Cycle Scotland is a 4-day conservation challenge that explores the central Scottish Highlands by mountain bike, from the Cromarty Firth on the east coast to the town of Ullapool in the west, via Alladale Wilderness Reserve.

The 100-mile challenge takes us through wild and rugged landscapes; from ancient forests and remote hill lochs to glacial valleys and stunning coastal firths.

The hospitality and ranger teams at Alladale Wilderness Reserve provide professional support for the entire trip, along with healthy, honest and local food – as well as unparalleled access to one of the UK’s leading rewilding projects.

TENT’s Highland Challenge rides are ideal for groups of 8 to 12 people. If you wish to create your own private group with a smaller or larger number of riders at a date of your choice, we will be happy to speak with you.

Itinerary

CYCLE SCOTLAND

DAY 1 | STOREHOUSE TO ALLADALE

Land at Inverness Airport and transfer directly to the Storehouse restaurant on the shore of the Cromarty Firth where you will meet your hosts for the week and enjoy lunch together. Once kitted out, set off over the hills to Alladale Wilderness Reserve.

Upon arrival at Alladale Lodge, you will be greeted by the hospitality team and shown to your rooms to relax and freshen up. Over early evening drinks, there will be a short presentation about the work of TENT. You will then enjoy dinner and retire for your first night in the Highlands.

DAY 2 | ALLADALE TO ULLAPOOL

After breakfast, you will cycle from Alladale Lodge and head west through some stunning highland landscapes.

Bike through newly established native woodlands planted over the last 15-20 years, all the while on the lookout for crumbling bothies, sheepfolds and Highland cattle.

After a picnic lunch the final push passes alongside Loch Broom, to the small picturesque coastal town of Ullapool.

Settle into the charming Ceilidh Place and enjoy a seafood dinner, followed by a well-earned rest.

DAY 3 | ULLAPOOL TO ALLADALE, VIA RHIDORROCH

Depart Ullapool and cycle into the hills through RIdorroch Estate and past Loch Achall.

After soup and sandwiches continue eastwards through Corriemulzie Estate and onto visit Croick Church.

For the final push you’ll have a little over an hour’s ride back to Alladale through the ancient Amat woods, cycling alongside the rocky canyons of the Carron river and into Alladale Wilderness Reserve.

Arrive back at Alladale Lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy a selection of local whiskies (no trip to the Highlands is complete without a wee dram) followed by dinner and further celebrations!

DAY 4 | DEPARTURE

After a leisurely brunch, and a final chance to stretch your legs around the Reserve, transfers will be provided back to Inverness Airport for your flights home.

CYCLE SCOTLAND WAS A GREAT ADVENTURE! IN ADDITION TO THE FRESH AIR, PEACEFUL SETTING OF THE HIGHLANDS AND THE PROXIMITY TO WILDLIFE, EACH DAY WAS CAPPED OFF WITH A HOT BATH AND DELIGHTFUL MEALS PREPARED BY EXCELLENT CHEFS. I LOOK FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING AGAIN

TOM KAMP – 2019

Impact

SCOTTISH WILDLIFE & EDUCATION

Alladale Wilderness Reserve (AWR) is an active participant in the recovery of the threatened Scottish wildcat. As part of a captive breeding project in partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, TENT has been breeding wildcats since 2011.

As well as this, in 2013 TENT successfully released 36 red squirrels at Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Today, the squirrels have successfully bred and extended their range far and wide.

The HOWL programme was established by AWR in 2007 and is an integral part of the AWR and TENT vision. HOWL offers a specially designed, and expert-led environmental journey for school children during which participants not only improve their understanding about the natural world, ecology and conservation but also learn key life skills.