12 Day Guided Motorcycle Tour in Scotland and Highlands

Overview

Traveling through Scotland by motorcycle means riding at the heart of one of the wildest and most preserved territories in Europe. In the Highlands, single-track roads offer grand panoramas between sea, lochs and mountains, whatever the weather conditions. The itinerary partly follows the North Coast 500, the famous coastal route that reveals the treasures of northern Scotland.

Highlights

• Ride through the Scottish Highlands including Glencoe, Loch Lomond and the North Coast 500 route
• Discover iconic landmarks including Eilean Donan Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Blair Castle
• Experience the Isle of Skye with the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr and Portree
• Visit a traditional whisky distillery and explore the famous Scottish whisky route
• Ride to the northernmost point of the United Kingdom at John O’Groats
• Explore Edinburgh with its historic centre, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile
• Enjoy welcome aperitif, closing dinner and all breakfasts included throughout the trip
• 11 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels or guesthouses with breakfast included

Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Glasgow

   Transfer from France to reach Glasgow, gateway to Scotland. Hotel check-in and free time to discover the city at your own pace: its historic centre, the shopping district of Buchanan Street, or the lively banks of the River Clyde. Briefing and welcome aperitif.

2. Day 2 – Glasgow – Fort William (171 km / 106 miles)

   Discovery of the centre of Glasgow and the Riverside Museum, before taking the road toward the grand landscapes of the Highlands. Along the way, passing by the famous Neptune’s Staircase locks, the mythical Glencoe valley, and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom. Arrival in Fort William, nestled in the heart of the mountains.

3. Day 3 – Fort William – Strathpeffer (222 km / 138 miles)

   Magnificent day through Scottish lochs and mountains. You will ride along Loch Lomond, admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, and stop at the Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge. Discovery of Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, before reaching the wild nature of Loch Affric.

4. Day 4 – Strathpeffer – John O’Groats (189 km / 117 miles)

   Route toward the far north of Scotland. Visit of a traditional whisky distillery (Glenmorangie or Balblair), then discovery of Dunrobin Castle and the rugged coast leading to Sinclair Castle and the Noss Head headland. You will then reach John O’Groats, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom, facing the Orkney Islands.

5. Day 5 – John O’Groats – Ullapool (257 km / 160 miles)

   Spectacular stage through the wildest landscapes of Scotland. Passing by the remote beaches of Tongue Bay, Loch Eriboll, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt, before reaching the charming port of Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom.

6. Day 6 – Ullapool – Isle of Skye (256 km / 159 miles)

   Heading toward the mythical Isle of Skye. Stop at the Measach waterfalls, then panoramic ride via Applecross, the Glen Torridon valley, and the spectacular Bealach na Bà pass, offering breathtaking views over the west coast. Passing by Gruinard Bay and Loch Ewe before arriving on the island.

7. Day 7 – Isle of Skye (loop – 207 km / 129 miles)

   Day dedicated to discovering the island’s emblematic landscapes: the rock formations of the Quiraing, the peaks of the Old Man of Storr, the Kilt Rock waterfall, the charming port of Portree, and the ruins of Duntulm Castle, facing the Hebrides Sea.

8. Day 8 – Isle of Skye – Nairn (190 km / 118 miles)

   Return to the mainland via Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Visit of the Highland Folk Museum, the Ruthven Barracks, and the Cairngorms National Park. The day ends at the historic site of Culloden, an emblematic place of Scottish memory.

9. Day 9 – Nairn – Pitlochry (204 km / 127 miles)

   Crossing of the whisky route through Glenlivet, then discovery of the villages of Ballater and Braemar in the heart of the Deeside mountains. Stop at Corgarff Castle and Blair Castle, before crossing the spectacular Devil’s Elbow pass.

10. Day 10 – Pitlochry – Edinburgh (160 km / 99 miles)

    Final stage through the southern lowlands. Passing by the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge, then visit of the historic centre of Stirling, the impressive Kelpies sculptures, and Linlithgow Palace, before arrival in Edinburgh.

11. Day 11 – Edinburgh

    Free day to explore the Scottish capital: the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the famous Princes Street, Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile, not forgetting the National Museum of Scotland. Closing dinner.

12. Day 12 – Edinburgh

    End of your trip. Return to France via a free transfer stage, with your head full of grand images and unforgettable memories of Scotland.

Ride Details

Terrain

mostly asphalt roads

Bike

personal or rental bike

Mileage

1,900 kilometers / 1,180 miles

Riding gear

not included: jacket, pants, boots; available to rent: raincoat

Meals

all breakfasts, welcome aperitif and closing dinner included, 12 nights accommodation with breakfast; some dinners included as part of the itinerary (welcome dinner and closing dinner)

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels or guesthouses.