Find a Slow Tour
Tap to search
Scotland's Hebrides 8-day tall ship Sail & Bike (FD)
Oban is the starting and end point of your tour of the Inner Hebrides and the Highlands. With the tall ship, we visit the island of Mull and the Morvern Peninsula, which belong to the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland but are so far largely untouched by mass tourism. Also the Caledonian Canal is worth seeing and your gate to the Highlands. Admire the fortresses on the island of Mull, stubbornly facing wind and weather, and enjoy the wild scenery of Scotland, its intensive colours and great biodiversity. Treat yourself in the evening to a glass of whiskey in one of the pubs and listen to the ever-present Scottish music. On your crossings with the ship, we watch out for dolphins and whales, and let the grandiose landscape glide by. On our cycle tours, we’ll be looking out for eagles, red deer and otters and gaze down on the sea from the most beautiful lookout points.
The Flying Dutchman was originally built as a herring fisher and was later reconstructed into the impressive passenger ship which it is today. Furnishings on board are simple yet functional. The saloon is comfortable and is the heart and soul of the Flying Dutchman. Outside the decks offer plenty of open space, necessary for setting the sails. In good weather, the crew like to serve mealtimes at the three tables on the main deck. Adventure hungry enthusiast can climb into the bowsprit net and feel the true speed of the ship and the force of the wind.
On this tour the cycling tours have priority. The sailing boat is a means of accommodation and transport to get from one cycling destination to the next. Should the wind and tides be in our favor, there is nothing which makes the crew of the Flying Dutchman happier then to hoist the sails and turn off the motor. When sailing is possible, all guests on board are more than welcome to take an active part in setting the boat into motion. The impressive 480 m² sail surface make sailing the Flying Dutchman a truly exciting experience.
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one warm meal a day. The full catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). The meals are adapted to the travel conditions. This means no warm meal on the sixth day, but full board on the fourth travel day.
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5ft.).
Moderately difficult tours in mostly hilly stages of 12 – 34 mi./20 – 55 km on usually quiet asphalt roads. In some instances, field paths are used as well. Main roads without separate bike paths are used only exceptionally for brief stretches. This tour includes some longer and steeper ascents where, how-ever, bicycles may be pushed any time. Strong headwinds may also be encountered. Helmet use is mandatory on our tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available (reservation necessary). Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.
Due to the necessity to embark/disembark the ship by dinghy, balance and surefootedness are required. Due to the change in tide, ladders my need to be used to access the boat/land, covering height differences of up to 3 m. Sure footedness and balance are essential.
If you would like to rent a bike (80 EUR) or e-bike (225 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers a number of Sail & Bike Tours in Europe
Oban (Embarkation)
Individual flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow and from there either by train or bus to Oban. Your cabins are ready for check in at 6 pm. Should you arrive earlier, your luggage can be stored on board until check-in time. You are also welcome to use our fee-based transfer service leaving at 5.30 pm from Edinburgh centre and at 6 pm from the Edinburgh airport. During a late dinner, you get to know your crew and tour guides.
Oban - Toberonochy - Crinan (aprx. 22 mi. /36 km) (B, D)
After breakfast we adjust our bicycles and start our first leg of the cycle tour. We head southwards from Oban through hilly landscapes and along the shores of a small highland lake back to the sea. Here we cross a remote peninsula before embarking on the ferry which takes us to the island of Luing. The island is made up of slate and the mining of these gray glistening rocks played an important economic role in the past. The University of Edinburgh for instance, is largely constructed out of the slate off of this small island. At the Tobernochy dock, the ship awaits us for our cross over to Crinan where we will spend the night.
Crinan – Isle of Jura (aprx. 23 mi. /37 km) (B, L)
Today’s bike tour takes us from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, which remind us of the Stonehenge and prehistoric burial mounds, characterize the vast landscape. After visiting the museum grounds and enjoying lunch at the museum Cafe, we return to Crinan. Past the Kintyre Peninsula, famous from the Paul McCartney song ‘Mull of Kintyre’, we continue by boat to the island of Jura..
Isle of Jura - Isle of Mull (aprx. 17 mi./27 km) (B,L, D)
Before we start today’s bike tour, we take part in a guided tour of the famous Jura-Distillery and gain first-hand knowledge of the processes involved in the production of great whisky. Following the distillery tour we cycle northwards on the isle of Jura. The renowned author, George Orwell, spent the last three years of his life here and described it as the most unattainable place on earth. Enjoy the tranquility of the island, which is only occasionally disturbed by one of the 5,000 deer that live there. Passing the so-called Paps of Jura we arrive at a small dock where the ship takes us to the island of Mull. On the way we pass the swirling waters of Corryvreckan, one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world - but do not fear, our experienced crew will guide us safely to a quiet bay on the island of Mull for the night.
Mull Island: Loch Spelve – Salen (aprx. 32 mi. /52 km) (B, D)
Today’s cycle tour is dedicated entirely to the spectacular natural beauty of Scotland. The route takes us through hilly terrain and along the Island’s coastline. Behind every bend in the road another breath-taking view awaits. After the road divides and the few cars that we have encountered along the way have turned off towards Iona, we share the road virtually only with sheep and shaggy highland cattle grazing peacefully in the bright green meadows. Along an ever-changing coastal road, we cycle past Loch Na’ Keal to Salen where the ship is waiting for us. We enjoy a pleasant evening docked in the quiet harbour of Salen, able to soak in the beautiful sunset.
Mull Island: Salen - Tobermory (aprx. 31 mi./50 km) (B)
Today we will encounter an elevation gain on our ride through the northern part of the Island of Mull. As a reward a cozy tearoom offers us a welcomed reprieve before we head for the brilliant white beach of Calgary Bay and its crystal clear water. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland and swimming enthusiasts should not pass up this opportunity to jump in for a refreshing swim. Ship ward bound we cycle through a lush valley until we meet the shoreline, shortly before Tobermory. In this pretty little place, with its colourful facades, an evening visit to a typical Scottish pub is high on the agenda. While here we can taste the delicious national dishes such as fish n chips and haggis.
Island Mull: Tobermory – Glengorm Castle - Oban (aprx. 12 mi./19 km) (B, D)
Today’s tour starts again in Tobermory and leads us to Glengorm Castle, in the northern out-skirts of the island of Mull. This grand manor from the 19th century is truly a sight to behold and the cosy tearooms allow us to indulge ourselves before returning back to Tobermory. Back at the Flying Dutchman we embark on our last sail of the week back to Oban. Before dinner there is plenty of time to take a stroll through Oban. The Mc Caig's Tower, an incom-plete replica of the Colosseum in Rome, is a worthwhile visit..
Oban (Disembarkation) and return home (B)
After breakfast, individual return trip home from Oban or group transfer to the Edinburgh airport.
Changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organisational requirements.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 09 2024 | Jun 16 2024 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,790€ | |||||
| Jun 16 2024 | Jun 23 2024 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,790€ | |||||
| Jun 23 2024 | Jun 30 2024 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,790€ | |||||
| Aug 18 2024 | Aug 25 2024 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,790€ | |||||
| Aug 25 2024 | Sep 01 2024 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,390€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,790€ | |||||
| Sep 01 2024 | Sep 08 2024 | 22 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,790€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
41
