Skye and the Inner Hebrides Road Cycling

Trip Grade: Green 3

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Our Skye and the Inner Hebrides trip is the perfect way to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic islands by bike. Watch the 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 close to Scotland's West Coast - offer an opportunity to enjoy superb riding through a landscape that is as rich in wildlife, culture and heritage as it is in dramatic views and stunning beaches.

We enjoy the best rides from place to place, stopping to explore and appreciate places of natural beauty, cultural interest and wildlife sightings. Your Wilderness Scotland guide will both lead you and inspire you, while our carefully chosen accommodation will welcome you at the end of the day. As always we will enjoy the finest Scottish ingredients in our meals - especially the bounty of the sea on this island hopping trip.

Skye and the Inner Hebrides

Highlights• Island-hopping through Mull, Iona and Skye on this easy-graded road cycling adventure.• Quiet country roads, cultural encounters, great landscapes and stunning island scenery. • Cycle to the Isle of Iona and explore its ancient abbey.

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

Book with confidence• We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 2 people have booked• Maximum of 8 places available per departure

Day 1 | North West Mull Day 2 | Cycling to IonaDay 3 | The Ardnamurchan Peninsula Day 4 | Cycling to Skye via the Road to The IslesDay 5 | RaasayDay 6 | Dunvegan Castle and a Wee DramDay 7 | Return to Inverness

Planned It inerary

Arrival Info• Your Guide will meet you at the Oban ferry terminal• 11.00am on Day 1 of your trip

Departure Info• You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station • 2:00pm on the final day of your trip

PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

Day 1 | North West Mull Today we meet at Oban Ferry Terminal, then board the ferry and cross to the Isle of Mull. We will have some lunch overlooking the Sound of Mull and set up the bikes for the week ahead. Setting out on the bikes we follow the coastal road to Salen, before riding to the North West of the Island and our accommodation in the village of Dervaig.

Reaching the oldest inn on Mull, our base for the next two nights, there will be a chance to relax and have a welcome drink before taking our evening meal in the 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. (L, D)

Ride details: 38km/ 24 miles | 360m/ 1183ft elevation gain

Day 2 | Cycling to Iona This morning we transfer to Fionnphort to make a 10 minute crossing on the ferry to the Island of Iona, including a must-see trip the wonderful Iona Abbey, the home of Christian worship since 563AD. Returning back to Mull, we follow the coast alongside Loch Scridain towards to the small village of Pennyghael, where we pick up a single track road under the shadow of Ben More, the highest mountain on the island. Today’s ride will finish near Knock, where we will transfer back to the accommodation and then spend some time exploring some beautiful beaches, including the stunning Calgary Bay with its white shell sand beach. (B, L, D)

For those of you wishing to ride a little more, there is the option to extend the day; your guide will advise of the options.

Ride details: 56km/ 35 miles | 518m/ 1702 ft elevation gain

Day 3 | The Ardnamurchan PeninsulaAfter breakfast we make the short journey to Tobermory, allowing for 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 we land the only way is east, so we follow peaceful and undulating single track roads through the peninsula. We can stop in to see the Ardnamurchan Distillery, which is one of Scotland’s newest. As we ride, we enjoy views south across Loch Sunart, keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife. Our destination tonight is the tiny settlement of Acharacle and our hotel enjoys wonderful views down scenic Loch Shiel. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 43km/ 28 miles | 707m/ 2322 ft elevation gain

Day 4 | Cycling to Skye via the Road to The IslesToday we cycle through Ardnamurchan and Moidart, following perfect cycling roads 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.

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 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, L, D)

Ride details: 56km/ 35 miles | 875m/ 2869 ft elevation gain

Day 6 | Dunvegan Castle and a Wee DramThis morning we ride across to the west side the island passing by a number of small villages and Dun Beag, an Iron age Broch perched on top of a grass knoll arriving at Dunvegan Castle. We’ll enjoy a tour, learning about Clan MacLeod and the Lord of the Isles and enjoying the views out across Loch Dunvegan.

After lunch at a local cafe we ride to Neist Point, the most westerly point on Skye. The point provides stunning views to the Outer Hebrides where we can enjoy a short walk to the picturesque lighthouse. We transfer back to Portree to enjoy our final evening meal and a celebratory dram together. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 53km/ 33 miles | 756m/ 2483 ft elevation gain

Day 5 | RaasayThis morning we ride to Broadford followed by a short transfer to the village of Sconser and travel across to the Island of Raasay, located between Skye and the Applecross Peninsula. Here we will cycle on the quiet single track roads, visit the distillery and, if time allows, the famous ‘Calum’s Road’, built single-handedly by a local crofter between the mid 1960s and the mid 1970s, with hand tools and a wheelbarrow.

We reconnect back to the Isle of Skye, where we’ll transfer to Portree, our home for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 34km/ 21 miles | 849m/ 2788 ft elevation gain

Day 7 | Return to InvernessAfter breakfast, we transfer back to Inverness, stopping at Eilean Donan Castle for a quick photo stop to break up the journey. (B)

Trip Grading | Green 3 |Green graded trips are suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy cycling and are looking for an active but relaxed trip. They are also suitable for active people who are new to cycle touring and looking for a new way to explore the countryside.

Distances each day will be between 25 - 40 miles, cycling at an average speed of around 12mph. We will ride on mostly straightforward rolling terrain with one or two more notable climbs during the trip, where some riders may opt to ride in the support vehicle. We will be in the saddle for 4-6 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus visits to sites of interest.

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join.

If our guides feel that you are not able to complete a scheduled ride they may ask you not to join in that day. If you have any questions about the grading, then please do give our Adventure Consultants a call to chat through your experience and suitability for this trip.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described rides in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.

Accommodation and MealsThis trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/restaurant. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Evening meals are included, and on this itinerary and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route.

On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Single RoomsFor solo travellers: Accommodation is based on sharing a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. A limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available on a first come first served basis, subject to a single supplement. Please enquire for availability.

Single supplements vary across our itineraries so please refer to the ‘What’s Included - Accommodation’ tab on the trip page on our website for this trip or contact our sales team.

InclusionsThis trip includes the following: • 7 days professional guiding with lead guide plus assistant guide/support driver• 6 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels and inns• All meals as stated in the itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast,

L=Lunch, D=Dinner)• Vehicle transport throughout including ride support and luggage transfers• Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary• Ride snacks, home‐baking and drinks

Wilderness Scotland do a great job in creating an itinerary that combines some incredibly scenic (and occasionally challenging) cycling with a range of off-bike activities to give you a real taste of the country. The guides are great, always quick with helpful info, advice and the odd bit of bike maintenance along the way. The accommodation is comfortable and the food excellent. I will definitely be a repeat customer; I have already booked my next trip! Paul Travers

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Your GuideDuring this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages.

Sustainable TravelWilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.

We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.

You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here.

Eat | Stay | SeeLooking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do

Eat – Stay – See – Oban.pdf Eat – Stay – See – Inverness.pdf

Equipment ListCheck out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland.

wildernessscotland.com/blog/hiking-in-scotland-what-to-wear

General Info – ScotlandFrom food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to to know facts.

General-Info-Scotland.pdf

Travel InsuranceIt is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.

We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the following companies offer suitable policies.

Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance

If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions

Travel With ConfidenceYou can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.

Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA.

FAQsLooking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page.

wildernessscotland.com/faq

Questions To Ask? Ready to Book?If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.

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email: info@wildernessscotland.com Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890