Self Guided+ Cycling Skye and the Book Now

Trip Grade: At Your Own Pace Skye and the Inner Hebrides

Our Skye and the Inner Hebrides trip is the perfect way to explore iconic Scottish islands by bike. Watch stunning views unfold from your saddle as we journey from the Isles of Mull and Iona through the wilds of the Peninsula and on to the fabled .

The roads of Skye and the Inner Hebrides - the islands along 's West Coast - offer superb riding. The landscape here is as rich in wildlife, culture and heritage as it is in dramatic views and postcard-perfect beaches.

You’ll enjoy the best rides from island to island, stopping to explore and appreciate places of natural beauty, cultural interest and wildlife. As always, you’ll taste the finest Scottish ingredients in our meals - especially the bounty of the sea - on this unique island-hopping trip.

With your warm and welcoming accommodation arranged, your bikes prepped, and your soigneur taking care of all the details, all you have to think about is turning the wheels at your own pace.

Highlights

• Island-hopping through Mull, Iona and Skye on this easy-graded road cycling adventure • Relax as your own personal ‘soigneur’ (support guide) takes care of all the details • Quiet country roads, cultural encounters, great landscapes and stunning island scenery • Cycle to the Isle of Iona and explore its ancient abbey • Experience the freedom of just turning the wheels as your luggage is transferred each day • Relax in the knowledge that you are supported every mile of the adventure

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland soigneur with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Planned Itinerary

Day 1 | Northwest Mull Day 2 | The Isle of Iona & the Day 3 | The Ardnamurchan Peninsula Day 4 | The Isle of Skye via the Road to the Isles Day 5 | The Isle of & Calum’s Road Day 6 | Castle and a Wee Dram Day 7 | Eilean Donan & Return to

Arrival Info

• Meet your soigneur at the Oban ferry terminal on Day 1 of your trip

Departure Info

• You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station on the final day of your trip

Looking to extend your stay? Get in touch with our friendly sales team to book extra nights before or after your trip. Day 1 | Northwest Mull

Welcome to Scotland - meet your soigneur at the Oban Ferry Terminal before hopping on the ferry to cross to the Isle of Mull. Enjoy the views over the Sound of Mull, your soigneur will prep your bikes. You'll set out on the bikes following the coastal road to Salen, before riding to the North West of the Island and our accommodation in the wee village of Dervaig. Reaching the oldest inn on Mull, our base for the next two nights, there will be a chance to relax. Perhaps you might like to have dinner in the local restaurant where a range of Scottish dishes along with homemade desserts, award-winning local cheeses, real ales, fne wines and island malts are all on ofer.

Ride details: 38km/ 24 miles | 360m/ 1183ft elevation gain

Day 2 | The Isle of Iona & the Isle of Mull

This morning, we transfer to Fionnphort for a 10 minute crossing on the ferry to the Island of Iona. One of Scotland’s most famed islands, follow a route around this iconic island, including a must-see trip to the wonderful Iona Abbey, the home of Christian worship since 563AD. Returning back to the Isle of Mull, you’ll follow the coast alongside Loch Scridain to the small village of Pennyghael, where we pick up a typically-Scottish single track road under the shadow of Ben More, the highest mountain on the island. Today’s ride finishes near Knock, where we’ll transfer back to the accommodation and can spend some time exploring nearby beaches, including the stunning Calgary Bay with its white shell sand. (B)

Ride details: 56km/ 35 miles | 518m/ 1702 ft elevation gain Day 3 | The Ardnamurchan Peninsula

After breakfast, we make the short journey to Tobermory, allowing time to visit the colourful harbour. We then board a ferry for a short trip across the Sound of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula on the mainland. From where you land, the only way is east, so you’ll follow peaceful and undulating single track roads through the peninsula. We can stop in to see the Ardnamurchan Distillery, which is one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. Along the route, enjoy views south across Loch , keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. Our destination tonight is the tiny hamlet of and our hotel enjoys wonderful views down scenic . (B)

Ride details: 43km/ 28 miles | 707m/ 2322 ft elevation gain

Day 4 | The Isle of Skye via the Road to the Isles

Following perfect cycling roads, today we roll through Ardnamurchan and Moidart as we make our way to the fishing port of . Our route crosses the rugged peninsula before joining the coast on the Sound of . On the way, you can stop at a local smokehouse to stock up for a delicious, local picnic.

The final section takes us along a stretch of the original ‘Road to The Isles.’ A new road bypasses the coastal road, making this an idyllic and almost car-free ride as we pass numerous white sand beaches. Looking out to sea, the high peaks of the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye and the distinctive skylines of the Small Isles make this a memorable ride. On arrival in Mallaig, we will connect with the ferry to the Isle of Skye, where we stay overnight in the south of the island. (B)

Ride details: 56km/ 35 miles | 875m/ 2869 ft elevation gain Day 5 | The Isle of Raasay & Calum’s Road

This morning, you’ll ride to Broadford followed by a short transfer to the village of . From there, it’s a short hop across to the Isle of Raasay, located between Skye and the Peninsula. Here you will cycle on the quiet, single-track roads and the famous ‘Calum’s Road’. This was built single-handedly by a local crofter between the mid 1960s and 70s, with hand tools and a wheelbarrow. Raasay is also home to a new distillery which makes for a great visit to taste the local wares. Reconnect back to the Isle of Skye, where we’ll transfer to the lovely town of , your home for the next two nights. (B)

Ride details: 34km/ 21 miles | 849m/ 2788 ft elevation gain

Day 6 | and a Wee Dram

This morning we ride across to the west side of the island passing by a number of small villages and Dun Beag, an Iron age Broch (a uniquely Scottish fortification), perched atop a grass knoll, before arriving at the dramatic Dunvegan Castle. Want to dig a bit deeper Ito Scottish history? You can take a tour to learn about Clan MacLeod and the or simply enjoy the views out across Loch Dunvegan. After lunch, ride out to Neist Point, the most westerly point on Skye. The point provides stunning views to the , perfect for a short walk to the picturesque lighthouse. Transfer back to Portree to enjoy your final evening meal and perhaps a celebratory dram. (B)

Ride details: 53km/ 33 miles | 756m/ 2483 ft elevation gain

Day 7 | Eilean Donan & Return to Inverness

After breakfast, we transfer back to Inverness, stopping at the magnificent and wildly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle for a quick photo stop to break up the journey. (B) Trip Grading | At Your Own Pace

Self guided and supported cycling trips can be taken at your own pace, meaning that you can travel whenever and at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

On this Self Guided+ cycling adventure, on each day you will be fully supported by your soigneur, who, in addition to providing luggage transfers, will offer guidance, local insights, navigation, and of course ride snacks. You have detailed GPX route notes with a bike computer to follow, and your soigneur will be on call for help or to give you a boost if you require.

Accommodation and Meals

This itinerary includes 6 nights in 3-4 star accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels along our route, each handpicked for their warm welcome and bike-friendly facilities. Single rooms are available on request.

Breakfast is included each day barring Day 1. Your information pack will suggest a number of options for your lunches and evening meals in each location.

Accommodation Upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement, subject to availability. Please note that upon choosing the Accommodation Upgrade option, this will require transfers to and from the route at the beginning and end of each day. Inclusions

This trip includes the following:

• 6 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels (upgrades are possible for a supplement).

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: Breakfast each day (Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• A soigneur (support guide) throughout the trip who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed. Your soigneur is also a trained bike mechanic and first aider, available 24/7 to help if needed.

• Essential equipment including a helmet, GPS with pre-loaded routes, bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary

• Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip

• Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1

• Daily luggage transfers

Need a bike? You have the choice of:

• Trek FX Sport 4 Hybrid bike

• Trek Checkpoint ALR 5.

• Trek Verve+ Our Holidays Reviewed in Your Words…

The bottom line. This was a fantastic trip even in the rain. I had “ fun, got to ride my bike which was sometimes challenging , see beautiful places, eat Haggis and learn about Scotland. I hope to be back to Scotland to continue exploring a beautiful country.

Marykris Kelly ”

All Trip Reviews Here Your Soigneur

On this fully supported cycling trip, you will be accompanied by a soigneur. Your soigneur is a qualified bike mechanic and will provide bike assistance and routine bike care throughout the trip. They will look after the logistics of the trip, while supporting you on the road, transferring luggage and passing on insights from the route as well as local area knowledge. While some professional cycling soigneurs offer massages this is not something that is included. Our Self-Guided+ trips are the perfect adventure for those who wish to travel at their own pace but with the professional support of an expert to take care of all the details.

Sustainable Travel

Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.

We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.

You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here. Equipment List

Check out our guide on what to wear when road cycling in Scotland. www.wildernessscotland.com/blog/what-to-wear-road-cycling-in-scotland/

Eat | Stay | See

Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do

Eat – Stay – See – Inverness.pdf

Eat – Stay – See – Oban.pdf

General Info – Scotland

From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts.

General-Info-Scotland.pdf Travel Insurance

It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.

We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the follow companies offer suitable policies.

Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com

Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance

If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions

Travel With Confidence

You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.

Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA. FAQs

Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page. wildernessscotland.com/faq

Questions to Ask? Ready to Book?

If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.

email: [email protected] Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Book Now Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890