ScotRail today announced the expansion of a cut-price bike hire scheme – to save cyclists cash and enable scenic A-to-B journeys across the Highlands.

The train operator has an existing discount scheme with Ticket to Ride rental shop in Inverness that offers 15% off cycle hire for people with a Freedom of Scotland Travelpass and 10% off for those with other valid ScotRail tickets.

But now the scheme has been extended to also include Nevis Cycles shops in Oban and Fort William.

In addition, the three shops participating in the scheme have agreed to organise the return of hire bikes – meaning cyclists no longer have to pedal back to their starting points.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “We believe that our customers will welcome the opportunity to make one-way rides through some of Scotland’s finest landscapes.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown welcomed the expansion of the scheme. He said: “Active and sustainable transport modes like cycling and the train go hand-in-hand to help us all achieve Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets and improve public health.

“The Scottish Government is committed to promoting both these forms of transport and I applaud ScotRail for this scheme, which makes both cycling and the train more attractive and more accessible.”

It is hoped the expanded scheme will prove popular with cyclists tackling The Great Glen Way, a 73-mile path between Fort William and Inverness, and the long sections of cycleway between Oban and Fort William.

Bikes must be left for collection at either of the three participating rental shops.