Keen cyclists will be more than familiar with the name Markus Stitz. In 2016 he was the first person to cycle around the world on a single speed bike, he is the author of Great British Gravel Rides and co author of Big Rides, he is the founder of Bikepacking Scotland and he has developed cycle trails around Argyll in partnership with Wild About Argyll. To say that he is passionate about cycling….well, it goes without saying!

We are delighted that Markus has chosen to collaborate with The Pierhouse for our inaugural Cycling Retreat Weekend. We are offering the opportunity for a select group of cyclists to join Markus as he explores some of his Argyll cycle trails on both road and gravel routes by day, and hosts you to dinner and an entertaining talk based on Fernweh on the Saturday evening.

Fernweh - the German word for the ‘pain’ to see far-flung places beyond our doorstep. Growing up in East Germany, Markus soon discovered the freedom a bike could give him, even as a child living right behind the Iron Curtain.

He made Scotland his home in 2009 and after mapping his first bikepacking route, the Capital Trail, he went on a lap of the world on a single speed bike, cycling 34,000km across 26 countries in less than a year, fully self-supported.

In 2019/20 he successfully completed the Highland Trail 550, the Silk Road Mountain Race and the Atlas Mountain Race - three of the hardest bikepacking races in the world - all in the course of a year.

Since then he has portrayed gravel riding and bikepacking in Britain in various short films and his book ‘Great British Gravel Rides’. His latest book, ‘Bikepacking Scotland’, is a compilation of 20 inspiring bikepacking routes across the country he has called home since 2009.

Fernweh takes you on a journey through Markus’ life, reflecting on a career defined by pushing the boundaries of what is possible on and off the bike.

Commencing on Friday 18th October, the cost of the two night package is based on single occupancy of our rooms and includes bed and breakfast, guided cycling with Markus on Saturday and Sunday, a hosted dinner with Markus on the Saturday evening and a dinner allowance on the Friday evening.

Sea View Room - £1,135

Cliff Facing Room - £975

Please contact us for further information of prices based on double occupancy of the rooms.

If you are based locally and would like to have the opportunity to cycle with Markus the cost of the guided cycling each day and the hosted dinner on Saturday is £475.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

Participants are required to have either a gravel bike or a mountain bike.

Payment in full is required at the time of booking. This is a non-refundable payment so we would advise that you take out travel insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.