Experience a guided bikepacking adventure through the scenic landscapes of Scotland. This trip is perfect for those wanting to explore beautiful trails, enjoy great company, and discover the charm of the region, from river valleys to coastal paths.
Starting and finishing in Grantown on Spey, this route traverses through the Cairngorm Mountains, follows the River Spey, and heads west towards the Moray Coast. Riders will experience varied terrains and gorgeous views from river valleys to open moorland.
The trip includes three nights of camping. The first night is at Speyside Gardens Camping in Aberlour, the second night at Findhorn Bay Caravan Park, and the third night at ACE Adventures in Dunphail.
Each campsite offers different facilities, providing a comfortable and scenic place to rest after a day of riding.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level and basic cycling skills. Suitable bikes are required, with options for hire available. Enthusiasm for outdoor adventure is essential.
Jim has always dreamt of adventures, whether asleep or awake. This passion has taken him all over the Scottish Highlands, Spain, the Alps, and the Southwest US through hiking, climbing, skiing, and biking.
A qualified Mountain Bike Leader and holder of the Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor Award, Jim has bikepacked extensively across Scotland, including the Capital Trail, the Deeside Trail, the Badger Divide, and the Moray Trail—six times!
In 2019, he rode 1100 miles unsupported on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. In 2022, Jim created and rode a 1200-mile version of the Lands End to John O' Groats route, blending quiet backroads, bridleways, and mountain tracks. His journey inspired him to share similar adventures with others, fostering community and a leave-no-trace ethos.
You will learn how to identify appropriate multi-day routes, choose the right equipment, food, and clothing, manage your bike and gear, ride appropriately in wilderness areas, navigate using maps, GPS, and mobile apps, and handle emergency procedures.
You do not need to bring a meal for Saturday evening, breakfast on Sunday, snacks for the trail each day, a first aid kit, an extensive bike repair kit, or specialist bike luggage and a lightweight tent as these are provided.
The trip does not include travel to and from our base at The Speyside Hotel, Grantown on Spey, dinner on Friday and Sunday nights, biking and travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, additional drinks and snacks beyond what we provide, and a bike.
We limit group sizes to ensure a unique, personal experience without the hassle of differing expectations or skills that can occur in larger groups.
Smaller groups also have less environmental impact.
Jim can advise on local bike shops that rent bikes.
You can borrow a sleeping bag and camping mat from us free of charge.
The routes are designed to be interchangeable. Adjustments can be made en route or on day two after discussing with the group.
Inform Jim of your late arrival, and he will notify the hotel. The briefing can be done on Saturday morning.
The most important thing is your safe arrival and comfort on Friday night.
Let Jim know when you receive your booking confirmation about any dietary requirements, such as vegan, vegetarian, or Halal.
He will discuss the best options to accommodate your needs.
You can safely store your belongings at The Speyside Hotel until your return on Monday afternoon.
Other arrangements can be made if you are not staying at the hotel; just ask Jim.
Yes, staying at The Speyside Hotel for two nights allows you to get to know the staff and explore local attractions on Tuesday.
Just ask for this option once you have received your booking confirmation.
Bikepacking is the combination of lightweight backpacking with mountain biking, or touring on a mixture of roads, gravel tracks, singletrack and sometimes walking paths for multiple days with an overnight stop.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Grantown-on-Spey
From £345
About the centre
Grantown-on-Spey
Operated by Ride Away Bike Packing, a partner of adventuro.
