SCOTLAND – CASTLES, KILTS AND WHISKY
This 11-day, premium Ayres Adventures tour starts and ends in the center of Scotland’s stunning capital city, Edinburgh. Our tour includes great riding on many narrow, winding roads through farmland, beautiful coastal roads, and over the rolling long green hills of this picturesque little country.
Scotland is famous for its historical castles and fine whisky. We will get to visit and stay at some of these fine, monumental, and historical buildings as well as visit some of the famous whisky distilleries.
Highlights of this Adventure include:
- Luxury accommodations throughout the tour, including an overnight stay in a historic castle
- A ride to the northern tip of Britain
- Two nights in the seaside town of Oban
- Scottish whisky distillery tour
- Visits to several historical castles, abbeys and ruins
AT A GLANCE YOUR SCOTLAND – CASTLES, KILTS AND WHISKY TOUR
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH
Welcome to Scotland! The tour leaders will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel located in the center of Edinburgh. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the day to explore this historical city. Later in the afternoon, the tour leaders will handover the bikes before hosting a group briefing providing more detailed information about the tour. After the briefing, we will enjoy our first dinner together at a wonderful local restaurant.
DAY 2 – EDINBURGH TO ALSTON ~170 MILES
Leaving Edinburgh on a Sunday morning means that we will miss all the city traffic and get straight onto the small quiet country roads that offer exciting riding and spectacular scenery. During the day we will cross the border into England and spend the night in a luxurious historical castle. Along the way we will stop at Devil’s Beef Tub, a stunning valley where rustlers would hide stolen cattle. We will also ride through the scenic Kielder Forest.
DAY 3 – ALSTON TO BALLANTRAE ~170 MILES
Today’s ride will take us along the coast of Southwest Scotland through several small fishing villages. We will stop in New Abbey for some great pictures of the ruins of the old abbey found in the middle of this sleepy little town. We will stop at a section of Hadrian’s Wall which dates back to Roman times and has a very long and intriguing history. Just before our morning coffee stop, we will cross back into Scotland at the current border between England and Scotland in Gretna Green.
DAY 4 – BALLANTRAE TO OBAN ~200 MILES
Just north of Glasgow, we will ride along the banks of beautiful Loch Lomond where we will stop for a few photo opportunities before riding through the Argyll National Park and along the Rest and Be Thankful, an incredibly beautiful ride all the way to Oban where we will spend two nights. Be prepared for a stunning day of riding.
DAY 5 – FREE DAY IN OBAN
Oban is a beautiful seaside town, popular with both locals and international travelers. We will spend two nights in Oban as it offers so many activities, including a whisky tour, ferry trips to the Isle of Mull as well as numerous other activities. Oban is home to the Oban Distillery which is a short walk from the hotel and offers very informative guided tours.
DAY 6 – OBAN TO ULLAPOOL ~230 MILES
One of the longest riding days of the tour takes us up north to Ullapool via Fort William where we should see Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain) before stopping on the banks of Loch Ness – be on the lookout for the Loch Ness Monster. We continuing with some great riding, taking many small back roads to Ullapool. The riding is considered some of the best in this more remote part of Scotland.
DAY 7 – ULLAPOOL TO THURSO ~140 MILES
Continuing along Scotland’s greatest motorcycle roads, today’s ride takes us through Durness and Tongue before arriving in Thurso. Today is one of the most scenic and exciting rides of the tour with breathtaking views of white sandy beaches along the Scottish coast. Today’s ride will take us through the very remote Scottish Highlands.
DAY 8 – THURSO TO INVERNESS ~150 MILES
Heading north, as far north as we can go, we will stop for a photo at Dunnet Head, the most northerly point in Great Britain, before heading to John ‘O Groats, the famous starting point for Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor on their ‘Long Way Down’ tour. Heading south from John ‘O Groats, we will spend the night in Inverness.
DAY 9 – INVERNESS TO PITLOCHRY ~130 MILES
Another great day of riding on some of the best motorcycle roads in Scotland. In the morning we will ride through Cairngorms National Park, cross the River Spey (the River Spey is the water source for many of Scotland’s whisky distilleries), and pass by Scotland’s largest ski hills. Pitlochry is a wonderful town and great for walking. There are several small and large distilleries in the area as well as some lovely walks into the surrounding forests.
DAY 10 – PITLOCHRY TO EDINBURGH ~120 MILES
From Pitlochry, we will ride through very scenic farmlands as we head to St. Andrews for lunch and a relaxing stop. Although this is the last riding day of the tour, we will stop at some great sights before heading into Edinburgh. Today we will ride back to Edinburgh, where we will enjoy our final group dinner after a great tour. St. Andrews, famous for its golf course and university, is a great town to walk around and explore the ruins of the ancient cathedral in the city.
DAY 11 – DEPARTURE FROM EDINBURGH
After a relaxing breakfast, the tour leaders will arrange your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
TOTAL MILES: ~1,310 MILES
Road Conditions
The route for this tour is entirely paved. The roads are all in excellent condition. Throughout the tour we will ride on small backcountry roads, a few short stretches of highway, and several miles on single-lane backcountry roads. The roads are twisty with a few sections of small blind rises and corners. Riding in Scotland is fun and exciting.
 |  |
Weather
This tour is designed to run during the warm season, but riders should expect some riding in cool and wet conditions.
BMW F750GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$0
Unladen weight (with fuel): 224 kg/493 lbs
Engine displacement: 853 cc
Power output: 77 hp
Fuel capacity: 15 L/4.0 gal
Standard seat height: 815 mm/32.1 inches
Low seat height: 790 mm/31.1 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 770 mm/30.3 inches
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,200
BMW F800GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$300
Unladen weight (with fuel): 214 kg/472 lbs
Engine displacement: 895 cc
Power output: 87 hp
Fuel capacity: 15 L/4.0 gal
Standard seat height: 815 mm/32.1 inches
Low seat height: 790 mm/31.1 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 762 mm/30.0 inches
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,200
BMW R1250GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$700
Unladen weight (with fuel): 249 kg/549 lbs
Engine displacement: 1254 cc
Power output: 136 hp
Fuel capacity: 20 L/5.3 gal
Standard seat height: 850 mm/33.5 inches
Low seat height: 820 mm/32.3 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,200
BMW R1250GS Adv
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,100
Unladen weight (with fuel): 168 kg/591 lbs
Engine displacement: 1254 cc
Power output: 136 hp
Fuel capacity: 30 L/7.9 gal
Standard seat height: 890 mm/35 inches
Low seat height: 820 mm/32 inches
Low frame and low seat height: N/A
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,200
BMW R1300GS
Upgrade fee (for duration of tour):
$1,100
Unladen weight (with fuel): 237 kg/523 lbs
Engine displacement: 1300 cc
Power output: 145 hp
Fuel capacity: 19 L/5.0 gal
Standard seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Low frame and low seat height: 800 mm/31.5 inches to 890 mm/35 inches
Panniers included: Yes
Top case included: Yes
Tank bag available: Yes
Damage deductible: $3,200
Personal Motorcycle
Deduct from rider tour price:
-$2,600
Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like a make or model of motorcycle that is not listed on this page for your tour and we will make every effort to secure the motorcycle of your choice.
STANDARD INCLUSIONS
- Late model, low mileage motorcycle
- Upscale accommodations
- À la carte dining
- Two Ayres Adventures professional tour leaders
- Airport arrival/departure transfers
- Luggage handling
- Comfortable support vehicle for non-riding companions
- Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
- Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
- Commemorative shirt
- Adventurer Club travel award credit
MEALS
- All breakfasts
- 9 dinners
SPECIAL INCLUSIONS
- Overnight stay in a luxurious castle
- Admission and tasting at a whisky distillery
Deposit per person: $800
2027 Schedule
| Date | 2027 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Single Room Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 - 22 | Scotland - Castles, Kilts and Whisky | 11 days | $10,700 | $8,820 | $1,200 |
2028 Schedule
| Date | 2028 Adventures | Length | Rider Price (USD) | Co-Rider Price (USD) | Single Room Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 8 - 18 | Scotland - Castles, Kilts and Whisky | 11 days | $11,300 | $9,300 | $1,300 |
Cancellation fee and refunds
| FROM DATE OF SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT | AMOUNT FORFEITED |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 50% of deposit |
| 60 days or fewer but more than 45 days | 100% of deposit |
| 45 days or fewer but more than 30 days | 50% of full tour payment |
| 30 days or fewer | 100% of full tour payment |
Ayres brought the magic once again!
This is our sixth tour and I can't think of a better way to see the world than by motorcycle. I come home energized, more aware and educated about other cultures with new friends, a million photos and a few extra pounds. Ready for the next Adventure.
Martha and Scott's Adventures include:
Spain and Morocco
Mystical Ireland - Emerald of the Atlantic
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Scotland - Castles, Kilts and Whisky
Spanish Adventure - Private tour
Indian Summer in the Alps - Private tour
Ipswich, MA
The Scottish Countryside is Made for Motorcycling
My wife Liselda and I had the pleasure of joining John and Jason for the Scotland – Castles, Kilts and Whisky tour this June. Nobody can control the weather, but it seemed like it was about as good as it gets on this trip. The lodgings were first rate and the meals were amazing. Most places had haggis as an option on the menu for breakfast and I found that I began to look forward to it. Our tour companions were all people we would love to travel with again.
The bikes were well prepped before we picked them up and any prior scratches were noted on the lease documents. John made sure to check out each bike carefully before handing over the keys. It was the first time I had ridden on the left side of the road, but by lunchtime on the first day, the roundabouts and turns seemed natural.
The Scottish countryside is made for motorcycling.
I'm glad we chose this tour.
Liselda and Michael's Adventures include:
Scotland – Castles, Kilts and Whisky
Bermuda Dunes, CA
Simply unbeatable every way!
When you combine a custom crafted route with skilled and knowledgable leaders, flawless bikes, excellent meals and superb hotels, mix in a boat load of laughter and superb scenery you have the Ayres recipe. Simply unbeatable every way! I 'm aching for more and I just got home!
Scott's Adventures include:
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Indian Summer in the Alps
Scotland - Castles, Kilts and Whisky
Ipswich, MA
START CITY: Edinburgh
- Nearest international airport: Edinburgh Airport
- Airport code: EDI
- Approximate distance from city centre: 8 miles/ 12 kms
END CITY: Edinburgh
- Nearest international airport: Edinburgh Airport
- Airport code: EDI
- Approximate distance from city centre: 8 miles/ 12 kms
Private Tour Inquiry
We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tours as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.