Explore the beauty of Applecross with our all-inclusive trip to 'The Sanctuary'. Perfect for first-time bikepackers, this adventure promises thrilling singletrack rides amidst spectacular scenery. Discover why Applecross is hailed as ‘The Sanctuary’ on this unforgettable weekend getaway.
On Friday, our adventure begins with a pickup from either Grantown on Spey or Inverness. We'll then journey to Shieldaig, where we'll check into the campsite for the night. After settling in, we'll head out to a local seafood restaurant and bar for a delicious dinner, setting the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Saturday kicks off with a hearty breakfast at a nearby café, where you'll also select your takeaway sandwich for the day's ride. Fully fuelled, we'll load up and hit the road, embarking on a journey along the beautiful coast. The day's ride will be filled with exciting singletrack trails, featuring undulating climbs and exhilarating descents. We'll cap off the day with dinner at a pre-booked restaurant near the cabins, ensuring a satisfying end to our day of exploration.
Sunday starts with breakfast from a unique takeaway van, providing a tasty start to our final day of adventure. We'll then retrace our steps from Saturday's ride, navigating the trails with renewed energy and enthusiasm. As we journey back, we'll have the opportunity to reflect on our experiences and discuss potential future adventures. Our trip concludes with drop-offs in either Inverness or Grantown on Spey, leaving you with memories to cherish and stories to share.
Accommodation for the trip includes a camping pod in Shieldaig for the first night and a private cabin in Applecross for the second night.
Both options provide comfortable lodging to recharge after exhilarating days of biking.
To fully enjoy 'The Sanctuary' biking adventure, participants should have basic mountain biking skills and be comfortable with moderate physical activity.
No previous bikepacking experience is required, making this trip accessible to riders of various skill levels.
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.
This trip is ideal for hardtail or full-suspension mountain bikes.
No, this trip is suitable for first-time bikepackers, although basic mountain biking skills are recommended.
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.
The routes are designed to be interchangeable. Adjustments can be made en route or on day two after discussing with the group.
You can borrow a sleeping bag and camping mat from us free of charge.
Jim can advise on local bike shops that rent bikes.
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.
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.
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.
About the centre
Grantown-on-Spey
Operated by Ride Away Bike Packing, a partner of adventuro.
