Itinerary
- Day 1
Oban
You'll arrive in Oban, a Victorian coastal town that serves as the main hub for island ferries. Once settled, take time to walk the waterfront promenade where you'll find seafood restaurants and shops. McCaig's Tower offers nice views across the bay and harbor below. If you're interested in distillery tours, the Oban Distillery is right there on the waterfront. You could also catch a ferry out to nearby islands or drive to nearby spots like Dunstaffnage Castle and Benderloch if you want to get your bearings before starting the bike portion of the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Boat trip to islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa
- Explore Dunstaffnage Castle ruins
- Visit Oban Distillery to sample single malt whisky and learn about whisky heritage
Landmarks/POIs McCaig's Tower Dunstaffnage Castle Oban Distillery 
- Day 2
Oban to Port Appin
After breakfast at your guest house, you'll cycle north along the coast through quiet hills and loch scenery. The route takes you through Benderloch village where you can stop at Ben Lora Café for coffee and a snack. Later you'll cross the striking Creagan Bridge, which gives you nice views of the Morvern mountains across the water. From there it's a short ride into Port Appin, a small village known for its views of Castle Stalker sitting on an island just offshore. About 20 miles/32 km of cycling today with mostly gentle terrain.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Refreshments at Ben Lora Café
Landmarks/POIs Castle Stalker Loch Linnhe Creagan Bridge - Day 3
Port Appin to Fort William
You'll follow the Caledonia Way south along Loch Linnhe with the loch on one side and hills on the other. The route passes through Onich village, then you'll catch a quick 10-minute ferry at Corran Narrows to cross to Ardgour. Cycling continues along the shore, and later you'll take another ferry from Camusnagaul across the loch to reach Fort William. Once there, check out Neptune's Staircase locks on the Caledonian Canal, a series of eight locks that's quite a sight. Around 25 miles/40 km today including the ferry crossings.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Castle Stalker Loch Linnhe Ben Nevis Neptune's Staircase - Day 4
Fort William to Invergarry
Starting from Fort William, follow the Great Glen Way markers along Loch Linnhe toward the Caledonian Canal path. You'll cycle under Ben Nevis with views of Scotland's highest mountain, then pass Inverlochy Castle. The route takes you onto the canal towpath where you'll navigate through locks and follow both natural lochs and the man-made canal sections. The terrain is gentle here as you head toward Gairlochy, then climb gradually on gravel alongside Loch Lochy toward South Laggan. By late afternoon you'll drop into Invergarry village, which sits near the ruins of its own castle. About 30 miles/48 km of mixed terrain cycling today.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Break at South Laggan to visit Dutch sailing ship pub/restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Fort William Ben Nevis Inverlochy Castle Neptune's Staircase Loch Lochy Invergarry Castle - Day 5
Invergarry to Drumnadrochit
This day starts steep with a climb through Nursery Woods behind Invergarry that'll test your legs early on, but the views of Loch Oich make it worth it. You'll continue on singletrack through the woods beside the loch, then cross the beautiful 1854 Chain Bridge to Aberchalder. After that the route follows the Caledonian Canal path to Fort Augustus where you can stop at the locks. Moving on, you'll head into the forest on gravel roads before descending sharply to Invermoriston, where you can see the Moriston River waterfalls under Telford's historic bridge. From there it's a steep climb back up onto a winding path above Loch Ness for another 12 miles/20 km of riding, then down into Drumnadrochit village. Around 35 miles/56 km total, with several significant climbs.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Leisurely boat ride on Loch Ness from Fort Augustus to search for the famous Loch Ness Monster
- Cycle a few miles to Urquhart Castle, dramatically situated in Scotland
Landmarks/POIs Loch Oich Chain Bridge Fort Augustus Loch Ness Moriston River Waterfalls Thomas Telford Bridge Urquhart Castle - Day 6
Drumnadrochit to Inverness
Begin with another steep climb out of Drumnadrochit through the forest around Loch Ness, gaining elevation to about 1,200 feet/370 meters near Carn na Leitire. After descending past Loch Laide, the route heads into genuinely remote country on minor roads and forest tracks through hills and fields. You'll cycle through moorland and wooded areas away from the main valley, which means fewer people and more of that wild Highland feeling. This is the longest and toughest day at roughly 40 miles/64 km, but it finishes in Inverness, the Highlands capital, where you can celebrate completing the Great Glen Cycle Route.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit National Trust Culloden Battle Site, a short bus ride away
- Explore Fort George, a fascinating fort built to protect Scotland from French invasion, located a bit further afield
Landmarks/POIs Carn na Leitire Loch Laide Culloden Battle Site Fort George - Day 7
Inverness
Your trip concludes after breakfast. You'll have time to pack up and arrange your departure from Inverness.
- Meals
- Breakfast
