Gateway to the Highlands – Private Bike or E-Bike Tour from Edinburgh

Explore one of Scotland’s most scenic national parks with your own private group on this full-day guided cycling tour through the Trossachs. With transport from Edinburgh, flexible timing, and route adjustments based on your group’s preferences, this is a relaxed and rewarding way to experience the Highlands by bike.

Key Details

• Duration: 7 to 7.5 hours (allow 8 to 8.5 hours including pick-up/drop-off)
• Distance: 25 miles (40 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Group size: Private groups only (1–20 people)
• Meeting point: Outside The Caledonian Hotel, 11 Rutland St, EH1 2AB

What to Expect

This private full-day tour begins with morning pickup from Edinburgh, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to the village of Aberfoyle in the Trossachs National Park. After a short refreshment break en route, the bikes are unloaded and the ride begins. You’ll cycle a carefully planned 25-mile route past Highland lochs and forested trails, stopping for views of Loch Ard and Loch Chon before reaching the quieter western shores of Loch Katrine. The ride is flexible—your guide will adjust pace, rest points and route to match your group’s needs.

Around halfway, you’ll pause at Stronachlachar Pier for an optional brunch at the lochside café. After the break, the tour continues around Loch Katrine toward Trossachs Pier, passing wooded banks and open water with a mix of wildlife and local landmarks, including Walter Scott’s historic steamboat. The ride ends at Trossachs Pier, where there’s time to relax while your guide retrieves the van for the return journey to Edinburgh. Hybrid or e-bike hire is available, and helmets are always included.

Location

The entire ride takes place within the beautiful Trossachs National Park—a region often known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” With quiet, rolling roads and uninterrupted views across lochs and wooded hills, the area offers the perfect setting for a full-day group ride. The tour starts in Aberfoyle and ends at Trossachs Pier, following a route that avoids main roads and showcases the best of the park’s natural beauty.

Expect a mix of lochside paths, scenic climbs and forest sections, all far removed from city traffic. The start and finish points are linked by van transport, allowing for a continuous route rather than a loop. With private guiding, your group can take more or fewer breaks, choose to linger at key viewpoints, or move at a steadier pace if needed.

Prerequisites

This tour is open to all ages within private bookings and is ideal for mixed-ability groups. The 25-mile route is moderate in difficulty, with some hills and rolling terrain, so a reasonable level of cycling fitness is recommended. The pace and route will be adjusted to suit your group’s preferences and ability, and support is provided throughout the day.

Riders choosing an e-bike must be at least 14 years old, as per UK law. Helmets are mandatory and provided unless bringing your own. Whether you’re a group of friends, colleagues or family with younger children, this is a comfortable and supported way to ride in the Highlands.

Why Choose Us

With a passion for sharing Scotland by bike, the team behind these tours is known for their route knowledge, adaptability and commitment to making cycling accessible to everyone. Riccardo, your professional guide, has decades of experience cycling in both the Scottish Highlands and the European Alps. His qualifications in outdoor leadership, first aid and group safety mean your tour is in capable hands, no matter the group size or ability.

Private tours offer maximum flexibility—you can include transport, brunch stops, sightseeing breaks or even restaurant reservations as part of the day. Whether your group wants a gentle ride with plenty of views or a more active outing, the team will tailor the experience to suit you. With attention to detail, route planning and friendly guiding, this is one of the best ways to enjoy the Highlands at your own pace.