Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
Scotland - Highlands to Islands Bike Tour
DURATION
7 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
13 to 44 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
2-Easier to Intermediate
REVIEWS
STARTING FROM
$3395
SINGLES ADD FROM
$700
Trip Overview
This bike tour treats you to the essence of all things Scottish: romantic castles, ancient villages, luxurious palace homes of the dukes and barons of Scotland, deep wandering lochs, soft wooded glens, spectacular seascapes, and lovely winding roads where we are often the only travelers.
We cycle along a superb network of country roads, visit the medieval village of Dunkeld, follow hedgerows along the River Tay From the Central Highlands, we take a scenic ferry ride to the Isle of Mull, one of the fabled islands of Scotland’s western coast. Here we are treated to a landscape of craggy cliffs, rocky bays, shimmering seas, heather-covered hills, and historic fishing villages. Our two days in Tobermory allow us time to enjoy its glorious harbor – framed by a brightly painted crescent of 18th-century houses – shops with crafts, antiques and woolens, and a tour of the local distillery. Finally, we ferry across the Sound of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, where we are treated to the most spectacular mountain-to-ocean scenery imaginable.
Every night on this tour we are guests at a small, marvelous hotel, including historical Ballathie House on the banks of the River Tay; the Fortingall Hotel near Loch Tay, Western Isles Hotel overlooking Tobermory Harbor; and Kilcamb Lodge on the shores of Loch Sunart.
(On the July 16 and July 27 departures, we stay the first two nights at Dunkeld House Hotel instead of Ballathie House Hotel.)
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Distance: 13 miles | Terrain: Easier | Ballathie House Hotel
On the afternoon of your arrival day we will fit you to your bikes, give you a gearing demonstration and lead you on a short warm-up ride to acquaint you with biking on the left side of the road and give you an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the lovely Scottish countryside.
On the afternoon of your arrival day we will fit you to your bikes, give you a gearing demonstration and lead you on a short warm-up ride to acquaint you with biking on the left side of the road and give you an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the lovely Scottish countryside.
DAY 2 - Home made Scottish ice cream
Distance: 35 or 41 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Ballathie House Hotel
Today we enjoy a 27-mile loop through a number of small villages and rural farmland. Enjoy a beautiful ride (optional) out to Little Glen Shee and another great short option to visit Huntingtower Castle. We lunch at a delightful pub in Pitcairngreen, enjoy home made Scottish ice cream at a farm in Airntully, and return to the Ballathie House in time to delight in an afternoon stroll along the River Tay.
Today we enjoy a 27-mile loop through a number of small villages and rural farmland. Enjoy a beautiful ride (optional) out to Little Glen Shee and another great short option to visit Huntingtower Castle. We lunch at a delightful pub in Pitcairngreen, enjoy home made Scottish ice cream at a farm in Airntully, and return to the Ballathie House in time to delight in an afternoon stroll along the River Tay.
DAY 3 - Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem
Distance: 37 or 44 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Fortingall Hotel
Leave Ballathie House via the village of Murthly. Pass through Coupar Angus and then back roads to the Loch of Lowes wildlife preserve (where we can have osprey sightings). At mile 12.6 enter the elegant village of Dunkeld. Lunch here on the banks of the River Tay. Follow back roads through Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem. Pass Aberfeldy which is a one mile side visit. Pass Menzies Castle on the way to Kenmore and Loch Tay.
Leave Ballathie House via the village of Murthly. Pass through Coupar Angus and then back roads to the Loch of Lowes wildlife preserve (where we can have osprey sightings). At mile 12.6 enter the elegant village of Dunkeld. Lunch here on the banks of the River Tay. Follow back roads through Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem. Pass Aberfeldy which is a one mile side visit. Pass Menzies Castle on the way to Kenmore and Loch Tay.
DAY 4 - Isle of Mull
Distance: 29 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Western Isles Hotel
A coach takes us to Oban. We then ferry over the Mull Sound to the Isle of Mull. We cycle to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, then back through the village of Craignure to Salen. Van pickup here or continue to Tobermory with spectacular ocean views. This ride is intermediate. Arrive at Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory.
A coach takes us to Oban. We then ferry over the Mull Sound to the Isle of Mull. We cycle to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, then back through the village of Craignure to Salen. Van pickup here or continue to Tobermory with spectacular ocean views. This ride is intermediate. Arrive at Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory.
DAY 5 - Easy day and enjoy exploring
Distance: 10,26 or 35 miles | Terrain: Easier | Western Isles Hotel
There are several options today. Many like to make this an easy day and enjoy exploring Tobermory perhaps adding a 10 mile “out and back” ride to Glengorm Castle. There is also a superb optional ride through the village of Dervaig, including a visit to the Old Byre Heritage Center. Your leaders will also give you directions for a lovely walk out to the lighthouse with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. We end the day with a guided tour of the local distillery. Finally, you can ask your leaders to help arrange an all-day boat excursion out to the Isle of Staffa.
There are several options today. Many like to make this an easy day and enjoy exploring Tobermory perhaps adding a 10 mile “out and back” ride to Glengorm Castle. There is also a superb optional ride through the village of Dervaig, including a visit to the Old Byre Heritage Center. Your leaders will also give you directions for a lovely walk out to the lighthouse with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. We end the day with a guided tour of the local distillery. Finally, you can ask your leaders to help arrange an all-day boat excursion out to the Isle of Staffa.
DAY 6 - Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Distance: 31 or 40 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Kilcamb Lodge
Today begins with a ferry ride from the Isle of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Start with a ride to Ardnamurchan Point and its beautiful lighthouse and museum. Then pass the beautiful bay and remains of the village of Camas Nan Geall; then Laga Bay and Salen Bay on Loch Sunart. Lunch at the museum and information center or in Salen. Option to ride from Salen to Kilcamb Lodge.
Today begins with a ferry ride from the Isle of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Start with a ride to Ardnamurchan Point and its beautiful lighthouse and museum. Then pass the beautiful bay and remains of the village of Camas Nan Geall; then Laga Bay and Salen Bay on Loch Sunart. Lunch at the museum and information center or in Salen. Option to ride from Salen to Kilcamb Lodge.
DAY 7 - Departure Day
Discovery Bicycle Tours will van you or provide a coach to Glasgow Airport immediately following breakfast. Van/coach arrives in time for people to clear customs and make a 3 PM flight. Please do not schedule any flights leaving before 3 PM on the last day of your Scotland tour!
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Distance: 13 miles | Terrain: Easier | Dunkeld House Hotel
On the afternoon of your arrival day we will fit you to your bikes, give you a gearing demonstration and lead you on a short warm-up ride to acquaint you with biking on the left side of the road and give you an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the lovely Scottish countryside.
On the afternoon of your arrival day we will fit you to your bikes, give you a gearing demonstration and lead you on a short warm-up ride to acquaint you with biking on the left side of the road and give you an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the lovely Scottish countryside.
DAY 2 - Home made Scottish ice cream
Distance: 35 or 41 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Dunkeld House Hotel
Today we enjoy a 27-mile loop through a number of small villages and rural farmland. Enjoy a beautiful ride (optional) out to Little Glen Shee and another great short option to visit Huntingtower Castle. We lunch at a delightful pub in Pitcairngreen, enjoy home made Scottish ice cream at a farm in Airntully, and return to the Dunkeld House in time to delight in an afternoon stroll along the River Tay.
Today we enjoy a 27-mile loop through a number of small villages and rural farmland. Enjoy a beautiful ride (optional) out to Little Glen Shee and another great short option to visit Huntingtower Castle. We lunch at a delightful pub in Pitcairngreen, enjoy home made Scottish ice cream at a farm in Airntully, and return to the Dunkeld House in time to delight in an afternoon stroll along the River Tay.
DAY 3 - Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem
Distance: 37 or 44 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Fortingall Hotel
Leave Dunkeld House via the village of Murthly. Pass through Coupar Angus and then back roads to the Loch of Lowes wildlife preserve (where we can have osprey sightings). At mile 12.6 enter the elegant village of Dunkeld. Lunch here on the banks of the River Tay. Follow back roads through Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem. Pass Aberfeldy which is a one mile side visit. Pass Menzies Castle on the way to Kenmore and Loch Tay.
Leave Dunkeld House via the village of Murthly. Pass through Coupar Angus and then back roads to the Loch of Lowes wildlife preserve (where we can have osprey sightings). At mile 12.6 enter the elegant village of Dunkeld. Lunch here on the banks of the River Tay. Follow back roads through Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem. Pass Aberfeldy which is a one mile side visit. Pass Menzies Castle on the way to Kenmore and Loch Tay.
DAY 4 - Isle of Mull
Distance: 29 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Western Isles Hotel
A coach takes us to Oban. We then ferry over the Mull Sound to the Isle of Mull. We cycle to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, then back through the village of Craignure to Salen. Van pickup here or continue to Tobermory with spectacular ocean views. This ride is intermediate. Arrive at Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory.
A coach takes us to Oban. We then ferry over the Mull Sound to the Isle of Mull. We cycle to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, then back through the village of Craignure to Salen. Van pickup here or continue to Tobermory with spectacular ocean views. This ride is intermediate. Arrive at Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory.
DAY 5 - Easy day and enjoy exploring
Distance: 10,26 or 35 miles | Terrain: Easier | Western Isles Hotel
There are several options today. Many like to make this an easy day and enjoy exploring Tobermory perhaps adding a 10 mile “out and back” ride to Glengorm Castle. There is also a superb optional ride through the village of Dervaig, including a visit to the Old Byre Heritage Center. Your leaders will also give you directions for a lovely walk out to the lighthouse with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. We end the day with a guided tour of the local distillery. Finally, you can ask your leaders to help arrange an all-day boat excursion out to the Isle of Staffa.
There are several options today. Many like to make this an easy day and enjoy exploring Tobermory perhaps adding a 10 mile “out and back” ride to Glengorm Castle. There is also a superb optional ride through the village of Dervaig, including a visit to the Old Byre Heritage Center. Your leaders will also give you directions for a lovely walk out to the lighthouse with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. We end the day with a guided tour of the local distillery. Finally, you can ask your leaders to help arrange an all-day boat excursion out to the Isle of Staffa.
DAY 6 - Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Distance: 31 or 40 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Kilcamb Lodge
Today begins with a ferry ride from the Isle of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Start with a ride to Ardnamurchan Point and its beautiful lighthouse and museum. Then pass the beautiful bay and remains of the village of Camas Nan Geall; then Laga Bay and Salen Bay on Loch Sunart. Lunch at the museum and information center or in Salen. Option to ride from Salen to Kilcamb Lodge.
Today begins with a ferry ride from the Isle of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Start with a ride to Ardnamurchan Point and its beautiful lighthouse and museum. Then pass the beautiful bay and remains of the village of Camas Nan Geall; then Laga Bay and Salen Bay on Loch Sunart. Lunch at the museum and information center or in Salen. Option to ride from Salen to Kilcamb Lodge.
DAY 7 - Departure Day
Discovery Bicycle Tours will van you or provide a coach to Glasgow Airport immediately following breakfast. Van/coach arrives in time for people to clear customs and make a 3 PM flight. Please do not schedule any flights leaving before 3 PM on the last day of your Scotland tour!
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Distance: 13 miles | Terrain: Easier | Dunkeld House Hotel
On the afternoon of your arrival day we will fit you to your bikes, give you a gearing demonstration and lead you on a short warm-up ride to acquaint you with biking on the left side of the road and give you an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the lovely Scottish countryside.
On the afternoon of your arrival day we will fit you to your bikes, give you a gearing demonstration and lead you on a short warm-up ride to acquaint you with biking on the left side of the road and give you an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the lovely Scottish countryside.
DAY 2 - Home made Scottish ice cream
Distance: 35 or 41 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Dunkeld House Hotel
Today we enjoy a 27-mile loop through a number of small villages and rural farmland. Enjoy a beautiful ride (optional) out to Little Glen Shee and another great short option to visit Huntingtower Castle. We lunch at a delightful pub in Pitcairngreen, enjoy home made Scottish ice cream at a farm in Airntully, and return to the Dunkeld House in time to delight in an afternoon stroll along the River Tay.
Today we enjoy a 27-mile loop through a number of small villages and rural farmland. Enjoy a beautiful ride (optional) out to Little Glen Shee and another great short option to visit Huntingtower Castle. We lunch at a delightful pub in Pitcairngreen, enjoy home made Scottish ice cream at a farm in Airntully, and return to the Dunkeld House in time to delight in an afternoon stroll along the River Tay.
DAY 3 - Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem
Distance: 37 or 44 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Fortingall Hotel
Leave Dunkeld House via the village of Murthly. Pass through Coupar Angus and then back roads to the Loch of Lowes wildlife preserve (where we can have osprey sightings). At mile 12.6 enter the elegant village of Dunkeld. Lunch here on the banks of the River Tay. Follow back roads through Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem. Pass Aberfeldy which is a one mile side visit. Pass Menzies Castle on the way to Kenmore and Loch Tay.
Leave Dunkeld House via the village of Murthly. Pass through Coupar Angus and then back roads to the Loch of Lowes wildlife preserve (where we can have osprey sightings). At mile 12.6 enter the elegant village of Dunkeld. Lunch here on the banks of the River Tay. Follow back roads through Balnaguard, Pitnacree and Weem. Pass Aberfeldy which is a one mile side visit. Pass Menzies Castle on the way to Kenmore and Loch Tay.
DAY 4 - Isle of Mull
Distance: 29 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Western Isles Hotel
A coach takes us to Oban. We then ferry over the Mull Sound to the Isle of Mull. We cycle to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, then back through the village of Craignure to Salen. Van pickup here or continue to Tobermory with spectacular ocean views. This ride is intermediate. Arrive at Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory.
A coach takes us to Oban. We then ferry over the Mull Sound to the Isle of Mull. We cycle to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, then back through the village of Craignure to Salen. Van pickup here or continue to Tobermory with spectacular ocean views. This ride is intermediate. Arrive at Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory.
DAY 5 - Easy day and enjoy exploring
Distance: 10,26 or 35 miles | Terrain: Easier | Western Isles Hotel
There are several options today. Many like to make this an easy day and enjoy exploring Tobermory perhaps adding a 10 mile “out and back” ride to Glengorm Castle. There is also a superb optional ride through the village of Dervaig, including a visit to the Old Byre Heritage Center. Your leaders will also give you directions for a lovely walk out to the lighthouse with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. We end the day with a guided tour of the local distillery. Finally, you can ask your leaders to help arrange an all-day boat excursion out to the Isle of Staffa.
There are several options today. Many like to make this an easy day and enjoy exploring Tobermory perhaps adding a 10 mile “out and back” ride to Glengorm Castle. There is also a superb optional ride through the village of Dervaig, including a visit to the Old Byre Heritage Center. Your leaders will also give you directions for a lovely walk out to the lighthouse with views of the bay and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. We end the day with a guided tour of the local distillery. Finally, you can ask your leaders to help arrange an all-day boat excursion out to the Isle of Staffa.
DAY 6 - Ardnamurchan Peninsula
Distance: 31 or 40 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Kilcamb Lodge
Today begins with a ferry ride from the Isle of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Start with a ride to Ardnamurchan Point and its beautiful lighthouse and museum. Then pass the beautiful bay and remains of the village of Camas Nan Geall; then Laga Bay and Salen Bay on Loch Sunart. Lunch at the museum and information center or in Salen. Option to ride from Salen to Kilcamb Lodge.
Today begins with a ferry ride from the Isle of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Start with a ride to Ardnamurchan Point and its beautiful lighthouse and museum. Then pass the beautiful bay and remains of the village of Camas Nan Geall; then Laga Bay and Salen Bay on Loch Sunart. Lunch at the museum and information center or in Salen. Option to ride from Salen to Kilcamb Lodge.
DAY 7 - Departure Day
Discovery Bicycle Tours will van you or provide a coach to Glasgow Airport immediately following breakfast. Van/coach arrives in time for people to clear customs and make a 3 PM flight. Please do not schedule any flights leaving before 3 PM on the last day of your Scotland tour!
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
Ferry to Isle of Mull and Ardnamurchan Peninsula, visit to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, whisky tasting in Tobermory, entry fees, 6 nights lodging, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (you are on your own one night in Tobermory), bicycle and helmet. Free transfer from/to Glasgow Airport at approx. 10:00 a.m. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
Ferry to Isle of Mull and Ardnamurchan Peninsula, visit to Duart Castle and Torosay Palace, whisky tasting in Tobermory, entry fees, 6 nights lodging, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (you are on your own one night in Tobermory), bicycle and helmet. Free transfer from/to Glasgow Airport at approx. 10:00 a.m. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Ballathie House Hotel
The ultimate Scottish Country House Hotel – Ballathie is as unique as Scotland itself.
Ballathie Country House Hotel and Estate is situated on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire, smack in the heart of Scotland. It's also the film location for the "Witness Trees" in the TV series "Outlander."
Ballathie Country House Hotel and Estate is situated on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire, smack in the heart of Scotland. It's also the film location for the "Witness Trees" in the TV series "Outlander."
Kilcamb Lodge
An unspoiled Highland idyll on the most western peninsula in Britain and the gateway to a myriad of wonderful Hebredian Islands. Large and spacious bedrooms feature both contemporary and classic country house style. Breath-taking views from every angle.
The Fortingall Hotel
The Fortingall Hotel sits in the historic village of Fortingall at the entrance to mystical Glen Lyon and just a short distance from beautiful Loch Tay – gems at the heart of Highland Perthshire.
Western Isles Hotel
The 26-bedroom Western Isles Hotel is beautifully situated on the Isle of Mull on a small hill overlooking the Tobermory Bay. The views are spectacular from the public rooms and many of the bedrooms.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Dunkeld House Hotel
Dunkeld House is our alternate hotel, replacing Ballathie House on certain dates. Its luxurious ambiance and special setting in a wooded area next to the River Tay makes it a perfect, relaxing retreat. Here, too, scenes from the TV series "Outlander" were filmed. This time the grounds doubled as the North Carolina woods.
Kilcamb Lodge
An unspoiled Highland idyll on the most western peninsula in Britain and the gateway to a myriad of wonderful Hebredian Islands. Large and spacious bedrooms feature both contemporary and classic country house style. Breath-taking views from every angle.
The Fortingall Hotel
The Fortingall Hotel sits in the historic village of Fortingall at the entrance to mystical Glen Lyon and just a short distance from beautiful Loch Tay – gems at the heart of Highland Perthshire.
Western Isles Hotel
The 26-bedroom Western Isles Hotel is beautifully situated on the Isle of Mull on a small hill overlooking the Tobermory Bay. The views are spectacular from the public rooms and many of the bedrooms.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Dunkeld House Hotel
Dunkeld House is our alternate hotel, replacing Ballathie House on certain dates. Its luxurious ambiance and special setting in a wooded area next to the River Tay makes it a perfect, relaxing retreat. Here, too, scenes from the TV series "Outlander" were filmed. This time the grounds doubled as the North Carolina woods.
Kilcamb Lodge
An unspoiled Highland idyll on the most western peninsula in Britain and the gateway to a myriad of wonderful Hebredian Islands. Large and spacious bedrooms feature both contemporary and classic country house style. Breath-taking views from every angle.
The Fortingall Hotel
The Fortingall Hotel sits in the historic village of Fortingall at the entrance to mystical Glen Lyon and just a short distance from beautiful Loch Tay – gems at the heart of Highland Perthshire.
Western Isles Hotel
The 26-bedroom Western Isles Hotel is beautifully situated on the Isle of Mull on a small hill overlooking the Tobermory Bay. The views are spectacular from the public rooms and many of the bedrooms.
Guests say …
Quotes from guests about this tour:
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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