Arran, Islay & Jura

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 Ardrossan 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 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: 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 Jura cycling! 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 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. We will stop for lunch at a great little cafe, enjoying views of the bay. Continuing along the coast, we will 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: 40 km/25 miles | 586 m/1,923 ft 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, which allows for the cultivation of many rare and tender plants from around the world.

Our journey back to Glasgow will take us around 2 hours and 45 minutes, passing through Inverary and Loch Fyne, where we can stop for a bite to eat before returning to Glasgow. (B)