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Trip created by Paul Easto
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Region: Inner Hebrides including Skye
Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
Comfort: Classic
Deposit From N/A
£308.75
Difficulty: Your Own Pace
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryOur Skye and the Inner Hebrides trip is the perfect way to explore iconic Scottish islands by bike. Watch stunning views unfold from your saddle as we journey from the Isle of Mull, through the wilds of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and on to the fabled Isle of Skye.
The roads of Skye and the Inner Hebrides – the islands along Scotland’s West Coast – offer superb riding through a landscape as rich in wildlife, culture and heritage as it is in dramatic views and postcard-perfect beaches.
You’ll enjoy the best rides from island to island, stopping to explore and appreciate places of natural beauty, cultural interest and wildlife sightings. As always, you’ll taste the finest Scottish ingredients in our meals – especially the bounty of the sea – on this unique island hopping trip.
With your warm and welcoming accommodation arranged, your bikes prepped, and your soigneur taking care of all the details, all you have to think about is turning the wheels at your own pace.
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, your soigneur will prep 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 along with homemade desserts, award-winning local cheeses, real ales, fine wines and island malts are all on offer.
Ride details: 38km/ 24 miles | 360m/ 1183ft elevation gain
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: 56km/ 35 miles | 518m/ 1702 ft elevation gain
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: 43km/ 28 miles | 707m/ 2322 ft elevation gain
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 Hills on the Isle of Skye and the distinctive skylines of the Small Isles make this a memorable ride. On arrival in Mallaig, we will connect with the ferry to the Isle of Skye, where we stay overnight in the south of the island. (B)
Ride details: 56km/ 35 miles | 875m/ 2869 ft elevation gain
This morning, you’ll ride to Broadford followed by a short transfer to the village of Sconser. From there, 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: 34km/ 21 miles | 849m/ 2788 ft elevation gain
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: 53km/ 33 miles | 756m/ 2483 ft elevation gain
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)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
This itinerary includes 6 nights in 3-4 star accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels along our route, each handpicked for their warm welcome and bike friendly facilities. Single rooms are available on request.
Accommodation Upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement, subject to availability. Please note that short transfers may be required if you choose to upgrade your accommodation.
Breakfast is included each day barring Day 1. Your soigneur will suggest a number of options for your lunches and evening meals in each location.
Arrival Info
Departure Info
For a full list of inclusions please see our comparison table here.
Looking to extend your stay? Get in touch with our friendly sales team to book extra nights before or after your trip.
As founder of Wilderness Scotland Paul’s craving for adventure and knowledge of Scotland knows no bounds. His leadership has resulted in Wilderness Scotland twice being named as Best Green Tour Operator in the World at the World Travel Awards and ranked as No.1 Adventure Travel Company in Europe by National Geographic. Paul’s commitment to excellence in all that he pursues becomes obvious in the routes we follow and the little touches included in this trip.
– Paul Easto
- Paul Easto
Ask Paul a QuestionSelf guided trips can be taken at your own pace, meaning that you can travel whenever and at whatever pace you feel comfortable, leaving time for optional extra activities, explorations or relaxing.
On this self guided cycling adventure, each day you will have detailed route notes to follow. On most days, you will also have the option to extend your cycling routes with optimal extensions ranging from 2 to 25 miles.
