Cycling enthusiasts this month can enjoy a guided cycling tour that will take them from Loch Ness to Skye as part of the National Trust for Scotland's events programme. 

The charity is using the recently created Affric Kintail long-distance trail as a basis to create a six-day guided tour (15-21 May) that provides stunning views of Loch Ness along with the mountainous beauty of Kintail. On reaching the west coast participants will take the Glenelg ferry across to the Isle of Skye. 

The Trust's Kintail and West Affric manager, Willie Fraser said:

“The route follows the Great Glen Way before joining the Affric Kintail Way which opened last year. This trip provides ample opportunity to spot some of Scotland's most iconic wildlife, including sea eagles and otters on the Skye crossing. And naturally, the wild views of mountains and water are world famous. 

“This is a great way for experienced cyclists to explore Scotland in a different way, staying in bunkhouses or wild camping, and getting the most from the environment.” 

The tour includes bike hire, guided tuition, accommodation and camping equipment use.

 Other new events for 2016 from the National Trust for Scotland include:

• Hebridean Adventure, 3-9 July. This combines sea kayaking and mountain biking, with participants choosing each day whether to travel by bike or kayak and includes visits to local cultural and historical points of interest along the way. 

• Kayak and Bike Knoydart, 10-16 July. A week- long adventure allows participants to experience one of Scotland's last bastions of wilderness from a completely different perspective. The programme starts with a familiarisation day to hone skills and participants then travel through some of Scotland's most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. The trip includes at least 2-3 nights camping.

 More detail and prices on these and other Kintail trips can be found by phoning 01599 511231 or emailing kintail@nts.org.uk. 

The Trust has a large range of sea kayaking, cycling and ranger-led walks organised from in the Kintail and West Affric estate, as well as similar events across its Scottish countryside properties. For more information visit: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events 

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Issued by Pagoda PR on behalf of National Trust for Scotland. Contact Barbara Fraser on 0131 556 0770, barbara.fraser@pagodapr.com.