Tour Description
Scotland Bikepacking Wild Edition – An Unforgettable Adventure
If you’re a bike traveler seeking wild experiences—or an aspiring one—you’re in the right place. I’ve traveled extensively with a tent and in self-sufficiency, learning from my mistakes along the way. This journey is designed not only to explore a breathtaking destination by bike but also to challenge yourself, discover your limits, and embrace the unexpected. When I traveled through Scotland, I realized how perfect this land was as a training ground for so many adventures I had already undertaken. Are you ready to take on a true Outwilder adventure?
Scotland Bikepacking Wild Edition is a guided 330 km bikepacking journey with 3,500 meters of elevation gain through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park in Northern Scotland. We will ride 70% off-road, traversing wild valleys, singletrack sections (sometimes requiring bike pushing), and river crossings. This extraordinary land will make you feel like a true adventurer, and that’s exactly the goal: to return home saying, “I AM AN ADVENTURER!”
If you’re an intermediate rider with a good fitness level and basic off-road experience, if you enjoy cycling but also love tackling adventurous sections, and if you’re excited by the idea of diverse landscapes, culture, and nature, this bikepacking adventure in Scotland will be incredibly rewarding. You’ll not only experience Scotland from a unique perspective—on two wheels—but also gain valuable insights into the world of bikepacking. Adaptability and a spirit of adventure are essential: Scotland is famous for giving you all four seasons in a single day—and there’s no better way to describe its weather!
The first edition will be an exclusive experience, limited to just 5 participants.
We will arrive in Edinburgh, then transfer to the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the North. From there, we will organize ourselves and prepare for our Wild adventure.
Important: A valid passport and a temporary tourist visa are required (we’ll provide instructions on how to obtain it).
Suitable Bikes:
• MTB / E-MTB / Gravel bikes with wide tires / Adventure bikes
Overall Difficulty: Moderate
The challenge level of Scotland Bikepacking Wild Edition is determined by three key factors:
• Manageable daily distances
• Moderate elevation gain
• 30% paved roads, 70% smooth off-road terrain (with some short hike-a-bike sections)
The itinerary may change due to logistical or safety reasons—or simply to enhance the experience. The adventure begins even before departure: participants will receive consultation on trip preparation, especially for those unfamiliar with packing a bike for a flight or in need of guidance on essential gear.
Trip Overview
This is an 8-day journey, with 5 days of riding. We will cycle through remote and wild landscapes, camping in different locations each night. Every day, we will pass strategic points to ensure backup options and supply restocking.
The detailed itinerary of this edition is available on our partner site THE OUTWILDERS. CLICK HERE
Overview
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Activity organization
• Custom-designed GPX track
• Informational materials about the experience
• Booking management and technical coordination by the travel agency
• Tour Leader: Certified Cycle Touring Guide, FCI Instructor, and Hiking Guide with active RCT insurance
• Mechanical assistance provided by the guides if needed
• Dedicated WhatsApp group for participants
• Pre-trip consultation call to help you prepare effectively
• On-the-field training to enhance your skills and knowledge
• Guide’s satellite tracker
• Bike bag or box storage at the hotel in Puerto del Carmen
• 3 nights in hotels, B&Bs, or private apartments (shared or double rooms)
• Round-trip airport-hotel transfer
• Medical insurance
• A special gift for all participants (work in progress!)
• Participation certificate
NOT INCLUDED
• Round-trip flight to/from Edinburgh
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Daily meals and some breakfasts
• Any additional independent overnight stays
• Luggage transport during the bike tour
• Any early return transportation if needed
• Lunches, two breakfasts, and two dinners not included in accommodations
• Any extra purchases of any kind
• In general, anything not listed under “Included in the Price”
• Optional experiences, such as museum visits, which we are organizing but will not be mandatory
Prepare Yourself: Mandatory Gear
• Bike: A very sturdy gravel bike, adventure bike, or MTB in excellent mechanical condition with wide tires (e.g., 700x50 or 29” 2.2)
• Helmet (mandatory to wear)
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Cycling shoes and/or extra comfortable shoes suitable for walking on rough terrain
• Extra clothing for potential cold temperatures (rare but possible)
• Rain and wind protection gear, including a waterproof jacket, shoe covers, and rain pants
• Bikepacking bags to carry all your gear on the bike (Backpacks are not recommended as they can be uncomfortable on rough terrain, but they are not prohibited)
• Water bottles, repair kit, and spare inner tubes
• Sunscreen
• Cycling gloves
• Front (white) and rear (red) lights
• Basic maintenance kit (inner tubes, quick links, multitool, tire levers)
• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and cooking kit
Note: A more detailed packing list will be provided to participants.
