Blairgowrie Highland Passes Grand Tour

A full day across the eastern Highlands that takes in a high mountain road, a long ribbon of river valley through the Cairngorms, and a second, quieter pass that drops out of the hills towards the North Sea. Open moor, deep glens, forest and farmland follow in turn, and the scale of the country changes every hour.

This is the longest ride in the collection for the region, and the passes are the point: wide and fast on the climbs, tightening near the foot, and capable of holding ice late and early in the year. Both high roads close in winter behind snow gates, so check conditions before you go. Fuel gaps of around thirty miles run twice, and there are a few single-lane stretches. Start with a full tank and set aside a full, unhurried day.