Skye and the Inner Hebrides

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 whilst your soigneur prepares 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, homemade desserts, award-winning local cheeses, real ales, fine wines and island malts are all on offer.

Ride details: 38 km/24 miles | 360 m/1,183ft elevation gain

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

This morning, we transfer to Fionnphort for a 10 minute ferry crossing to the Island of Iona. As Iona’s ferry is passenger-only, you won’t have the support vehicle, but your soigneur will be on hand to provide local route suggestions. One of Scotland’s most famed islands for its monastic connections, enjoy a free morning to follow a route around this iconic island as well as enjoy a must-see visit 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: 56 km/35 miles | 518 m/1,702 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 have the option to stop in to see the Ardnamurchan Distillery, which is one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. Along the route, enjoy views south across Loch Sunart, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. Our destination tonight is the tiny hamlet of Acharacle and our hotel enjoys wonderful views down scenic Loch Shiel. (B)

Ride details: 43 km/28 miles | 707 m/2,322 ft elevation gain

Day 4 - 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 Mallaig. Our route crosses the rugged peninsula before joining the coast on the Sound of Arisaig. 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 range on the Isle of Skye and the distinctive skylines of the Small Isles make this a memorable ride. On arrival in Mallaig, we settle into our accommodation for the night. (B)

Ride details: 56 km/35 miles | 875 m/2,869 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - The Isle of Skye & The Isle of Raasay

This morning, we’ll take the ferry across to the Isle of Skye. A transfer will whisk us up to the village of Sconser, where it’s just a hop across the water to the Isle of Raasay, located between Skye and the Applecross 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 Portree, your home for the next two nights. (B)

Ride details: 34 km/21 miles | 849 m/2,788 ft elevation gain

Day 6 - Dunvegan Castle 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 into Scottish history? You can take a tour to learn about Clan MacLeod and the Lord of the Isles 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 Outer Hebrides, 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: 53 km/33 miles | 756 m/2,483 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. Depending on when you need to be back in Inverness, you might like to do a tour of the castle. (B)