Custom Bike Tour Services

Scotland is the perfect destination for cyclists looking for adventure. With a multitude of tarmac and off-road routes to choose from to suit every biking discipline and level of fitness. For more organised and experienced cyclists, pre-planning every small detail of the trip, from deciding where to stay and what kit to carry, is all part of the fun of designing a bike tour itinerary.

This is fine for groups of 2 or 3 cyclists with mechanical knowledge and a good sense of direction. Smaller groups can often rely on others if something goes wrong and public transport to get them and their bikes from A to B. Unfortunately, our trains only have space for 4 or so bicycles, with buses even less. So, for larger groups with less know-how and during busier times of the year, this can pose a problem. This is where we can help…

Our customised vehicle, ‘The Bike Bus’, is kitted out to carry up to 7 passengers including kit and 11 bicycles. We can simply offer bike and rider transport if you need to get from the airport to the start of your route or vice versa. Or, if you’re a group planning a week-long cycle around Scotland, we can be available for all your logistical needs.

Not only will we transport your luggage between accommodations, or act as support if a member of the group is tired, your driver is also a qualified bicycle mechanic and first aid trained. Our services have been used for many cycling events, from supporting charity rides to marshalling and mechanical assistance.

From concept to reality

If you’re in need of some ideas or inspiration for your bike trip, then take a look at the new ‘John Muir Way’, or a route from our ‘National Cycle Network’.

If cycle touring is not your thing and you feel like doing something a bit more exhilarating, then the world class Tweed Valley mountain bike trails or road biking the ‘North Coast 500’ route might be more to your taste.

At the bottom of this page we have provided a list of websites of cycling organisations and accommodation providers, including information on when to go and what gear to take with you to help create a bike tour to remember.

Once you have decided on a route, please send us an email providing as much information as possible. This should include the following…

  • Your tour dates
  • Number of persons taking the tour and the number of bicycles you wish to hire, if any.
  • Your choice of route, the number of days your route will likely take to ride, and where you plan to stay overnight.
  • Once we have collected this information, we will be happy to provide a quote for our services.

Next:

Once you are happy with your quotation all you have to do is…

– Finalise your route and meeting place

– Book your accommodation

– Tell us of any special requirements

– Pay deposit of 50% of the total cost of our services

Support Prices:

Our support package comes complete with our customised vehicle, ‘The Bike Bus’, and a driver, who also happens to be a friendly and knowledgeable guide and fully qualified bicycle mechanic. Your driver will also take on some of the more mundane day to day jobs, like doing a food shop, transferring luggage to your following night accommodation, or even help pitching a tent. While you concentrate on your days riding and having a good time.

Our customised vehicle and driver are available at a daily rate of £525 per day. Your guide will be available each day for approximately 9 hours, with an average of 150 miles (240 kms) driving per day.

Bike and Rider Transport:

For many cyclists planning a bike tour in the UK, organising transport for you and your beloved bike can be a difficult task, especially for larger groups. Travelling by train is normally the go-to option. This is fine, if you book months in advance for the best value tickets and a guaranteed space for your bike. Because of this, many cycle trips don’t get past the planning stage. For these reasons and from our own experiences, we offer a bike and rider transport service to and from almost any destination in Scotland and Northern England. With our fast and friendly service, which is often quicker and cheaper than catching a train, we endeavour to make your bike tour a stress free and enjoyable experience from beginning to end.

Bike and Rider Transport Prices:

The following prices are based on the 1st customer, collection from or return to Edinburgh…

First 100 miles = £1.30 per mile

100+ miles** = £1.00 per mile

Extra person – £10 per trip

Example 1: 2 persons with bikes and luggage, transport from Edinburgh City Centre to Dunbar – start/finish of the John Muir Way. (round trip approx. 69 miles*) Total price = £100

Example 2: 4 persons with bikes and luggage from Edinburgh to Oban (round trip approx 275 miles*) Total price = £335

*Mileages based on round trip from Tartan Bicycle Company base close to Edinburgh

** An additional £125 overnight charge will be added to trips with a distance of over 325 miles.

Bike and Equipment Hire:

Bike Hire from only £10 per day

Satellite Navigation System Hire with pre-programmed routes – £10 per day

Pair of waterproof rear bags – £2 per day

Handle bar/day bag hire – £2 per day