Family Friendly Holidays with a twist – Biking Across Scotland anyone?
While tales of a family cycling holiday from Fort William on the Atlantic Coast to Inverness by the North Sea is sure to impress friends and family, it is suitable for those as young as 11 – even younger, if they ride their bikes most weekends. Spending five days in the saddle, families explore the sights, sounds and activities of Scotland, with the opportunity to try out canoeing, horse-riding and monster-spotting on Loch Ness along the way.
Cycling three to five hours daily, follow trails along canal tow paths, forestry roads, easy singletrack and quiet minor roads and visit an array of Highland villages and ancient castles.
Mountain Biking – Family Coast to Coast (Self Guided)From Fort William, meander along the Great Glen Way, passing through Clunes Forest and along the shore of Loch Lochy and onto Laggan Locks. Heading north east, visit the historic Bridge of Oich and follow an easy trail along the Caledonian Canal leading to the village of Fort Augustus at the head of Loch Ness. From here take a boat trip for some compulsory monster-spotting and sample a taste of forest riding. Climbing high above Loch Ness, families will enjoy fantastic views down the length of the Great Glen, before a thrilling descent brings them to the Highland village of Drumnadrochit. There is plenty of free time here to visit the 13th century Urquhart Castle or the Loch Ness Monster Museum. The finale is a route to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness with its castle.
Price: Bike Across Scotland – The Great Glen Trail self-guided family mountain biking break costs £600 per adult and £575 per child including five nights’ B&B accommodation, high quality bike hire, baggage transfers, detailed route notes and maps, baggage transfers and emergency support, if required, with Wilderness Scotland (www.wildernessscotland.com, 01479 420020). The holiday operates between 4 April and 31 October.
