Cycling Coast to Coast through the Scottish wilds – Caledonia Way

Golden beaches hug glistening lochs, ospreys circle above dense woodland, quiet life plays out in remote coastal villages, and stunning castles crown islands off the coast – there is no place in the world quite like Scotland.

This Collection presents the magnificent Caledonia Way. Over 9 stages, you cycle 220 miles (360 km) from Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula to Inverness, the “capital” of the Highlands, completing this coast to coast challenge.

The Caledonia Way is one of Scotland’s classic scenic cycling routes. Expect stunning vistas as you explore the Kintyre Peninsula and follow the Great Glen fault line, passing some of Scotland’s most famous spots along the way. Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, lie en route.

Scotland is a haven for cycle touring. Secluded country lanes and cycle paths transport you to otherworldly nature brimming with lochs, ancient forests, abundant wildlife, and rugged hills. But, you should still be prepared to share some busier stretches with motorists, especially during the height of the tourist season.

This route is suitable for all novice bike tourers who are looking for a challenge and more experienced adventurers. There are a few big climbs to tackle and your legs need to power up a total of 2,066 feet (630 m) of elevation gain in one day.

If your fitness level will struggle, consider riding an e-bike. Guesthouses and campsites en route offer charging (sometimes at an additional fee), but be sure to plan ahead so you don’t run out of charge.

Known for its beauty and history, this area of Scotland is a popular wilderness escape. As such, you can often find accommodation even in the smallest of villages. However, the stretches in between populated areas can be long and remote so make sure you always carry enough food and water with you.

Although few and far between, the villages and towns that line the route are overflowing with charm. Marvel at rural Scottish life as you explore legendary towns such as Fort William, Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus.

As wild camping is legal in almost all of Scotland, I recommend packing your camping gear. Nothing quite beats waking up with the sun in your tent surrounded by beautiful nature (weather-permitting of course). Don’t forget to leave-no-trace and camp responsibly though, you can find advice on how to do that here: visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/wild-camping

As is true in most of Scotland, spring and autumn are the best seasons to ride the Caledonia Way. In the height of summer, expect the nature spots to be crowded. Midges can also become a real pest, so pack insect repellent and nets, especially if you're camping. Whichever season you choose, pack your waterproofs as the weather can turn at any time of year.

The Caledonia Way follows the National Cycle Network 78 and is well-signposted the whole way. I recommend riding it from Campbeltown to Inverness as the inclines are much more gentle in this direction.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to reach the start of your adventure in Campbeltown, unless you drive. The closest train station is 100 miles (160 km) away in Oban. There are buses running from Glasgow but check ahead of time if they can take your bike. Flying is also an option, with two flights per week operating between Glasgow and Campbeltown airport.

The Caledonia Way features on many cyclists’ bucket lists for good reason. You’d be hard pushed to find a more stunning bike route, not just in the UK, but in the world.

For more inspiration, check out Adventure Syndicate's Lee Cragie's journey along the Caledonia Way here: