Itinerary

Sail & Bike Scotland 

Inner Hebrides & Highlands – Isles of Jura & Mull

8 days / 7 nights | from/to Oban | Guided bike tours 

up to 136 miles/220 km | Level 2–3

Oban is the start and end point of your tour through the Inner Hebrides and the Highlands. With the Flying Dutchman, we visit the island of Mull and the Kintyre Peninsula, home to the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland and largely untouched by mass tourism. The isle of Jura, which is known for its rich stock of red deer and its world-famous whisky distillery, is new to our program. Enjoy the wild scenery of Scotland, its colour contrasts and great biodiversity. Treat yourself in the evening to a glass of whisky in one of the pubs and listen to the ever-present Scottish music. On your crossings with the Flying Dutchman, we keep watch for dolphins and seals, and let the grandiose landscape pass on by. On our cycle tours, we’ll be looking out for eagles, red deer and otters with incredible views down over the sea from the most beautiful lookout points.


Itinerary

Day 1 (Sun): Oban (Embarkation) (D)

Individual flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow followed by either train or bus to Oban. Alternatively you are welcome to reserve a seat with our collective transfer service which leaves the centre of Edinburgh at 5.30 pm and Edinburgh Airport at 6 pm (see prices below). The cabins for your Scotland cycling holidays on the Flying Dutchman are ready for check in at 6 pm. Should you arrive earlier, your luggage can be stored on board until check-in. A late evening dinner gives everyone a chance to get to meet each other, the crew, and the tour guides.

Day 2 (Mon): Oban - Toberonochy – Crinan (aprx. 22 mi. /36 km) (B, D)

After breakfast we adjust our bicycles and start our first cycle tour. This leads us southwards from Oban through hilly landscapes and along the shores of a small highland lake back to the sea. Here we cross a remote peninsula before embarking on the ferry which takes us to the island of Luing. The island is made up of slate and the mining of the gray glistening rocks played an important economic role in the past. The University of Edinburgh for instance, is largely constructed out of the slate off of this small island. At the Toberonochy dock, the Flying Dutchman awaits us for our cross over to Crinan where we will spend the night.

Day 3 (Tue): Crinan – Isle of Jura (aprx. 23 mi. /37 km) (B, L)

Today’s bike tour takes us from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, which remind us of the Stonehenge and prehistoric burial mounds, characterize the vast landscape. After visiting the museum grounds and enjoying lunch at the museum Cafe, we return to Crinan. Past the Kintyre Peninsula, famous from the Paul McCartney song ‘Mull of Kintyre’, we continue by boat to the island of Jura.

Day 4 (Wed): Isle of Jura – Isle of Mull (aprx. 17 mi. /27 km) (B, L, D)

After breakfast we cycle northwards on the isle of Jura. The renowned author, George Orwell, spent the last three years of his life here and described it as the most unattainable place on earth. Enjoy the tranquility of the island, which is only occasionally disturbed by one of the about 5,000 deer that live there. Passing the so-called Paps of Jura we arrive at a small dock where the Flying Dutchman takes us to the island of Mull. On the way we pass the swirling waters of Corryvreckan, one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world - but do not fear, our experienced crew will guide us safely to a quiet bay on the island of Mull for the night.

Day 5 (Thu): Mull Island: Loch Spelve – Salen (aprx. 32 mi. / 52 km) (B, D)

Today’s cycle tour is dedicated entirely to the spectacular natural beauty of Scotland. The route takes us through hilly terrain and along the Island’s coastline. Behind every bend in the road another breathtaking view awaits. After the road divides, and the few cars that we have encountered along the way so far have turned off towards Iona, we share the road virtually only with sheep and shaggy highland cattle grazing peacefully in the bright green meadows. Along an ever-changing coastal road, we cycle past Loch Na’ Keal to Salen where the ship is waiting for us. On a short crossover our ship brings us to Tobermoy bay. In this pretty, little place, with its colorful facades, an evening visit to an original Scottish pub is high on the agenda. This includes trying national dishes such as fish ‘n’ chips or haggis. We enjoy a pleasant evening docked in the quiet harbour of Salen, able to soak in the beautiful sunset. 

Day 6 (Fri): Mull Island: Salen – Tobermory (aprx. 31 mi./50 km) (B)

Today we will encounter an elevation gain on our ride through the northern part of the Island of Mull. As a reward a cozy tearoom offers us a welcomed reprieve before we head for the brilliant white beach of Calgary Bay and its crystal clear water. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland and swimming enthusiasts should not pass up this opportunity to jump in for a refreshing swim. Ship-ward bound, we have just a few more inclines to master before arriving in the main town of Tobermory. In this pretty little place, with its colourful facades, an evening visit to a typical Scottish pub is high on the agenda. While here we can taste delicious national dishes such as fish ‘n’ chips and haggis.

Day 7 (Sat): Island Mull:  Tobermory – Glengorm Castle - Oban (aprx. 12 mi./19 km) (B, D)

Today’s tour starts again in Tobermory and leads us to Glengorm Castle, in the northern outskirts of the island of Mull. This grand manor from the 19th century is truly a sight to behold and the cosy tearooms allow us to indulge ourselves before returning back to Tobermory. Back at the Flying Dutchman we embark on our last sail of the week back to Oban. Before dinner there is plenty of time to take a stroll through Oban. The Mc Caig's Tower, an incomplete replica of the Colosseum in Rome, is a worthwhile visit.

Day 8 (Sun): Oban (Disembarkation) and return home (B)

After breakfast, individual return trip home from Oban or group transfer to the Edinburgh airport.

Changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements.