Inner Hebrides and Highlands Sail & Bike Tour

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 (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: Duart Castle - Salen - Tobermory (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: Tobermory - Salen (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.

Peninsula Morvern: Lochaline - Kingairloch (aprx. 16 mi./26 km) (B, D)

After a small crossing through the Sound of Mull to Lochaline a scenic cycling tour awaits us. After the first ascent, we reach an almost traffic-free road leading through the barren highlands. We follow hillsides, wild mountain streams and moorlands before we reach the Flying Dutchman, to ferry us back to Oban. Before dinner we have the opportunity to take a stroll through Oban. The Mc Caig's Tower, an incomplete replica of the Coliseum 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.