cycling in Scotland next summer - advice?

[basilic]

Planning a trip to Scotland next summer, probably 1 week on the bike and another week off, with my better half. We have looked into organized trips where they take your luggage from one hotel to the next (Wilderness Scotland, eg this http://www.wildernessscotland.com/adventure-holidays/road-cycling/coast-to-coast-cycle/). The idea is to visit places along the way, so fairly leisurely, but if there are not to be missed climbs I can see making a detour.
Questions to fellow Scottish riders:
- mainly, your favorite rides/roads/areas?
- general advice re equipment, raingear, midge repellent
- any experience of this company (Wilderness Scotland)? others to consider?
- attractions, hotels, remote places etc

many thanks!

[xena]

I stay around the Laide area most years. From where I stay I ride both east heading Gairlock and west, dundonnell way the main road . Both ways its all hard climbing but beautiful scenic views.
Its hard riding. No flat roads.
The climb up Gruinard bay is one of the hardest climbs I have been on. Its average is 12% but I have been up much steeper easier climbs, this one is a real pig. It looks from the photo like a steady rising climb....its evil The riding before or after you get there will take your legs away. This has been my Madone for a few years.

It I usually blast up the first part and then hang on to the top. You cannot pace yourself [ unless you want to go up as slow as a donkey] .It gets you every time. Its a handful

[campbellrae]

I appreciate that most of this isn't directly related to the trip that company offer, but though I would include the suggestions anyway. I could go on about this for hours and hours, but have tried to contain myself a little bit! If you have any questions or want suggestions for specific area let me know, it's pretty much my favorite subject!

https://www.strava.com/activities/184260126- Bealach Na Ba

The Bealach Na Ba is probably the most famous climb in Scotland, if not the UK. It’s the closest thing we have to a proper alpine pass. This route makes for a spectacular day out, and Glen Torridon in particular is a standout with 1000m mountains rising very steeply on both sides of the road.

https://www.strava.com/activities/404310562- Highland Perthshire

I love this route, the area is beautiful, in a less barren and brutal way than the far north. Glen Lyon is a particular highlight.

https://www.strava.com/routes/1133945 - Around Mull

There are a huge number of islands, and Mull is probably my favourite to ride on. The roads are deserted, very pretty and there are some cracking climbs and descents.

https://www.strava.com/routes/1219850 - Ardgour & Loch Shiel Route

https://www.strava.com/activities/325523913- Activity for a couple of photos

Something else a little different, for here at least. The Loch Shiel track is a fantastic section of around 20km of reasonably well surfaced gravel road. It’s closed to cars and offers some utterly spectacular views along the way. I’ve done it on 28s without much difficulty except for about 1km where it’s a little rough and you have to be careful. I’ve included the Strava Activity above just to show a couple of photos I took when I was there this year as there is no Street View on that section. My photography is terrible but hopefully it would give you an idea!

Kit wise, be prepared for anything from heavy rain and gale force winds to glorious sunshine, usually within the same day. Bring a good waterproof that's breathable.

For dealing with the midges, different people swear by different repellents, Avon Skin So Soft is popular and not too toxic unlike others, so I quite like that.

Let me know if you want any more info or other suggestions!

Cheers,

Campbell.

[basilic]

Thank you xena and Campbell!
very useful. I may get back to you later when some decisions are made.