The tour of Scottish castles

Total distance 288/326 km

Day 1: Perth
Individual arrival in Perth. Free time for a stroll in the city center, along the Tay river or climb up to Kinnoull Hill, which offers a magnificent view over Perth and the Tay valley.
In the late afternoon, there will be an informative meeting for the delivery of rental bikes and illustration of the route; for arrivals after 8:00 pm, bikes and documentation will be left at the first hotel.

Day 2: Perth – Dunkeld (40 km)
About 3 km away from Perth is the magnificent Scone Palace which is definitely worth a visit. From here, you will ride north, along the gentle hills through the fields of Perthshire to the historic city of Dunkeld; situated on the banks of the Tay river, it features a slow-paced and peaceful center formed by renovated 18th-century buildings. Cathedral Street will lead you to the partially restored cathedral built in 1318.

Day 3: Dunkeld – Pitlochry (24 or 46 km)
Depart from Dunkeld by bike, riding along the bank up to the cathedral, trying to imagine how much history this building has witnessed! Follow the river along a quiet path for 3 km before crossing the bridge on the main road to reach the secondary road in Logierait. There's another bridge to cross and a climb before driving down the quiet elevated road that offers a splendid view of the Tay and Tummel rivers. After passing the Dunfallandy stone, you'll arrive at the active Victorian town of Pitlochry. One of the city's best-known attractions is the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, with tanks for the ascent of salmon. Created in 1950, the dam has an underwater viewing chamber, allowing visitors to watch the salmon as they pass through the specially built tanks to bypass the dam.

Day 4: Pitlochry (23 km)
Take the opportunity to also visit the large Blair Atholl Distillery or the smallest distillery in Scotland - Edradour. If you feel like extending the route, 13 km north of Pitlochry is Blair Castle with its 32 fully furnished rooms complete with fine furniture, paintings, and armor.

Depart from Pitlochry cycling uphill through the moorland before descending along the Ardle river through the typical highland landscape with forests and valleys passing by the small town of Kirriemuir. If you have time, visit Glamis Castle, the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and a royal residence since 1372. Restored in the 17th century, the Castle contains magnificent rooms with a wide range of historical photos, furniture, porcelain, and tapestries.

Day 5: Pitlochry – St Andrews (29 km)
The day begins with a transfer to the city of Dundee
Today's stop takes you across the small villages and fertile farmland of the Strathmore Valley towards Newtyle. A tough climb over the Sidlaw Hill leads to the outskirts of the city of Dundee: located at the mouth of the Tay river, this industrial city has a long and troubled history.
Having crossed the river bridge towards Newport, you will find yourself in Fife. Continue along the coast, off the asphalt along the Tentsmuir Forest paths, then climb back up the hill towards Strathkinners. The descent towards St Andrews will allow you to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Tay Firth. St Andrews, once known as the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, is now better known as the "home of golf". It is also the site of Scotland's oldest university with numerous buildings immersed in a mix of medieval, Edwardian, and Victorian streets. Visit the castle and cathedral ruins or take a walk on the wide golden expanse of West Sands.

Day 6: St. Andrews free day (39 or 55 km)
You can spend the day exploring the city or riding to the fascinating East "Neuf" (in Scottish "corner") of Fife, a tongue of land that juts towards the North Sea. Visit the picturesque fishing village of Crail and further Anstruther and Pittenweem with its winding streets slope down towards the harbor.

Day 7: St. Andrews – Perth (56 km)
Today you cycle on the path beyond Craigton Park leaving St. Andrews, continuing with the visit of Falkland Palace, located in the heart of a unique medieval village. It was the country and hunting residence of eight Stuart monarchs. It includes the exceptional beauty of the Royal Chapel and is surrounded by world-renowned gardens. Stop for a tea in Auchtermuchty before climbing the hill towards Pitmedden forest and then descending down into the Tay Valley and return to Perth.

Day 8: Perth
After breakfast, the services end.