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    Road Cycling

    Arran, Islay & Jura

    67 reviews

    Next Trip: 8th - 14th Jun 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £2,795 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Paul Easto
    View Paul's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Road Cycling
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £720

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 164kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    This island-hopping trip combines scenic roads, excellent accommodation, delicious food and some of the world’s finest whisky to make an unforgettable cycle tour.

    Throughout the week, immerse yourself in the stunning coastal landscapes of southwest Scotland. Explore the Isle of Arran, Islay, the whisky island of Jura, and crossing the Mull of Kintyre.

    These small islands were made for bike exploration, and you can expect 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 impressive Corryvreckan Whirlpool – the largest in Scotland! At the end of each day, relax in hand-picked accommodation with mouth-watering local food, ales and whiskies providing an authentic taste of the islands.

    Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.

    Trip Highlights

    • Island hop across 3 of Scotland's best islands - Arran, Islay and Jura.
    • Enjoy world class whisky and wildlife on the beautiful Island of Islay.
    • Visit the third largest whirlpool in the world en route to the Kingdom of Argyll.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Scottish mainland to Brodick

    We meet in Ardrossan this morning, where we catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. We will cross the Firth of Clyde and arrive 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 Fell, 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 a week of riding. After a short ride, we settle into our accommodation at Lamlash to relax before dinner. (L, D)

    Day 2 – South Arran Loop

    Our ride today will take us around the southern half of the Arran Isle, 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 Whiting Bay and on to the south side of the island. We turn 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: 64 km/40 miles | 908 m/2,979 ft elevation gain

    Day 3 – Arran to Islay

    Cycling directly from Brodick we pass by Goat Fell, the highest peak on Arran. The road winds north towards Lochranza and its ruined castle, where a short ferry crossing reconnects us to the mainland on the Kintyre Peninsula. We will then ride the short distance into Kennacraig to connect with our second ferry of the day to take us to the island of Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours and takes us past the Isle of Gigha 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: 62 km/38.5 miles | 755 m/2,478 ft elevation gain

    Day 4 – Cycling on Islay

    We will explore by bike the stunning famous area of the Isle of Islay located in the southern Hebrides. This morning we transfer to the picturesque coastal 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 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 species such as migrating geese, corncrake, lapwing and hen harrier. (B, L)

    Ride Details: 48 km/30 miles | 480 m/1,572 ft elevation gain

    Day 5 – Continue Riding on Islay

    Continuing our Islay visit 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 Islay 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 tutored whisky tasting. Afterwards, we transfer back to Bridgend. (B, L)

    Ride Details: 40.5 km/25 miles | 347 m/1,140 ft elevation gain

    Day 6 – Jura and the Gulf of Corryvreckan

    It is time to enjoy some exceptional island cycling! This morning, we ride across Islay to Port Askaig, boarding the passenger ferry to Jura, reaching the island in a little over five minutes. The support van won’t join us today, so we’ll need to be self-sufficient. The island has one distillery, one main road and many sites of historical interest, varying from Iron Age Forts, ancient burial grounds and standing stones. After a cafe lunch, we’ll continue along the coast, taking in the sweeping views to Ardlussa to meet a private boat and be treated to a trip to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home to a famous whirlpool when the tide is roaring. From here, the boat takes us back to the Scottish mainland and our hotel, which has 17 acres of gardens and a 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: 41 km/25 miles | 495 m/1,625 ft elevation gain

    Day 7 – Finish in Oban

    We’ll depart after a leisurely breakfast at our hotel we’ll make the short transfer to Oban where we’ll finish our journey. (B)

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    Road Cycling
    Arran, Islay & Jura

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    8th Jun - 14th Jun 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,795Book Now
    29th Jun - 5th Jul 20248 places leftAvailable £2,795Book Now
    13th Jul - 19th Jul 20246 places leftAvailable £2,795Book Now
    3rd Aug - 9th Aug 20248 places leftAvailable £2,795Book Now
    31st Aug - 6th Sep 20246 places leftAvailable £2,795Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    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.

    Single Rooms

    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 request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £525 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    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.Included dinners are two courses as standard. 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.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 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.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Green Graded 1-3

    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.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Ardrossan Harbour Station at 11.30am on Day 1 of your trip. Ardrossan Harbour Station is easily accessed from Glasgow with hourly trains from Glasgow Central Station, taking around 50 mins.

    You will be returned to Oban Station for 10.30am on the final day of the trip. There are regular direct services to Glasgow taking around 3 hours.

    For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/

    Bike Hire / Bringing Your Own Bike Read More
    Bike Hire

    We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire including road bikes, mountain bikes, and E-bikes.
    Find Out More

    Bring Your Own Bike

    You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike. If you’re bringing your E-bike along for the trip, please ensure it has a removable battery. Due to limitations around charging, E-bikes with non-removable batteries cannot be accommodated.

    If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop.
    In addition, please bring the following:

    • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
    • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
    • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

    Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

    • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
    • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

    Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

    If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Chris Page

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Chris a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Green Graded Road Cycling Holidays 1-3

    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.

    Compare road cycling grades

     

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 67 reviews of Road Cycling – Arran, Islay & Jura

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    MP

    Marco Polo

    Reviewed on 10/10/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 29/07/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    A memorable experience. It was my daughter's first time on a road bike and she absolutely loved it. The longer days (60+ km) were challenging for me (age 63) as I had little opportunity to train before the trip but overall it was a great experience.

    SW

    Sheila Webster

    Reviewed on 16/09/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: Australia
    Trip Date: 02/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    After my first experience with Wilderness Scotland I sincerely hope to travel with them again. One of the best holidays ever had.

    TE

    Theresa Evans

    Reviewed on 12/09/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 02/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 8

    The Bottom Line

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