Bike Butlers coming to cycling tours in Scottish Highlands

A new service called Bike Butlers puts a new spin on the cycling term 'domestique' by  aiming to give people who want to tour the Scottish Highlands on two wheels a five-star service – but unsurprisingly, it comes with a hefty price tag.

It’s fair to say that if you are someone who begrudges paying £50 or so to enter a sportive when you can ride those roads whenever you want for free, this isn’t aimed at you.

But the fact that one of the tours starts at Gleneagles, which in 2008 hosted the G8 summit and, two years ago, the 40th Ryder Cup in golf, gives you an idea that this service isn't pitched at your average weekend cyclist.

And certainly the way the pound has gone in recent months may make it an appealing option to wealthy foreign visitors looking to add some cycling to a longer trip to Scotland.

The tours will see Bike Butlers follow riders in a vehicle, organising refreshments, and you can also climb in if your legs get too tired.

They'll also roll up their sleeves to perform roadside servicing and repairs if needed.

On its four- or five-night tours, accommodation is also provided in luxury resorts such as Cameron House on the banks of Loch Lomond and the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa at St Andrews.

The initiative is a collaboration between Connoisseurs Scotland and cycling specialists The Carter Company, with the cost including the hire of bikes from top brands.

Connoisseurs Scotland chief executive Jeremy Hawkings says: “We’ve gone the extra mile to ensure visitors get the most out of a cycling experience in Scotland.

“The beautiful routes, combined with stays at some of the finest hotels in Scotland and excellent quality cycling equipment including luxury bicycles, such as Cervelos and De Rosa, promise an unforgettable and enjoyable Scottish adventure.”

Prices for the four-night Highland Fling Tour begin at £1,570 per person, based on two people sharing, with a further £3,843 charged (in total) if you want the services of a Bike Butler.

The five-night Scotland’s Grand Tour trip costs from £2,305 per person – and despite the extra night, the services of a Bike Butler start at a more reasonable £2,975.

You can find information about both tours here.