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West Coast Whisky Bike Tour

West Coast Whisky Trail

Trip Highlights

Cycling the best of Scottish Islands: the Isle of Arran, Islay island and the whisky island of Jura,
Enjoy world class whisky
Explore the Mull of Kinture
Visit the third largest whirlpool in the world

An unforgettable cycling holiday.
Arran ~ Islay ~ Jura

7 days/ 6 nights Classic Guided Bike Tour
From £2,195 per person sharing


INTRODUCTION

Our West Coast Whisky Trail bike tour takes you through three of Scotland’s most beautiful islands: the isles of Arran, Islay and Jura. Enjoy a tutored whisky tasting including samples fresh from the cask. Experience a guided Rib trip to the world famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool. Throughout the week you will enjoy rides on the Isles of Arran, Jura and Islay. Included also is a crossing of the Mull of Kintyre. At the end of the tour you can enjoy time in Glasgow. At the end of each day, relax in hand chosen accommodations with wonderful. Enjoy local food, ales and whiskies, providing an authentic taste of the islands.

Day 1: Scotland in Miniature
Meet and greet in Glasgow for the start of your West Coast Whisky Trail. From which we depart to the west coast. Here we catch the ferry from Ardrossan to the Isle of Arran. Arran is often described as “Scotland in Miniature”. It has the Highland-Lowland dividing line running through the middle of the Island. This divides the wild, unspoiled, mountainous north, dominated by the peak of Goat Fell, and the forest, farmland and resorts of the south.

The crossing through the Firth of Clyde takes 55 minutes. Then we arrive into the main village of Brodick. On arrival we will make the short transfer to our accommodation for the next two nights. Following lunch we will spend some time fine tuning the bikes and ensuring everyone is set up for weeks riding. After a short ride, there will be time to enjoy the leisure facilities at the hotel. These include a swimming pool, sauna and steam room to help relax before a welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Brodick on the Isle of Arran. (L,D)

Day2: Castles, Crags and Caves
Today’s bike route will take us around the southern half of Arran. The day is jam packed with island scapes and the coastline. In additiona, we will be treated to great views across to Kinytyre and back to the mainland. Commencing in Lamlash we head south through Whiting Bay, and on to the south side of the island. We stop at a local ‘Velo Cafe’ before turning North again. The island is full of points of interest, such as caves, ancient standing stones, castles and crags. Also, you will have stunning coastal vistas to the mainland. There will be time to explore the picturesque villages before arriving back to Brodick and back to Lamlash. This evening we will enjoy a well deserved dinner at the hotel. (B, L)

Daily Distance: 41 miles/65 km

Our West Coast Whisky Trail

Day 3: Island Hopping
This mornings ride skirts by Goat Fell, the highest peak on Arran standing at 874 metres (2,866 ft) to the village of Lochranza and its ruined castle. We have two short ferry crossings: a short ferry crossing takes us to Kintyre Peninsula. The second ferry from Kennacriag to Islay is a voyage of exploration. It takes 2 hours, whisking us past the Isle of Ghia and through the Sound of Jura, where we can look out for minkie whales, dolphins and basking sharks. On arrival in Port Askaig, we will hop back on the bikes and ride towards our accommodation and base for the next two nights. (B,L)
Daily Distance: 36.2 miles/52 km

Day 4: Wildlife and Whisky
This morning we transfer to the coastal village of Portnahaven, following the west coast of the island to Port Charlotte. A picturesque ride, with views of Orsay Island. Picnic lunch overlooking the sea. Back on the bikes we start to ride back to our accommodation at Brigend via Loch Gruinart, where we can stop off to visit the small RSPB Center where they relate the importance of Islay to many bird species such as migrating geese, corn rake, lapwing and hen harrier. (B,L)

Daily Distance: 38.8 miles/62 km

Our West Coast Whisky Trail

Day 5: Island Hopping
Today will be a short day of riding on Islay’s quiet country roads. Setting off from Port Ellen, we reach the Coast once more and turn left, following the road along the Whisky Coast. We pass the island’s 3 famous distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Following on, we reach the Kildalton Cross, a monolithic Celtic Cross. From here, we ride back to Ardbeg fir lunch in the cafe before spending the afternoon enjoying a tutored whisky tasting. Afterward, we transfer back to Brigend. (B, L)

Distance: 45-65km/ 30-40 miles depending on which distilleries you choose to visit

Day 6: Jura and The Corryvreckan Whirlpool

This morning we transfer the short distance to Port Askaig, where we board the passenger ferry. We cross the fast flowing Sound of Islay and reaching the Jura in a little over five minutes. We follow the eastern coastline of the Island watching out for red deer and the many Iron Age Forts, ancient burial grounds and standing stones as we bike along the east coast of the Island towards the main village of Craighouse.

The highlight of the afternoon is when we load up the bikes and take a private boat trip to visit the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest whirlpool in the world. From here the boat takes us back to the mainland, where there is an option to cycle the last few miles back to our hotel, set in 17 acres of gardens and beach overlooking the coast. Farewell dinner tonight and perhaps a dram to celebrate a fantastic week of Island hopping. (B,L,D)

Daily Distance: 36 miles/57 km

Day 7: Return to Glasgow

Sadly, to day we bid you farewell. After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel there will be time for a short walk around the neighbouring Arduannie Gardens. The gardens are run and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and benefit form the warming effect of the North Atlantic drift. Due to the proximity to the sea, this allows the cultivation of many rare and tender plants from around the world. Our journey back to Glasgow will take us around 2 hours 45 minutes, passing through Inverary and Loch Fyne, where we can stop at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Deli for a bite to eat before returning to Glasgow. (B)

Contact us to book your tour: tours@cyclewest.com

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What’s Included?
7 days professional guiding with lead guide plus assistant guide/support driver
6 nights accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels/ inns/guest houses on a B&B basis
Meals stated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Vehicle transport throughout including ride support and luggage transfers
All ferry transport and local boat services
Entrance and admission fees as stated in the
itinerary
Ride snacks, home baking and drinks
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What’s not included?
Bike Hire:

Road Bikes: £175.00 per hire – Trek Checkpoint ALR5
Hybrid: Trek fx Sport 4: £175.00 per hire
e-Bike: Trek Verve + : £300.00
Bike rental includes bike computer, compact handlebar bag plus a saddle bag with spare tube and tools, helmets and water bottles are included. Helmets and water bottles are included.
Bike hire is not included in the cost of this tour. Most of our clients choose to hire bikes but you are more than welcome to bring your own.
The bikes we use are brand new each season and maintained to the highest standards.

You can choose from 3 different types of bike, each of which is available for anyone of our road cycling holidays and come in a full range of sizes to fit every rider.

Single Supplement

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you.

Dates and Pricing
PRICE: from £2195 per person sharing

Bike rental extra (see bike rates under ‘what is not included’ above)

2023 DATES

13th May – 19th May – 8 places remaining
17th June – 23rd June – 8 places remaining
8th July – 14th July – 8 places remaining
29th July – 4th August – 8 places remaining
2nd Sept – 8th Sept – 8 places remaining

Helpful Notes
EQUIPMENT
For this trip you will to need to bring suitable gear for a 6 day road cycling trip. A full equipment list will be sent to you on booking.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY
You will be met by your guide at 11:00 on Day 1 of the trip at Glasgow Queen Street train station. We will return to Glasgow Queen
Street train station around 14:00 on Day 6

OUR TRIP STYLE
Our approach to road cycling holidays balances the best of both worlds – great guiding and insights when you would like it, alongside the freedom to explore at your pace. At breakfast each day, you will receive a guide briefing and detailed route notes for the day’s ride. Depending upon your preference, you can choose to ride with your guide or simply
follow the route notes and re-group at designated points along the way.

Typically our clients really enjoy the insights our guides are
able to provide into the nature, history and culture of Scotland.

Throughout the day your second guide and support vehicle will always be close to hand to provide drinks, snacks and a friendly ride should you need it. The support vehicle will take care of all of your luggage transferring it from hotel to hotel each day.

Outer Hebrides Road Cycling Tour

Trip Highlights

• An unforgettable bike tour and island safari of Scotland’s favourite islands.  Explore nine beautiful Hebridean islands, cycling through some of the most natural and unspoiled landscapes in Europe
• En route, enjoy the regales of local Gaelic culture and history of the Outer Hebrides
from your guide and visits to local sites
• Opportunities to see white tailed eagle, otter, and dolphins in this wildlife rich region
• This trip includes visits to impressive ancient sites such as the Callinish Standing Stones and the newly renovated Lews Castle.

Outer Hebrides Isles of Barra ~ Uist ~ Harris ~ and Lewis

Duration: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Price: from £2.095 per person sharing

INTRODUCTION

This extraordinary journey will take you through nine amazing islands, covering a distance of 173 miles/280 kms along the entire Hebridean archipelago. Every day’s biking combines the stunning white sandy beaches, rocky mountains and wild glens with the rich cultural and natural history of the Hebrides. It will be a journey to remember.

From vast coastal fields of wild flowers to the mysterious standing stones of Callanish, we are sure you will be captivated by these special islands. Here, where Gaelic is still spoken, you will find a rich culture and history.

With warm hospitality, great accommodation and food completing the picture, join us for a memorable trip through the Hebrides!

Day 1: Inverness to South Uist

We meet in Inverness in the morning and drive west through the highlands. Crossing by ferry to the Isle of Skye, where your adventure begins.  Lots of opportunity to watch out for whales and other marine wildlife on the crossing, before we alight at the wonderful Outer Hebrides at Lochmaddy. Onward to the islands of North and South Uist. Welcome dinner and a cosy overnight stay (D).

Day 2 – Barra And Eriskay

This morning we ride to the Isle of Eriska, steeped in stories of local lore. It is here that Bonnie Prince Charlie and ‘the Seven Men of Moidart’ landed in 1745 to begin the Jacobite Rising. Onward by ferry to Barra where we take a loop bike ride of the island, taking in Kisimul Castle ~ the Castle in the Sea ~ at Castlebay. Further along the West Coast of Barra, we capture the beautiful views of the Atlantic. Later this afternoon we return by ferry to the Isle of Eriskay and South Uist, your home again for the night. (B,L,D) Distance 37 m / 59 km

Day 3 – South Uist, Benbecula & North Uist

This morning we follow the wild machair covered west coast, taking in all the sights and sounds as you weave past the wild flowers and white sandy beaches. The Machair is a wild, fertile habitat supporting an abundance of wildflowers in Spring and Summer. Here, you will also find sand dunes and fresh water lochans where an extensive array of wild birds thrive. Ease your way north along flat terrain and across the tiny island of Benbecula onto North Uist and Benerary. A short ferry crossing takes us to the Isle of Harris and a transfer to your harbourside hotel.

(B,L,) Distance 47 m / 75 km 

Day 4 – The Golden Road and Luskenture

Today offers one of the best days biking on the Hebrides. We follow the “Golden Road” on winding roads to the east of Harris, known local as the Bays. The route offers amazing scenery and views across the Isle of Skye. Arriving into Rodel, we stop to visit the 15th century St. Clements church before lunch at Leverburgh. After lunch we follow the beautiful coastline to the beaches of Luskentyre and take a short beach walk. Optional transfer or follow the beach route to a final descent back to Tarbert, the islands ‘capital’ and your lovely hotel right by the harbour. (B,L) Distance 36 m / 59 km

Day 5 – Harris to The Isle of Lewis

After breakfast we visit the famous Harris Tweed weavers to see the worlds most famous weavers at work. Today will be your most challenging day as we climb through the hills but the striking scenery is a reward worth earning. As you traverse beneath the striking mountain of An Clisham – the highest pint of the Outer Hebrides. you should keep an eye out for golden Eagles.

 

Crossing the spectacular fjord of Loch Seaforth, we continue on to the Isle of Lewis, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides archipelago. Turning west we bike towards the historical Callanish standing stones. These mysterious stones are over 5000 years old. The ancient site provides a fitting end to a memorable day of riding. For the next two nights your home will be a friendly 4 star Guest House located nearby. (B, L) Distance 39 m / 64 kms

Day 6 – Callanish to the Butt of Lewis

Your final day of cycling follows the west coast of Lewis and is full of historical and cultural interest. Heading north,  we pass the ancient Dun Carloway Broch and then the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan which offers an insight into what island living was like not so many years ago.

Discover the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a huge whale washed up on a beach nearby. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular place to end our journey through the Outer Hebrides. This brings you to the end of an unforgettable bike tour and island safari of Scotland’s favourite islands. We return to Callanish for your final overnight stay and a celebratory dinner. (B, L,D) Distance 34 m / 56 km.

Day 7 – Callanish to Inverness

After a relaxed breakfast, you have time to take a final bike ride to the village of Stornoway. Alternatively, we can ride in the van to explore Lews Castle, recently renovated, with restaurants and museum. Lots to see and do here, including the excellent Gaelic cultural arts venue and nice cafes  where you can have lunch. Early afternoon we board the ferry for a scenic journey to Ullapool on the mainland. From Ullapool it is approximately 1.5 hour’s drive to Inverness, where we will arrive close to 6.30 pm. (B)

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                                      Email us for more details at tours@cyclewest.com 

Highland Whisky Tour

Highland Whisky Tour

Itinerary

 

Our Highland Whisky tour offers a wonderful mix of castles and casks, this journey offers a cultural experience in the Highland Whiskey Country of Scotland. It offers a relaxing bike ride on quiet roads, giving you the opportunity to explore at your leisure. 7 days, 6 nights Guided Tour.

Trip highlights include the home of Glenlivet Whisky,  Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle and Loch Ness. Contact us for more details at tours@cyclewest.com – places limited.

Read More >

Bike the Cotswolds and More

BIKE THE COTSWOLDS AND MORE….
Cotswolds ~ Windsor ~ Oxford ~ Stratford

6 day / 5 night Self Guided Bike Tour

Cotswold-Cottage

INTRODUCTION

Our new Bike The Cotswolds and More Bike tour takes you through the beautiful English countryside and explores a host of iconic places.

From London to Windsor, Oxford, Churchill’s Blenheim Palace, Shakespeare’s Stratford and the Cotswolds. See the REAL England in all its glory.

DETAILED ITINERARY:  6 Day /5 Night Journey

Day 1: Meet and Greet

Meet and Greet in Oxford, which is about 1 hour outside of London (trains go directly from London Paddington to Oxford Station). We will fit you with your bikes, give you maps, GPS and written instructions and give you a safety briefing.

Ride out of Oxford and stop for lunch in Woodstock, home of Winston Churchill and then head into the Cotswolds. The day ends at the beautiful market town of Moreton in Marsh.

Daily Mileage: 33 miles (shorter options available)

Day 2: Stratford-Upon-Avon

With beautiful ride through the North Cotswolds, through Chipping Campden, and the amazing American inspired Hidcote Gardens you will arrive in Stratford-Upon-Avon in the early afternoon.

Stratford-Upon-Avon-Map-Det

In Stratford, you’ll get a chance to learn about the life of the great playwright William Shakespeare. Stratford-upon-Avon stands where a Roman road forded the River Avon (Upper Avon), and a 19th-century bridge still spans the river alongside a 15th-century arched stone bridge. Shakespeare was born in 1564 in a half-timbered house on Henley Street. He attended the local grammar school adjoining the medieval Chapel of the Guild of the Holy Cross. In 1597 Shakespeare returned from London to the house known as New Place, where he died in 1616. His grave is in the parish church of Holy Trinity. Daily Mileage: 20-40 miles

Day 3: Bike the Cotswolds

A day dedicated to the Cotswolds, a renowned rural area of south central England covering parts of 6 counties, notably Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. It’s rolling hills and grassland harbour thatched medieval villages, churches and stately homes built of distinctive local yellow limestone. The 102-mile Cotswold Way walking trail follows the Cotswold Edge escarpment from Bath in the south to Chipping Campden in the north.

Chipping Camden Sheep

You bike to the stunning Broadway Tower at the northernmost extreme of the Cotswolds, see the stunning lavender fields at Snowshill and after lunch visit the Slaughters, the Swells and some of the best known and iconic treats the Cotswolds has to offer. Overnight in Moreton in Marsh where you have the opportunity for a half day out the saddle to explore the village. Daily Mileage: 20-30 miles

Day 4: Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, the World heritage site, is arguably England’s greatest Palace. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim has an illustrious history, stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, landscaped by Capability Brown. Your route travels through the stunning Cotswolds right into the Palace and its magnificent grounds.

Routes from 20 miles through to over 40 miles as desired. Overnight is at the stunning Lamb in Burford. Daily Mileage: 20-45 miles

Day 5: The Cotswolds and into Oxford

Through the flatter part of the Cotswolds, and via Bampton, where all the outdoor shots from the well known TV programme, Downton Abbey are shot. You will arrive in Oxford for a full tour of the most famous University City in the World, including Harry Potter and Inspector Morse locations, the magnificent Christchurch College and great atmosphere and pubs! Return to the Lamb in Burford in the evening. Daily Mileage: various routes up to 30 miles

Bike the Cotswolds www.cyclewest.com

Day 6 – The Cotswolds

Today you bike out of the Cotswolds towards White Horse Hill, the Neolithic Ridgeway and the Longbarrow at Wayland Smith. This is a great opportunity to see the Uffington White Horse, the oldest of the English hill figures. It’s a 3,000-year-old pictogram the size of a football field and visible from 20 miles away.

Encompassing Neolithic history, this is a bike ride that will leave the 21st century behind for a few hours as you uncover the fascinating history of this ancient landscape.

Your tour will end after the trip to White Horse Hill. We will help guests with all ongoing travel arrangements, back into London or to other locations. Daily Mileage: Various routes up to 28 miles 

Cotswolds-Biking-Header-Ima

Accommodation

Guests stay in the best 4* hotels in the Cotswolds region, with unbeatable settings, wonderful accommodation and wonderful food – just see Trip Advisor for The Manor House Hotel.

Further options are available for those who want to stay in a country cottage location or in a selection of hand-picked bed and breakfasts or pubs.

Support and Equipment

Our self-guided tours are designed to be as flexible as possible, with daily options on the length of ride you would like.

The roads are generally very quiet and our drivers really respectful.

All guests will be given a full safety briefing, GPS / Garmin, written instructions and a detailed map and guests choose which method of route planning they require. Panniers are also available.

Should there be a major equipment issue we are on hand (normally within the hour) to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

With a fleet of bikes from Giant and flat bar, drop bar, road, hybrid and e-bike options all bike types are catered for. Helmets as standard, just bring your shoes and pedals if you have them and away you go.

All luggage is transferred between hotels.

CONTACT US TO BOOK:  tours@cyclewest.com or tel + 353 91 877323 for more information.

West Coast Adventure Guided Bike Tour – New Dates 2018

 Cliffs of Moher

Due to popular demand in 2018, we have added new tour dates for our 2018 West Coast Adventure Guided Bike Tour. Shortlisted in 2015/16 as one of Ireland’s Best Adventure Experiences.

6 days /5 nights Guided Tour, from Euro 1295.00 per person sharing

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich and dynamic culture and fantastic landscape.

This extraordinary Irish biking adventure has been designed with escape, exploration and an overall terrific experience in mind!  We offer you the opportunity to explore and contemplate life to its fullest, away from all the hustle of everyday life.

Our West Coast Adventure offers you a biking trip through the spectacular vistas of Galway Bay, the historical Burren, the Aran Islands and scenic Connemara. Immerse in the history, the culture and the pure magic of the West of Ireland.

Introduction

In the Burren, you will enjoy the stone forts, monuments, alpine and arctic flowers and plants that grow side by side, the seeds having been deposited by glacier millions of years ago. This is the mystical land of disappearing rivers and lakes, closed valleys, caves and limestone pavements. You may even find a real fairy fort!

Burren View

The Aran Islands, three timeless islands in an endless sea showcase weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.

Crossing by ferry from the Aran Islands, you will know immediately that you have arrived in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape!

Donegal Sheep in Landscape

For this rewarding bike trip, we have chosen a wonderful variety of quality, select accommodations that offer a blend of luxury, location and personal hospitality.  You will enjoy the delights of stunning settings and vibrant culture.
Come and join us on this terrific West Coast adventure and let your imagination do the rest:

READ ON FOR DATES, PRICES AND FULL ITINERARY >

Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2023!

Island Hopping through Mull, Iona and Skye on this easy graded road cycling adventure. This self guided plus bike trip explores the islands on quiet country roads and brings lots of opportunity for cultural encounters, great landscape and stunning island scenery

Inner Hebrides ~ Isles of Skye ~ Mull ~ Iona

7 Days/ 6 Nights Self Guided Plus Bike Tour
From £1595 per person sharing * based on 4 persons

Trip Details

Our Skye and Inner Hebrides self guided bike tour is the ideal way to explore the iconic Scottish isles by bike.  Take time to soak in the atmosphere of these wild and dramatic landscapes.

Watch the stunning views unfold as you journey from the Isle of Mull, through the wilds of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and on to the fabled Isle of Skye.

This truly exciting bike trip offers the best rides from place to place, stopping to explore and appreciate places of natural beauty, cultural interest and wildlife sightings. Our carefully chosen accommodation will welcome you at the end of the day. As always you will enjoy the finest Scottish ingredients in your meals – especially the bounty of the sea on this island hopping trip.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Northwest Mull

We will meet at the Oban ferry, you will cross on the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Enjoy the views over the Sound of Mull. On the island, we will undertake a bike check to get everything set up correctly before your first day of riding. Today it is a shorter ride to get warmed up, following a gorgeous coastal road to our accommodation in the village of Dervaig. Here you will spend the next two nights at the oldest inn on Mull. Enjoy local fare of award winning cheese, local ales and island malts as well as home made desserts.

Distance: 24 miles / 38km  Ascent: 1183 ft

Day 2:  Cycling to Iona & the Isle of Mull

Today you transfer to Fionnphort where you board a ferry for the short trip across to Iona. Famed for its monastic history dating back to 563AD,  you get to explore the beautiful village and wonderful Iona Abbey, which has roots older than Scotland itself. Afterwards  transfer back to Mull for our cycle. We’ll follow the coast alongside Loch Scridain towards to the small village of Pennyghael , where we pick up a single track road under the shadow of Ben More, the highest mountain on the Island. After our ride we will have some time to explore some beautiful white shell sand beaches. (B)

Distance: 35 miles / 56 km  Ascent 1702 ft

 

Museum of Island Life, Skye

Day 3:  The Ardnamurchan Peninsula

Today you head to the colourful town of Tobermory and board the ferry across the Sound of Mull to Ardnamurchan – a wild peninsula of the mainland. Back on dry land, the only way is east. You will follow the peaceful and undulating single track roads through the peninsula, watching the views of hills, sea and lochs gradually unfold in this beautiful wilderness. Your destination tonight is the little hamlet of Acharacle, overlooking scenic Loch Shiel. (B)

Distance: 27.8 miles / 43 km  Ascent: 2322 ft

Day 4: The Isle of Skye Via the Road to the Isles

Your journey today follows a classic Scottish route past the Sound of Arisaig before joining The Road to The Isles. The road is winding, almost car-free and beautiful. Passing many gorgeous beaches, we suggest you stop at a local smokehouse to stock up on fish, meats and cheeses for your picnic lunch. After reaching Mallaig you embark on the ferry to cross to the Isle of Skye and transfer to our hotel in Portree. This will be your base for the next 3 nights. (B)

Distance: 35 miles / 56 km  Ascent: 2869 ft

Day 5: Isle of Raasay and Calum’s Road

This morning you ride to the village of Broadford and transfer to the village of Sconser, From here, it is a short hop to the Island of Raasay, located between Skye and the Applecross Peninsula.  Here you cycle on the quiet single track roads, passing through the famous “Calum’s Road”, built almost single-handedly by Calum MacLeod between the mid 1960s and the mid 1970s, with hand tools. In the afternoon you can explore the famous Trotternish peninsula and take in some of Skye’s most iconic sights such as the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Two night stay on the Isle of Skye. (B)

Distance: 21 miles / 34km  Ascent: 2,788 ft

 

Glameig from the Isle of Raalsay Distillery (c) Isle of Raasay Distillery

Day Six – Dunvegan Castle and Western Skye

This morning we set out with a ride to ancient Dunvegan Castle on the west of Skye. Delve deep into Scottish history by taking a tour of this ancestral stronghold of the Clan McLeod. Have lunch at a local cafe and then ride the final stage of your trip. This will take you to Neist Point, the most westerly point on Skye. Stunning views of the Outer Hebrides. Transfer back to Portree to enjoy a final evening meal and a wee dram! (B)

Distance: 43 miles / 67 km  Ascent: 3,160 ft

Day 7: Return to Inverness

After breakfast we head back to Inverness, stopping for a photo opportunity at Eileen Donan Castle to break up the journey. (B)