Scotland: West Coast Bike Tour with Freewheeling Adventures
Holiday by riding low-traffic country roads in Scotland with Freewheeling Adventures. We offer both guided and self-guided adventures in the British Isles at
Enjoy the best of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales as you cycle or hike through these beautiful vacation destinations.
We offer the following tours in Scotland:
West Coast Bike – Places visited include Glasgow, Kilmartin, Lochgilphead, Dalriada, Crinan, Loch Awe, Inverliever and Eredine forests, Taynuilt, Glen Lonan, Oban, Iona, Mull, Ulva, Calgary Bay, Tobermory, Glengorm Castle, The Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Kilchoan, Loch Sunart, Salen, Moidart, Castle Tioram, Loch Shiel Estate, Strontian, Corran Ferry, and Fort William, where you can take the train line to visit Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and Glencoe.
North Bike – Places visited include Inverness, the Culloden Battle site, Loch Ness, River Ness, the Great Glen Way, Drumnadrochit, Strathglass, Glen Urquhart, Beauly, the Black Isle, the Cromarty Firth, Easter Ross, Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, the Dornoch Firth, Strath Oykel, the Assynt Highlands, Loch Assynt, Sutherland, Lochinver, Eas a' Chual Aluinn (the highest waterfall in the UK), Ullapool, Inverpolly Nature Reserve, the Inverewe Gardens, and the Corrieshalloch gorge.
Credits -
Video: Filmed and Edited by Riley Lamarche
Music: Composed and Performed by Lauchlan Chisholm
Sound Design: Shoebox Studios
STAC POLLAIDH - The Assynt mountain that inspired Alan Hinkes into climbing - the 613m 'Graham'.
Another trip to Ullapool [May 2008] and yet another trip up the 613m 'Graham' Stac Pollaidh with its fantastic views over the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve and in particular over fellow Graham, the 731m ('The Pillar') Suilven and also over Cul Mor and Cul Beag. This is the mountain that inspired Alan Hinkes into climbing. On the road to Achiltibuie a parking area and information point is reached, indicating the commencement of this hillwalk; Stac Pollaidh a mountain in erosion - 'crumbling and tumbling'..... Soundtrack: 'Time Was' from 'Argus through the Looking Glass'.
The mountain though is easily accessible and popular with hill-walkers, not least for the spectacular views it provides of the surrounding area. Its is situated 11-miles (17.5 km) north of Ullapool within the aforementioned Inverpolly National Nature Reserve.
Is this ancient crumbling Graham the finest mountain in Scotland? Well, it certainly is one of the more distinctive peaks with those weathered (but disappearing) sandstone pinnacles and probably does attract more walkers than any other mountain in the North of Scotland and now has a large purpose-built car-park with information board.
Ullapool is surrounded us on all four sides by mountains and contains some of the most beautiful unspoiled scenery in the world with undiscovered beaches, forests, hidden glens with stags grazing, waterfalls, bird sanctuaries to explore, breathtaking twisty single track roads, all warmed by the gulf stream that gives it the tropical garden look with the comparably mild weather. It really has its own micro-climate. Boat trips depart to the enchanting Summer Isles as does a power boat trip that is highly recommended [watch the other video - Seascape adventure]; see seals and porpoises or marvel at the botanists miracle of Hydroponics in Achiltibuie.
The town itself was designed and built in 1788 by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society. The aim was to exploit a boom in herring fishing at the time. This peaked and then, in an early example of overfishing, declined from the 1830s. By 1900 the enterprise was judged a failure leaving this nice grid plan town with little economic activity and fewer prospects.
It took a couple more decades for the long distance fishing fleets from eastern Scotland and beyond to discover Ullapool's benefits as a safe anchorage on the western side of the country. Now the pubs have that cosmopolitan feel to them with accents from around the world.
Stac 'Polly' is the distinctive steep-sided mountain of the Assynt district of Wester Ross, (Gaelic: Stac Pollaidh or 'peak of the pools') rises to 613m (2009 feet). Its true summit lies on a craggy ridge and is certainly not for the faint-hearted to attempt.
As regards Ullapool on the east shore of Loch Broom, the town was founded in 1788 as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society - and was designed by Thomas Telford. The harbour is still perhaps the focal point of the town and is used as a fishing port, yachting haven, and ferry port. Ferries, as in this video, sail to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. Many of the pivotal discoveries of the Victorian era that contributed to the development of the concept of plate tectonics were made in this area, and there are still regular international geological conferences! Others, of course, visit here for the scenery, hillwalking and the Seaforth, FBI and the Arch!!! Not to mention those amazing breakfasts in the local cafe!
Anr enforced audio change: soundtrack now by MTWA.
Scotland from Above - North Coast 500
Long open roads, vast scenic landscapes, wide meandering country tracks and some of Scotland’s finest coastal scenery are just a few of the memorable things that await you on the famous North Coast 500. So, strap yourself in and prepare for a road trip of a lifetime.
The North Coast 500 is a world-famous circular driving route starting in the ‘capital of the Highlands’, Inverness, and weaving its way along the west coast to Applecross, northwards to Torridon and Ullapool, before passing some of Scotland’s most northerly points, Caithness and John O’Groats. From there, journey south through Dingwall back to Inverness.
Here are some picturesque points you can see en route, or even stop off at for a longer stay:
Located in northern Wester Ross, Inverpolly is home to some of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland, including Stac Pollaidh, Cul Mor, and Cul Beag, and boasts incredible scenery and views no matter where you go.
A beautiful crescent of sand in Ullapool, Achnahaird Beach boasts a sandy plain and rock pools to explore, along with stunning views of Stac Pollaidh and other nearby mountains. Most of the surrounding landscape is part of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve, so keep your eyes peeled for wild cats, pine martens, golden eagles and more – a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Make sure you make a stop to the see the historic ruin of Ardvreck Castle. This 15th century castle stands on the shores of Loch Assynt and is famous for its role in the turbulent events of 1650 involving the Marquis of Montrose.
Sitting on the banks of the Dornoch Firth, next up is Balblair Distillery – one of the oldest the world. Enjoy a tour and learn about the history of the distillery, how the vintage malt whiskies are produced and see why all the casks are ‘timed to perfection’.
Venture along the winding road to Kinlochewe through Glen Docherty for mesmerising views and a captivating atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Looking down the glen, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Loch Maree where you can see black-throated divers by the lochside. Loch Maree is the fourth largest fresh water loch in Scotland and features a series of scattered islands boasting natural woodlands of original Caledonian Pine Forest.
Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and is the largest in the Northern Highlands. Admire its French chateau appearance and learn about the centuries of historic events that the castle has lived through.
Making the journey extra special, is venturing over Kylesku Bridge. This distinctively curved concrete bridge crosses the Loch a’ Chairn Bhain in Sutherland giving extraordinary views of the surrounding landscapes on the way.
Suilven, one of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland, is a real sight to see. Rising almost vertically from the bogs, lochs and moorlands of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve, it is a bold natural feature that you can see from miles away.
If you want to be stunned by a white sandy beach complete with unparalleled views, then make sure you pay a visit to Mellon Udrigle Beach. Back by dunes, framed by rocky headlands, featuring clear water, sparkling white sand and surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s a no-brainer that this beach is a must-visit, so get packing your bucket and spade!
Located in the north east near Portmahomack, the Tarbat Ness Lighthouse was engineered by Robert Stevenson in 1830 and overlooks the Dornoch Firth and out to sea – giving extraordinary panoramic views and the chance to spot some playful dolphins.
Explore the sheltered, sandy dunes and heather covered grasslands of Gairloch Beach. Venture on the surrounding walks and footpaths and keep your eye out for local wildlife, or visit the local town for a bite to eat in Gairloch.
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STAC POLLAIDH - the Marilyn can be climbed in less than 3 hrs. YouTube enforced audio change.
Re-boot of the video that was disabled earlier by YouTube - this time with an audio change.
Stac Pollaidh can be climbed in less than 3 hours by any relatively fit person. From the car park on the shore of Loch Lurgainn the path leads directly up, under the spires of the crest. About 200 m from the road the path splits; one may choose either since both meet up on the far side of the hill, from where it is only a short distance to the summit ridge.
The Lobster Claw pinnacle on Stac Pollaidh partly collapsed and lost some of its height several years ago. Once on the ridge the true summit lies about 300 m to the west
Another trip to Ullapool [May 2008] and yet another trip up the 613m 'Graham' Stac Pollaidh with its fantastic views over the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve and in particular over fellow Graham, the 731m ('The Pillar') Suilven and also over Cul Mor and Cul Beag. This is the mountain that inspired Alan Hinkes into climbing. On the road to Achiltibuie a parking area and information point is reached, indicating the commencement of this hillwalk; Stac Pollaidh a mountain in erosion - 'crumbling and tumbling'..... Soundtrack: 'Time Was' from 'Argus through the Looking Glass'.
The mountain though is easily accessible and popular with hill-walkers, not least for the spectacular views it provides of the surrounding area. Its is situated 11-miles (17.5 km) north of Ullapool within the aforementioned Inverpolly National Nature Reserve.
Is this ancient crumbling Graham the finest mountain in Scotland? Well, it certainly is one of the more distinctive peaks with those weathered (but disappearing) sandstone pinnacles and probably does attract more walkers than any other mountain in the North of Scotland and now has a large purpose-built car-park with information board.
Ullapool is surrounded us on all four sides by mountains and contains some of the most beautiful unspoiled scenery in the world with undiscovered beaches, forests, hidden glens with stags grazing, waterfalls, bird sanctuaries to explore, breathtaking twisty single track roads, all warmed by the gulf stream that gives it the tropical garden look with the comparably mild weather. It really has its own micro-climate. Boat trips depart to the enchanting Summer Isles as does a power boat trip that is highly recommended [watch the other video - Seascape adventure]; see seals and porpoises or marvel at the botanists miracle of Hydroponics in Achiltibuie.
The town itself was designed and built in 1788 by Thomas Telford and the British Fisheries Society. The aim was to exploit a boom in herring fishing at the time. This peaked and then, in an early example of overfishing, declined from the 1830s. By 1900 the enterprise was judged a failure leaving this nice grid plan town with little economic activity and fewer prospects.
It took a couple more decades for the long distance fishing fleets from eastern Scotland and beyond to discover Ullapool's benefits as a safe anchorage on the western side of the country. Now the pubs have that cosmopolitan feel to them with accents from around the world.
Stac 'Polly' is the distinctive steep-sided mountain of the Assynt district of Wester Ross, (Gaelic: Stac Pollaidh or 'peak of the pools') rises to 613m (2009 feet). Its true summit lies on a craggy ridge and is certainly not for the faint-hearted to attempt.
As regards Ullapool on the east shore of Loch Broom, the town was founded in 1788 as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society - and was designed by Thomas Telford. The harbour is still perhaps the focal point of the town and is used as a fishing port, yachting haven, and ferry port. Ferries, as in this video, sail to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. Many of the pivotal discoveries of the Victorian era that contributed to the development of the concept of plate tectonics were made in this area, and there are still regular international geological conferences! Others, of course, visit here for the scenery, hillwalking and the Seaforth, FBI and the Arch!!! Not to mention those amazing breakfasts in the local cafe!