Email: info@velodays.com
Supported & Group Tours - The Grampian Highland Challenge
Route: Route
Duration: 2 days
Total Cycling Distance: 137 miles (Average cycling distance is 68 miles per day.)
Departures: To be confirmed
Price: To be confirmed
Accommodation: a
The journey between Aberdeen and Inverness is often painful as the A96 is a congested and often dangerous road. There is another way to link the two cities of northern Scotland and our crosses from Culloden to Speyside, over the Cabrach to Donside and finishing in the Granite City of Aberdeen.
This is a two day challenge with the back-up of a support vehicle and one of our team cycling as a back-marker to offer support and encouragement. We normally offer this route as a 4 day cycle, so 137 miles over two days can be a good test. This will appeal to thoe training for cycling events as well as those who are looking for a unique weekend of cycling.
Day 1: Inverness - Speyside (67 miles)
The route leaves the capital of the Highlands and soon arrives at the village of Culloden and Culloden Battlefield. The route passes two of Northern Scotland's most magnificent Castles (Cawdor Castle and Brodie Castle) either side of the town of Nairn. Crossing the hills between the Laich of Moray and Strathspey, Day Two is not the longest cycle, but does involve some climbing. The route passes Pluscarden Abbey, a monastery originally founded in 1230. The Benedictine Monks actively encourage visitors and the Abbey is a fascinating stop. The route then passes Cardhu Distillery before arriving at Archiestown on Speyside
Accommodation: To be confirmed
Day 2: Speyside - Aberdeen (68 miles)
The route picks its way through the heart of rural Aberdeenshire. Passing the distillery town of Dufftown the route makes its way over the Cabrach, a reasonably tough climb in the foothills of the Cairngorms. It's then down onto Donside and the historic village of Monymusk at the foot of Bennachie. The route heads south passing the National Trust property of Castle Fraser. The castle forms part of Scotland's Castle Trail and a very worthwhile stop. Heading south again on minor roads the route picks up the Deeside Way railway line cycle path at Peterculter. Seven miles on the traffic free path takes you into the heart of Aberdeen and ends your journey in Scotland's Granite City.
Accommodation: To be confirmed
Arrival & Departure
Arrival in Inverness:
Inverness has a direct rail link to Glasgow and Edinburgh (journey time of approximately 3 hours 30 mins) and is served by an international airport. If you arrive by private transport we can help you make parking arrangements for the duration of your trip.
Departure from Aberdeen:
Aberdeen has a direct rail link back to Inverness (journey time of approximately 2 hours 15 mins) as well as direct rail services to Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. The city's international airport has direct flights to various UK and European destinations.
You can find helpful practical information about all our cycling holidays in Frequently Asked Questions
