The Great Cycling Holiday in Scotland

Welcome to Callander, the gateway to the Highlands. The small town rightly bears this nickname – the rock faces of the Highland Boundary Fault rise to the north. To get you in the mood for your cycling vacation in Scotland, you have the opportunity to get to know Bracklinn Falls. Explore the surroundings of Callander and the small waterfall on a short hike.

Your first cycle tour starts with a ride through the Trossachs National Park. You will arrive at Loch Venachar. Take a look around and simply enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains reflected in the loch. Take a steamboat trip on Loch Katrine (not included) before cycling along the loch on paved paths. Accompanied by spectacular views of the mountains, you will soon reach Callander again.

Lakes, mountains and small villages alternate. Don't put your camera away, because you'll find motifs worth taking pictures of everywhere. Starting with Loch Lubnaig via Balquihidder, where the folk hero Rob Roy was buried. Pedal uphill over the hill of Glen Ogle and then enjoy the descent to Killin. The small village with only 700 inhabitants attracts visitors from all over the world due to the Falls of Dochart. Idyllic and relaxing, the waterfalls make their way over many small and large rock steps.

Your great cycling holiday in Scotland will once again entice you with numerous highlights. Cycle along Loch Tay to Kenmore. Life in the Iron Age is described and demonstrated on guided tours at the Scottish Crannog Center. The oldest tree in Europe – a yew tree estimated to be well over 2000 years old – can be found in the village of Fortingall. On the way to Aberfeldy, you will pass the famous Menzies Castle. As the former seat of the Menzies clan, the 16th century castle is now known as a museum and event venue.

What would a trip to Scotland be without a visit to a whisky distillery! Today you can enjoy a tour of the Dewars Distillery and perhaps even try a sip of the fine drop. Afterwards, it's up to you whether to cycle a short route to Pitlochry or stay on your bike a little longer. If you choose the longer route, visit the picturesque historic town of Dunkeld, which is idyllically situated directly on the River Tay.

Cycling, walking or simply relaxing - you can spend today as you wish. Visit nearby Blair Castle, made famous by the visit of Queen Victoria. Cycle to the Salmon Staircase, which was built in the River Tummel. During the season, you can watch the migrating salmon on the 311 m long staircase. Or take a leisurely stroll through idyllic Pitlochry, which is so typically Scottish.

Leaving Pitlochry behind you, you cycle through the wild and romantic landscape of Highland Perthshire. There are a few meters of ascent, but in a backdrop of rugged mountains, lush green valleys with rivers and lochs, you cycle almost unnoticed. You will then be rewarded with a descent of almost 12 kilometers. Would you like to cycle even longer through the breathtaking landscape? Then opt for the longer route through the Angus Glens, very attractive green valleys, before you reach your destination of Alyth or Kirriemuir.

On your great cycling holiday in Scotland, you will first cycle to Glamis Castle with a view of the spectacular mountains of the Grampians. If you believe the stories, the castle has more dark secrets than any other castle in Scotland. However, it is no secret that it is the setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth and the birthplace of Queen Mum. The castle is still inhabited today, so you can only visit some of the rooms. Leave the magnificent castle and cycle back through the beautiful countryside to Alyth.

Crossing the hills of the Highlands, you reach the lively city of Dundee, which lies directly on the Tay estuary. Dundee is considered one of the sunniest places in Scotland and there is plenty to discover here: The RRS Discovery, the royal research ship with which Robert Falcon Scott undertook his first expeditions to the Antarctic. Or a jute mill, where you can learn details about the production of the fabric. Round off the evening in one of the many restaurants.

You cycle over the two-kilometre-long Tay Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife. The region impresses with its history as well as its scenic and culinary delights. St. Andrews is considered the jewel of the Kingdom of Fife. Located directly on the North Sea, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline. These are best enjoyed from the hill on which St. Andrews Cathedral stands. Not far from St. Andrews is the Secret Bunker. A secret hideout from which the country would have been governed in the event of a nuclear war. Last but not least, St. Andrews is considered the cradle of golf with its now ten fantastic golf courses.

First you cross the River Tay and cycle upstream along the banks of the Tay. A stop in Falkland is worthwhile. A historic little town whose well-preserved houses served as the backdrop for the series Outlander. When the streets are deserted in the evening, you could almost feel like you've stepped back in time, with no modern houses to spoil the historic image. Your destination Perth, on the other hand, is the complete opposite – a vibrant, modern city that was only granted city status in 2012.

You have already reached Perth, the destination of your great cycling holiday in Scotland. So spend the day as you wish. With or without a bike, there are plenty of activities and sights to see. The Scone Palace with the Stone of Destiny, where the kings of Scotland were crowned, is certainly worth a cultural visit. In Perth you will also find numerous restaurants that will surprise you with Scottish dishes. If you've never heard of cullen skink, haggis or cranachan, you should definitely try these delicacies.

Unfortunately, your great cycling holiday in Scotland ends in Perth. Set off on your individual journey home with the many impressions you have gained.