Difficulty Rating : 6 Start : Perth Finish : Perth Terrain : Moderate terrain, some hills to climb Daily Average : 26-44km Weekly Average : 138km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : Discover the castles, palaces and history of Scotland as you cycle through the heart of the Scottish Highlands
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The riverside city of Perth is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It is the starting point for a tour which combines beautiful scenery with history and splendour. Only three miles from Perth is Huntingtower Castle with its splendid painted ceilings and at Dunkeld beside the River Tay is the ancient Cathedral. Blair Castle with its thirty two rooms of beautiful furniture, fine paintings, china, embroidery and armour is only seven miles from your overnight stop at the Victorian Highland Resort of Pitlochry. A transfer from Pitlochry to Glamis Castle. This is the home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and contains magnificent rooms with a wide range of historic pictures, fine furniture, porcelain and tapestries. The ancient university town of St Andrews is the home of golf and has a fine golf museum. The ruined Castle and massive Cathedral are well worth a visit. Before returning to Perth pause to visit Falkland Palace, a fine example of Renaissance architecture with a beautiful Royal Chapel. At Perth, Scone Palace has rare porcelain, needlework, fine furniture, clocks and the unique Vernis Martin Collection.

This tour is also available as a Short break ( 4 nights 5 days )

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab

Itineraries

Stage 1

Perth

The City of Perth, on the banks of the River Tay, dates back 800+ years and was originally called St. John's Town. An easy train journey from Glasgow (1hr10) or Edinburgh (1hr20) gives you time to explore St John's Kirk, the Black Watch Museum or just stroll on the banks of the River Tay.
19.00hrs cycle provision and route briefing at your accommodation in Perth.

Day 2

Perth - Dunkeld, 27 ml (43 km)

Cycle 2 miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace and from there north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld. Situated on the banks of the River Tay it has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses
forming a small Square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly restored Cathedral construction of which began in 1318.

Day 3

Dunkeld - Pitlochry 14 ml (23 km)

Leave Dunkeld along the riverside path to the Cathedral imagining the many years of history that it has seen. Follow the river on a peaceful route away from traffic for 3km before using the main road bridge to reach the minor road to Logierait. Another bridge to cross and a climb before the quiet elevated road gives wonderful views of the fast flowing Rivers Tay
and Tummel. Past the Dunfallandy Stone and into the busy Victorian town of Pitlochry. One of the town’s best-known attractions is Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. Created in the 1950s the Dam has an underwater viewing chamber, which allows visitors to watch salmon navigating the specially constructed fish ladder, which bypasses the dam.

Day 4

Rest day Pitlochry, 14 ml (23 km)

A chance to visit the large Blair Atholl Distillery or Scotland’s smallest Distillery - Edradour.
7 miles north of Pitlochry is Blair Castle with its 32 fully furnished rooms fine furniture, paintings and armour.

Day 5

Pitchlochry - Glamis - St. Andrews, 41 ml (65 km)

Morning transfer to Glamis Castle.
Visit Glamis Castle family home of the Earls of Strathmore and a royal residence since 1372.
Remodelled in the seventeenth century the Castle contains magnificent rooms with a wide range of historic pictures, furniture, porcelain and tapestries. Travel through the small villages and fertile farming land of the Vale of Strathmore to Newtyle. A climb over the Sidlaw Hills leads to the outskirts of the riverside city of Dundee. Situated at the mouth of the River Tay this industrial city has a long and chequered history. Cross the Tay Bridge to Newport and you are now in Fife. Continue round the coast and spend a little time away from the tarmac on the tracks of Tentsmuir Forest. Through Leuchars village with its busy air base and a climb to reach the village of Strathkinness. A lovely panoramic view over the Firth of Tay and beyond as you descend into St Andrews. Once the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland, St Andrews is now better know as the “Home of Golf”. It is also home to Scotland’s oldest university with many fine buildings set in a combination of medieval, Edwardian and Victorian streets. Visit the ruined Castle and Cathedral or take a stroll on wide expanse of golden West Sands.

Day 6

Rest day St Andrews, Explore the East Neuk of Fife, 24/34 ml / 39/55 km

Either spend the day exploring in St Andrews or cycle to the charming East 'Neuk'(Scots word for corner) of Fife. Visit the picturesque fishing villages of Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem where whitewashed buildings with red pan tiled roofs overlook cobbled, winding streets leading to the harbours. Overnight in St Andrews.

Day 7

St. Andrew - Perth, 37 ml / 59 km

Leave St. Andrews on the cycle route past Craigton Park and continue to visit the Falkland Palace, set in the heart of a unique medieval village. It was the country residence and hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs. It includes the exceptionally beautiful Chapel Royal and is surrounded by internationally known gardens. Perhaps take tea in Auchtermuchty before climbing the hill to Pitmedden Forest and then down into the Tay Valley and Perth.

Day 8

Departure

The tour ends after breakfast in Perth.

  •  7 nights Bed and breakfast accommodation with shower/toilet facilities
    in 3 or 4 star graded guesthouses for 5 nights (or private houses inspected by us)
    and 2 nights in hotels in Pitlochry
  • Luggage transfers (weight limit of 20kg per person/bag)
  • Tour information including maps and detailed route description
  • Emergency support
  • Excluded:
    Entrance fees for castles/visitor attractions
    Lunches and dinners
    Bike hire £110
    E-bike hire £215

An upgrade in 3/4 star accommodation in all locations is available on this tour for a supplement of £485 per person

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NIGHT 1: PERTH

Pitcullen Guesthouse - Perth

A friendly, relaxed guesthouse located on the east side of the River Tay. This quiet location provides a warm welcome to Scottish hospitality and stunning scenery.

NIGHT 1: PERTH image 1NIGHT 1: PERTH image 1

NIGHT 2&3: DUNKELD

The Bridge - Dunkeld

Adjacent to the River Tay, The Bridge dates back to the Georgian period and is only a short walk from Dunkeld Cathedral.

NIGHT 2&3: DUNKELD image 1NIGHT 2&3: DUNKELD image 1

NIGHT 4&5: PITLOCHRY

Knockendarroch - Pitlochry

4* - A contemporary country house nestled in the Perthshire Highlands. The panoramic bedrooms offer far reach views across mountains and woodlands.

NIGHT 4&5: PITLOCHRY  image 1NIGHT 4&5: PITLOCHRY  image 1

2026 SELF GUIDED TOUR 7 NIGHTS
£1135  per person sharing
£1420  single room ( if travelling with others ) 

Bike hire is not included:
£110 hybrid bike 
£215 e-bike

Self Guided Tour Information

Tours can start daily from 1st  April to 31st October

Travel Details

How to get to the start point in Perth: 

We recommend flying to Edinburgh Airport. 

Perth is an easy train journey from Edinburgh (1h20), Glasgow (1h10) or Inverness (2h05), all of which have airports. Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are the best options if travelling from outside the UK. Use the journey planner online at Travel Line Scotland to plan journeys by public transport in Scotland. Private transfers from Edinburgh or Glasgow can easily be arranged.

From Pitlochry

Pitlochry has a mainline train station connecting through to Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Train times and tickets can be booked via Scot Rail.

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

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Accommodation

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.