30-04-2025
Comrie Croft cycling retreat for women launches in the Highlands
Based in Perthshire, the course combines gentle guided rides with time in the award-winning Nowhere Sauna, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation in one of Scotland's top cycling destinations.
The launch comes amid ongoing concerns about gender inequality in cycling.
Research by Cycling UK found that 58 per cent of women cite safety concerns as a major barrier to riding, with many put off by aggressive drivers and a lack of dedicated infrastructure.
With Cycling UK's research highlighting the challenges women face on the roads, the Comrie Croft team were driven to offer something that directly tackles those barriers.
Emily Greaves - Comrie Croft (Image: Douglas Simpson) Greaves, who served in the Royal Engineers for four years and was the first female to serve in her squadron, before retraining as a cycling coach, said: 'We're creating a space where women can ride without pressure – it's not about fitness.
'It's about confidence, community and joy, getting outdoors and realising you don't need to be a hardcore cyclist to belong on a bike.
'Too many women feel cycling isn't safe or isn't for them. This is a chance to change that, starting in a safe, supportive, and beautiful place.'
Inspired by the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) Trail Therapy programme - delivered at Comrie Croft and designed to support mental wellbeing through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social connection - the retreat invites women to discover the power of focus and flow in a safe, uplifting environment.
The programme is designed to be accessible to all abilities, with a 'party pace' approach that welcomes nervous or returning riders.
READ MORE:
Participants can hire bikes and gear on-site, making it possible to join the course without owning any cycling equipment.
Each session includes a two-hour off-road ride through local trails, followed by an hour in the wood-fired sauna, with optional cold plunges and homemade baking to complete the experience.
Greaves was named one of Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling for 2024. Through Comrie Croft Journeys, she also offers multi-day bikepacking trips and coaching, all focused on making cycling more inclusive and accessible.
Comrie Croft, located near Crieff, is a hub for mountain biking and outdoor adventure. With gear hire, expert guides, and a growing focus on nature-based wellbeing, the site continues to attract visitors from across the UK.
