Road Cycling View Trip Dates Arran, & Jura Book Now

Trip Grade: Green Arran, Islay & Jura

On this island-hopping cycle tour you’ll enjoy a week of day rides on the beautiful islands of Arran, Islay and Jura, as well as crossing the Mull of . These small islands were made for exploring by bike and you can expect to find fascinating wildlife, history and culture along the way. Journey from island to island using local ferries and to finish, a private RIB charter back to the mainland via the straits of Corryvreckan. At the end of each day relax in hand picked accommodation with mouth watering local food, ales and providing an authentic taste of the islands.

Highlights • Cycle through 3 of ’ best islands including Arran, Islay and Jura. • A tutored tasting including samples fresh from a cask. • A Guided Rib trip to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.

Book with confidence • Max of 8 places available per departure. This trip confirms when 2 people book. Please note that if at 45 days from the trip start date there are still only two people booked on your departure, your trip with run with a single guide who will drive the support vehicle (therefore, no guide will be cycling on the road with you). All other aspects of the trip will be the same, and your guide will of course provide all assistance, bike maintenance, local insights and storytelling.

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

Day 1 | Glasgow to Day 2 | South Arran Loop Day 3 | Arran to Islay Day 4 | Riding on Islay Day 5 | Riding on Islay Day 6 | Jura & the Corryvreckan Whirlpool Day 7 | Return to Glasgow

Arrival Info

• Your Guide will meet you at Glasgow Queen Street Station • 11:00am on Day 1 of your trip

Departure Info

• You will be returned to Glasgow Queen Street Station • 2:00pm on the final day of your trip

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Day 1 | Glasgow to Brodick We meet in the morning in Glasgow for our journey to the west coast, where we catch the ferry from to the . We will cross the of Clyde which takes 55 minutes and arrives into the main village of Brodick. Arran is often described as “Scotland in Miniature” and is divided into the wild, unspoilt, mountainous north, dominated by the peak of Goat ; and the forest, farmland and resorts of the south. On arrival we will make the short transfer to our accommodation for the next two nights. After checking in we will spend some time fine tuning the bikes and ensuring everyone is set up for the weeks riding. After a short ride, we settle in to our accommodation at to relax before dinner. (L, D)

Day 2 | South Arran Loop Our ride today will take us around the southern half of Arran, which has a lower landscape in comparison to the mountainous north, although there will be a couple of hills to test the legs. Starting from Lamlash we head round south passing through and on to the south side of the island. We stop for lunch at a ‘Velo Cafe’ before turning north again and the route is packed with interest and the coastline is worth exploring including standing stones, caves, castles and crags. We will also be treated to great views across to the mainland. Completing the loop we pass through Brodick and back to Lamlash. This evening we will enjoy dinner at the hotel (B, L)

Ride details: 65km/ 41 miles

Day 3 | Arran to Islay Cycling directly from Brodick we pass by , the highest peak on Arran. The road winds north towards and its ruined castle, where a short ferry crossing reconnects us to the mainland on the Kintyre Pensiula. We will then ride the short distance into Kennacriag to connect with our second ferry of the day to take us to Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours and takes us past the Isle of and through the Sound of Jura, where we can look out for minke whales, dolphins and basking sharks. On arrival in Islay there is an option to ride a short distance to the accommodation or transfer in the support vehicle. (B, L)

Ride details: 52km/ 36 miles Day 4 | Riding on Islay

This morning we transfer to the costal village of Portnahaven, where grey seals can often be seen in the harbour. Our route follows the west coast of the island, with the Atlantic sea to keep us company, before a short descent towards Port Charlotte. We then ride north to a wild sandy beach for a picnic lunch overlooking the sea.

Back on the bikes we start to ride back to our accommodation at Bridgend via Loch Gruinart, where we can stop off to visit the small RSPB centre for a break and to learn about the importance of Islay to many bird such as migrating geese, corncrakes, lapwing and hen-harrier. (B, L)

Ride details: 64km/40 miles | 798m/ 2620ft elevation gain

Day 5 | Riding on Islay

Today will be a shorter ride along Islay’s quiet country roads. We set off to Port Ellen, and reaching the coast once more we turn left and follow the road along the whisky coast - passing the 3 famous distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We carry on a short way past, to reach the monolithic Kildalton Celtic Cross. We then ride back to Ardbeg for lunch in the cafe before spending the afternoon enjoying a whisky tour and tasting. Afterwards we transfer back to Bridgend. (B, L)

Ride details: 45-65km/ 30-40 miles depending on which distilleries you choose to visit Day 6 | Jura and the Corryvreckan Whirlpool

This morning we ride the short distance to Port Askaig, where we board the passenger ferry to Jura reaching the island in a little over five minutes. The support van will stay on Islay today so we’ll need to be self sufficient for the day.

The island only has one main road, passing by the Isle of Jura Distillery. There are many historical sites of interest, varying from Forts, ancient burial grounds and standing stones as we cycle along the east coast of the Island towards the main village of Craighouse. We will stop for lunch at a great little cafe, enjoying views of the bay.

Continuing along the coast, we will then load the bikes onto a private boat and be treated to a trip to visit the straits of Corryvreckan, home to a famous whirlpool when the tide is roaring through.

From here the boat takes us back to the mainland and our hotel which is set in 17 acres of gardens and beach overlooking the coast. We will enjoy a final dinner at the hotel and perhaps a dram to celebrate a fantastic week of island hopping. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 56km/35 miles | 700m/ 2300ft elevation gain

Day 7 | Return to Glasgow

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel there will be time for a short walk around the neighbouring Arduaine Gardens. The gardens are run and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and benefit from 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. (B) Trip Grading | Green 3 |

Green graded trips are suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy cycling and are looking for an active but relaxed trip. They are also suitable for active people who are new to cycle touring and looking for a new way to explore the countryside.

Distances each day will be between 25 - 40 miles, cycling at an average speed of around 12mph. We will ride on mostly straightforward rolling terrain with one or two more notable climbs during the trip, where some riders may opt to ride in the support vehicle. We will be in the saddle for 4-6 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus visits to sites of interest.

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join.

If our guides feel that you are not able to complete a scheduled ride they may ask you not to join in that day. If you have any questions about the grading, then please do give our Adventure Consultants a call to chat through your experience and suitability for this trip.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described rides in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first. Accommodation and Meals

This trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/restaurant. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Evening meals are included on the first and final evenings, and on this itinerary and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route.

On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Single Rooms

For solo travellers: Accommodation is based on sharing a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. A limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available on a first come first served basis, subject to a single supplement. Please enquire for availability.

Single supplements vary across our itineraries so please refer to the ‘What’s Included - Accommodation’ tab on the trip page on our website for this trip or contact our sales team. Inclusions

This trip includes the following:

• 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 (Meals included indicated as 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 Our holidays reviewed in your words…

The whole experience was a fantastic way to experience what Scotland has to offer in terms of scenery, wildlife, “ people and food, on a much more intimate level than just driving through the same terrain. The guides and their knowledge added value to enrich the experience, and made the whole process seamless and worry-free. Probably the best way to sum up was that I ended up making a commitment to an Outer trip next year.

Paul Travers ”

All Trip Reviews Here Your Guide

During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages.

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 adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/road-cycling-in-scotland-what-to-wear

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 – Glasgow.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 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 following 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] View Trip Dates Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Book Now Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890