obstacles such as drop-offs. Though you need to be an experienced biker, keep in mind that not all sections are challenging and that your guides will supervise your technique, make sure to adjust the tempo if needed, and make every obstacle safe and fun!

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material 
    • Helmet (communicate with your guide if you want to rent one from them!)
    • Necessary spares (let your guide know in advance if you would like them to include them if you are renting your bike and helmet from them)
    • Sneakers or sport shoes
    • Breathable outside layer or jacket
    • Sunglasses
    • Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
    • Daypack with snacks
    • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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• What is the accommodation like?

  During your epic coast-to-coasr MTB traverse in the Scottish Highlands, you can expect good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses. All accommodations are cycle-friendly, located close to your routes and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting. Locally-owned businesses offering local delicasies are prioritized so that you get an authentic experience of each location and the Scottish Higlands as a whole. The price includes double en suite and twin rooms. If you want a room to yourself, it is available for an additional fee. 

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The usual client-to-guide ratio for this group tour is 6:1.  
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 

  Mountain biking in the Scottish Highlands can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. 

  If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Invershiel and the Loch Duich, most people fly into Glasgow International Airport, which is about 4 hours away. From the airport, your guide will transfer you to tour starting point. 

  You are expected to meet up with your guide at the Glasgow international Airport by 11am, so make sure to book a flight which arrives in Glasgow before the expected meeting time.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A $240 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty 60 days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, the deposit will be forfeited. 
    • For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

  Early Bird booking

  Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

  As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

  More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

  • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
  • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
  • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
  • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
  • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.