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Home , Aros Bay, Caledonian MacBrayne, Isle of Arran, Kennacraig

SCOTTISH ISLAND HOPSCOTCH

THE ISLES OF ARRAN, & JURA

SCOTTISH ISLAND HOPSCOTCH CYCLING HOLIDAY SUMMARY Rich peaty , rugged coasts, prolific wildlife and romantic island hideaways. Discover the of your dreams on an island hopping cycling holiday on the Islands of Arran, Islay and Jura. Embarking on the ferry to Arran marks the beginning of your Scottish Island adventure. Well known for it’s stunning scenery Arran is often referred to as Scotland in miniature because it packs such a punch. Arran has it all: jagged mountain peaks, rolling hills, quiet coves , soaring sea eagles, local crafts, breweries and ruined castles.

From Arran you catch the ferry to and then after a short pedal across the peninsula to the Isle of Islay. Your base for the next five days. Small whitewashed villages , peaty whiskies, vast empty beaches and rugged coastal scenery make the Isle of Islay a very special place. Home to eight world renowned distilleries Islay is a lovers paradise and as you can imagine the pubs aren’t half bad either.

Port Askaig, your arrival point on Islay, is the jumping off point for Jura. A remote and wild island where red deer outnumber people by 25 to 1. Spend a day meeting the people and drinking in the unique Tour: Scottish Island Hopscotch atmosphere before heading south to Port Charlotte. Code: CSSSIH Type: Self-Guided Cycling Holiday Port Charlotte is the gateway to the wild Atlantic Coast of Islay. Huge cliffs pierced by golden sandy Price: See Website beaches are the perfect habitat for millions of breeding birds and birdwatchers will be in their element. Dates: March—Oct Days: 8 (7 Cycling Days) The pretty is your final stop on Islay and the hopping off point for a magical day of cycling and Nights: 7 whisky on the island’s beautiful south coast. Start: Before you know it your journey will be finishing with a hop, skip and a jump back to Ardrossan where your Finish: Ardrossan adventure began. Grade: Moderate

IS IT FOR ME? HIGHLIGHTS If you want to see a different side of one of the most gorgeous parts of Scotland, like  Cycling deserted roads on the wild west coast of Islay nothing better than the wind in your hair and  A glut of world class distilleries for whisky lovers to enjoy appreciate the finer things in life then this cycling holiday is hard to beat.  Feeling like a kid again as you hop on and off local ferries  The romantic landscape of the Scottish Islands  Tucking into great local food and drink at drink at the end of your cycle WHAT’S INCLUDED? THE MACS ADVENTURE DIFFERENCE Accommodation: 7 nights hand-picked B&B’s, small hotels, country inns and guesthouses. At Macs Adventure we are totally dedicated to adventure excellence. What this means is that we put Meals: A hearty breakfast included. Lunch and together holidays where every last little detail is taken care of. From searching out the best locally owned dinner not included but always available at accom- modation or nearby. and operated accommodation to making sure you know the perfect place to stop for lunch nothing is too Baggage Transfer: Baggage transfer. much trouble. This means is that you can really get to know the people and places of our wonderful home. Ferries: All ferries included except ferry to Jura. Information Pack: Comprehensive Map and info Your cycling holiday includes hand picked accommodation, baggage transfer, a detailed information pack pack and emergency support. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a local destination specialist who knows Scotland intimately. So if there is anything we can do to make your holiday in Scotland even better please don’t hesitate to ask. SCOTTISH ISLAND HOPSCOTCH

THE ISLES OF ARRAN, ISLAY & JURA

simply. Take the time to explore the Museum of Islay DETAILED ITINERARY Life, the Islay Natural Heritage Information Keep your camera handy on the two hour ferry to Centre and just stroll around this charming as the views are splendid and village before you head off to . Day 1: Arrive dolphins, whales and basking sharks are all regular visitors to the Sound of Jura and Islay. Bowmore is the island capital and home to Ardrossan is the departure point for the Arran almost a 1000 people, the well known Bowmore ferry. It is easily reached from by train Overnight: Port Askaig - 2* Small Hotel Distillery and idyllically situated Round Church. (50 minutes) and has secure parking. You will The tiny settlement of Port Askaig is dominated It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed lunch collect rental bikes from here if required and then by the white buildings of the port and Port Askaig before continuing to Port Ellen. (18—30 miles) jump on the one hour ferry to Arran to begin your Hotel. Once the ferry traffic has left it is a quiet adventure. and peaceful place. Overnight: Port Ellen - 4* B&B Overnight: —3* Guesthouse Day 4: Cycling on The Isle of Jura Port Ellen is a delightful town which curves Goatfell dominates Brodick Bay and the town of around the white sandy beaches of Leodamas Brodick stretches along the sea front. After Jura is the wildest and most remote of Scotland’s Bay. depositing your bags and bike at your inhabited islands. It has no direct ferry to the accommodation you should have time to visit mainland its 200 inhabitants and vastly Day 7: Islay’s Whisky Coast , Arran Aromatics, or one of the outnumbered by the island’s 5500 deer. You are in for a real treat today! Islay’s southern many other attractions in this busy little town. There is no getting lost on Jura, the island’s only coast is littered with islands, shipwrecks and road runs up the eastern side of the island and three of the best distilleries in Scotland. Cycle Day 2: Cycling on the the maximum round trip is 62 miles. The 21 mile west from Port Ellen for ten miles until you reach Cycling on the Isle of Arran is a delight. Often round trip to Craighouse Village and the Jura the golden sands of Aros Bay, the perfect spot described as Scotland in miniature it is just Distillery is a great day out. for a picnic. packed full of things to see and do as you pedal the quiet coastal roads which ring the island. You Keen walkers may also wish to pack their boots On your return you can visit Ardbeg, have a choice of routes ranging from 14 to 42 as a climb of the Pap’s of Jura rewards with and Ardbeg Distilleries for a complete whisky miles. standing stones are just my panoramic views and red deer sightings are all experience. but guaranteed. absolute favourite place on Arran so don’t miss Alternatively you may prefer to visit them. Overnight: Port Askaig—2* Small Hotel Peninsula to the South West of Port Ellen. This Overnight: - 3* Guesthouse sometimes bleak landscape is nothing if not Day 5: Wildlife & Whisky on Islay The ruins of dominate the dramatic. Golden Eagles and corncrakes cab be narrow string of houses which make up the A few white sandy bays pierce the steep cliffs of seen at the RSPB reserve and the sea cliffs are village of Lochranza. Red deer have right of way the Atlantic Coast of Islay. Relentlessly pounded home to Fulmars, Kittiwakes and razorbills in the in this tranquil village and the local Distillery is by the Atlantic surf this wild coastline is a haven summer. (6—20 Miles or more) one of the newest in Scotland. for bird and wildlife and exploring this countryside Overnight: Port Ellen - 4* B&B on quiet singletrack roads is enchanting. The Day 3: Cycling and Island Hopping choice of routes is endless and you can cycle for Day 8: Island Hopscotch back to to Port Askaig, Isle of Islay anything between 18 and 60 miles. Ardrossan The morning ferry from Lochranza takes you Overnight: Port Charlotte—4* Small Hotel An exciting Island Hopscotch via , back to the mainland island of Kintyre and it is , Lochranza and Brodick brings you Port Charlotte is an attractive village and nearby just a short five mile cycle over to Kennacraig for back to Ardrossan at about 18:00 where you can is a must for whisky the 13:00 ferry to Port Askaig on Islay. I would hand your rental bikes back and head home. (20 connoisseurs. strongly recommend a diversion to the Seafood Miles) Cabin at Castle for an early lunch. You Day 6: Port Charlotte to Port Ellen, just can’t beat fresh locally caught seafood done Overnight: Not included Islay SCOTTISH ISLAND HOPSCOTCH

THE ISLES OF ARRAN, JURA & ISLAY

free to choose from the available options. Most of RECOMMENDATIONS your accommodations will more than happy to TRAVEL INFORMATION provide a packed lunch on request and this can Time of Year be booked on arrival. Dinner is always available Getting to/from Ardrossan either at your accommodation or nearby pubs. This holiday is available from the end of March to Ardrossan is 32 miles south west of Glasgow and the end of October. Spring and Autumn can be Solo Cyclists 18 miles north of Prestwick Airport. From cold and the weather wild but roads are quiet. This holiday is available to solo cyclists but there Glasgow trains (50 minutes) and buses (1h15) May through August is the best time of year to is a solo supplement payable to cover the run regularly. From Prestwick a taxi is the best enjoy this holiday. additional costs of baggage transfer and a single option and takes about 20 minutes. Additional Nights supplement to cover the cost of single occupancy For detailed public transport information see rooms. www.travelinescotland.com If you have a long way to travel after the trip I would recommend an extra night in Brodick or Baggage Transfer Ferries on day 8. Port Charlotte is another great When you are cycling between accommodation All your ferry crossings (apart from Jura) are spot for an extra night so that you have more your main bag will be moved by our local crew. included in the cost of your holiday. These are time to enjoy the West Coast of Islay. You will have to take your own bag on and off operated by Caledonian MacBrayne and you can Fewer Nights ferries and from your accommodation to the ferry find full details of services and timetables here: terminal. With this in mind I would suggest you www.calmac.co.uk If you wish to reduce the number of nights we limit your bag to 15kg and personal experience can tailor your trip to your requirements. suggest a backpack or pull along is the best Travel Insurance option. We strongly recommend taking out travel HOLIDAY INFORMATION Bikes & Equipment insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. Either a road bike, touring bike, hybrid or Accommodation mountain bike with semi slick tyres would be fine. We search out accommodation of character so The whole route is on tarmac. PRICE & AVAILABILITY that you can enjoy a genuinely warm welcome You will need a helmet, cycling clothes, and authentic Scottish experience. waterproofs and warm clothes as well as casual Availability This tour includes a mix of small family run B&B’s clothes for the evenings. Your info pack will have This cycling holiday is available on any start date and hotels as well as some charming island a detailed equipment list. from late March to late October. Find up to date hotels. All offer a warm welcome to cyclists, Bike Hire availability on our website. have secure bike storage, offer traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We offer bike hire for this holiday and you can Price collect and drop off your bikes at the ferry Detailed up to date prices for all our Skye Cycling Single Rooms terminal in Ardrossan. We use excellent quality Holidays are available on our website. If you require single rooms in your party we will mountain bikes with slick tyres or hybrid bikes of course try to accommodate your request, equipped with a rear pannier rack, repair kit, Included pump and lock. subject to availability. There will be a single  Seven nights bed and breakfast supplement payable. accommodation in handpicked 3 or 4 star B&B’s, guesthouses and small hotels in Meals ensuite rooms. A hearty breakfast is included each morning.  Baggage transfer as required Lunch and dinner are not included so you are  All ferry crossings apart from Jura Ferry. SCOTTISH ISLAND HOPSCOTCH

THE ISLES OF ARRAN, JURA & ISLAY

 A detailed info pack, route notes and map for represents Britain’s leading independent tour the group leader. M.A.C.S. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL operators and encourages high standards of  Emergency telephone support from our office Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit quality and service. in the event of a problem. Our operating policies, office policies, holidays Macs Adventure abides by the Association’s Excluded and tours are all designed to minimise impact Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on  Travel to or from Ardrossan. and maximise benefit to the environment and www.aito.com. Visit the website to find out more  Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. local communities. about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.  Travel Insurance. Action & Advocacy  Personal Equipment. ABTA Member Statement We believe that by engaging our team and Taxi transfers or public transport should you  clients in environmental and community projects Macs Adventure Holidays need to skip a stage. we can make a real difference. is a Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA Optional Extras Carbon & Communities Members help  Solo traveller supplement Travel and our business activity does of course holidaymakers to get the most from their travel  Single room supplement contribute to carbon output and climate change. and assist when things don’t go according to We have put several policies in place to minimise plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard  Bike Hire our carbon footprint. of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.  Extra Nights For more information on ABTA, the Code of Sensitive & Sustainable  Accommodation upgrades Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 HOW TO BOOK our holidays are sensitive to the community you are visiting and sustainable over the long term. 0581 www.abta.com Activity Once you have read all the information in this BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Scotland Code factsheet or on our website and decided on your preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a of Conduct call to confirm availability. You can then book by Financial Security Macs Adventure is a any of the following methods: In order to provide clients with peace of mind member of the Activity Scotland Association, the trade association Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com Macs Adventure Ltd has effected a policy with IGI Insurance Company Ltd through travel which supports and promotes activity providers in Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 insurance specialists Milsom Howard Limited to Scotland. Macs Adventure abides by the Activity Scotland Code of Practice, which ensures that Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form ensure that all passengers booking with Macs your activities are safely and professionally and post it to Macs Adventure, 44 Speirs Wharf, Adventure Limited are fully protected for the organised, comply with the law and are Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all financially protected. 527 5688 monies paid to Macs Adventure Ltd, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on arrangements due to the insolvency of Macs +44 (0) 0141 530 8886 or email: Adventure Limited. [email protected] if you have any queries and one of our expert team will be happy AITO Quality Statement to help. Macs Adventure is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association