Feel like a bird in flight as you ride in and out of woodlands and across wide-open moors on the quiet single-track roads of western Scotland. Sheep and highland cattle share the road with you, and the few drivers you encounter display incomparable Scottish courtesy as they pass.
Starting in Lochgilphead, and warming up on the Crinan Canal towpath, your imagination will reel as you explore the Druid and Stone Age ruins near Dunadd Fort. The ancient rites performed here included the crowning of kings as they sat upon the Stone of Destiny. Cycling north along the shore of salmon-rich Loch Awe, you'll then ferry past the Lady's Rock to the Fair Isle of Mull. Magical views of the outer isles will enhance your memories of the bens and glens of this quintessentially Scottish Island. Lord Ullin's daughter fled her father's ire here, and it's where the headless horseman rode. You may be able to visit Iona, where the Book of Kells was written, and Scottish kings were buried.
You'll be able to attend the excellent "Mull Little Theatre" - a professional acclaimed theatre seating just 43 people, and after visiting shops and the distillery in Tobermory, the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula will be your avenue eastward. You'll learn about Scotland's rich and savage history, which often sounds more like imaginative myth than fact, while you visit country estates, gardens, pubs, distilleries, and castles. Your return to Glasgow can take you through Glencoe, across Rannoch Moor, and along the banks of Loch Lomond. The lodging on this adventure is exceptionally charming and comfortable, and the varied terrain will inspire all levels of cyclist.
Highlights: Sitting on the Stone of Destiny imagining the marauding hordes; paddling in Loch Awe; wool and tweed in Oban, heather and ferns on Mull; waterfalls near Ulva; views of the Outer Isles; Guinness in Tobermory; phoning home from a phone box surrounded by sheep. Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, stone castles and ruins.
2007 Groups: Jun 3-9; Sep 9-15. Custom groups any time. Tour starts: Oban at noon on day one and finish at Fort William, 1400hrs on day seven. There is an abundant train or bus connections to Glasgow, Inverness, or Edinburgh. Route Notes: Moderate to challenging cycling on quiet paved roads with only one lane, 30-50 mi. (50-80km) daily, with options for further exploration. The route follows many shorelines and rivers. Advanced cyclists may pursue longer options.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 15mi - 50mi (24km - 80km). 40-minute transfer at noon from Oban to Dunadd Fort, near Lochgilphead. Lunch around the Stone of Destiny, followed by rides through level countryside and along the canal towpath near the ancient capital of Dalriada, seeing castles, gardens, and Druid ceremonial sites. Elegant dinner at the Crinan Hotel included on guided trips. Lodging: Crinan Hotel, Crinan.
Day 2: 20 mi - 40mi (32km - 64km). Magnificent views over the waters of Loch Awe, as you ride the shore through the Inverliever and Eredine Forests, inspire songs, poetry, and a rich appreciation for the land and its history. Optional visit to Kilchurn Castle. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips. Lodging: Ardanaiseig Hotel or Taychreggan Hotel, Kilchrenan.
Day 3: 40mi - 53mi (64km - 85km). Ride to Oban, stopping at exotic breeds farm enroute. Shopping and distillery tour options in Oban before taking the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Visit Duart and Torosay Castles, and then ride up through Glen More and down where the headless horseman rode to Pennyghael. Finish in Bunessan, near the ferry to Iona. Breakfast included. Dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Ardachy House Hotel, Mull, Argyll.
Day 4: 35mi-50mi (56km - 80km). Visit Iona (burial place of ancient kings, such as MacBeth, and where the Book of Kells was discovered lying in the heather) or cycle along the dramatic, hilly western coast of Mull, passing the Ulva ferry, site of Campbell's poem "Lord Ullin's Daughter", and stopping at Calgary Bay for, perhaps, a swim. Finish in Dervaig. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Calgary Farmhouse Hotel, by Dervaig or Druimard Country House, Dervaig.
Day 5: Distance variable, optional hike. A hilly loop ride around the Northern half of Mull, including a side trip to see Glengorm Castle in its magnificent setting overlooking the Sound of Mull and the Ardnamurchan. Stop in Tobermory, where shopping along the quaint waterfront, at one end of which is the Tobermory distillery, will occupy a pleasant couple of hours. Complete your ride with a climb to where another view of the Outer Hebrides will enchant you. Breakfast included. Choose from the many dinner options in Tobermory or dinner and theatre in Dervaig. Lodging: Tobermory Hotel.
Day 6: 30mi -50mi (48km - 80km). Early morning ferry to Kilchoan (don't pronounce the "c"). Ride along the fantastically beautiful and remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, visiting an ancient castle in ruins, and a baronial mansion awash in Victorian opulence. Follow the shore of Loch Sunart to Salen, and then choose between short and long afternoon options. Cycle the quiet hills of Moidart to visit the ruins of Castle Tioram in its magnificent setting on Loch Sheil Estate then take a ride you'll never forget along the shore of Loch Shiel to the fabulous Kilcamb Lodge in Strontian. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Kilcamb Lodge Hotel, Strontian.
Day 7: Mileage 25mi (40km). A beautiful, peaceful ride this morning will take you by coastline, cows, and sheep to Corran Ferry, close to the finish point in Fort William – an ideal base for exploring Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and the historically infamous Glencoe. If you travel back to Glasgow by train, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor before following the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. If you choose to extend your trip by doing our Loch Ness to the Summer Isles tour in Northern Scotland, you can take advantage of our complimentary transport between tours. Breakfast included.
Testimonials:
"The trip was spectacular. The biking, food, accommodations, scenery, weather, and hospitality were unbelievable. The quiet valley roads with sheep and cows wandering around were perfect…It was one of our very best vacations."
(Frank L. & Suzanne H., CT)
"The cuisine far exceeded our expectations. Honestly, I would sign up for this very same trip again!"
(Sue & Linda, MN)
"I love the single-track roads and the traffic jams of sheep or highland cattle. We were often the only ones on the whole road."
(Katy D., VT)
"While we enjoyed all of the places we stayed, we wanted to particularly note the very wonderful and unique Ardachy House and the two women responsible for it."
(Bill Y., CT)
"One of the world’s best adventures."
(Men’s Journal)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 3495 (US$ 2995) pp. dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 4 dinners, ferries, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps & route notes, taxes)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 3195 (US$ 2795) pp. dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes, taxes);
Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain - C$ 220 (US$ 195); Super light road - C$275 (US$ 245)
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