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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights boat
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 1 Lunch
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1840GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: SBB

Trip highlights

  • Discovering the untouched natural beauty of the Inner Hebrides
  • Admiring the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands
  • Visiting fortresses and castles on the island of Mull

Scotland's Inner Hebrides are known for their spectacular landscapes still largely untouched by mass tourism. Travelling by bike and boat, explore the island of Mull and the Morvern Peninsula, before making your way to the Isle of Jura, which is known for its rich stock of red deer and its world-famous whiskey distillery. Marvel at the wild scenery of Scotland, its intense colours and great biodiversity. Look out for dolphins and seal from the boat, and eagles and otters from your bike. Nights aboard your floating hotel, a two-masted sailing boat with a comfortable dining and lounge area and cabins with ensuite, are a time for relaxation amongst a group of like-minded cyclists.

Countries:

United Kingdom

Starting Point:

Oban

Finishing Point:

Oban

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Oban (eg from Edinburgh or Glasgow by bus or train, which takes approximately 3-4 hours). Alternatively, an optional group transfer is available (must be pre-booked - additional cost applies) from Edinburgh train station (at 5:30pm) or airport (at 6:00pm) to the boat in Oban. The cabins are available for check-in from 6pm. Should you arrive earlier your luggage can be stored on board until check-in time. Then join your crew, guides and group for a late dinner (9pm) on board.

Meals:  D

After breakfast we will adjust our bikes and then start our first cycle tour. This leads us 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 catching the ferry which takes us to the island of Luing. The island is made up of slate and the mining of the glistening grey rocks played an important economic role in the past. The University of Glasgow for instance, is largely constructed from the slate of this small island. At the Tobernochy dock, the Flying Dutchman awaits us for our crossing to Crinan, where we will spend the night.

Meals:  B,D

Today's bike tour takes us from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, which remind us of Stonehenge and prehistoric burial mounds, characterise 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 Paul McCartney's 'Mull of Kintyre' song, we continue by boat to the island of Jura.

Meals:  B,D

This morning 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 nearly 5,000 deer that live here. Passing the so-called Paps of Jura we arrive at a small dock where the Flying Dutchman awaits to 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.

Meals:  B,L,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 coastline of Mull Island. Around every bend another breathtaking view awaits. After the road divides, and the few cars that we have encountered along the way so far 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 to board the ship. We enjoy a pleasant evening docked in the quiet harbour of Salen, soaking in the beautiful sunset.

Meals:  B,D

Today’s cycling tour leads us to a climb through the northern part of the Isle of Mull. As a reward, a cosy tearoom offers 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 take the opportunity to jump in for a refreshing swim. A short crossing takes us to Tobermory bay. In this pretty village with colorful facades, an evening visit to an original Scottish pub is high on the agenda, including trying local dishes such as fish and chips or haggis.

Meals:  B

Today’s tour starts again in Tobermory and leads us to Glengorm Castle, in the northern outskirts 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 on board 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 McCaig's Tower, an incomplete replica of the Colosseum in Rome, is a worthwhile visit.

Meals:  B,D

Disembark after breakfast around 9am. An optional group transfer to Edinburgh airport can be booked on request (additional cost applies) - departs Oban at 7:00am, to reach flights departing Edinburgh from 12:00pm onwards.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners (does not include drinks) - The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one warm meal a day (dinner may be swapped for lunch). The meals begin with dinner on day 1 and end with breakfast on day 8.
  • 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities (supplement applies for single cabin). If you are travelling by yourself you can be matched with another passenger of the same sex. The compact cabins are configured with bunk beds - two beds, or four beds for either 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Ask your consultant for prices on children and triple and quad share. Due to the shape of the boat's hull the size of the cabins may vary, and some cabins may be marginally noisier and less ventilated due to their proximity to the engine and working part of the boat.
  • Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
  • 21 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier (8-speed electric bikes available on most trips for a supplement, limited supplies). The guides will carry bike locks for the group when cycling, or individual locks can be provided on request if you decide to bike alone (limited supply).
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Information pack including overview maps per cabin

  • Travel to and from Oban
  • Group scheduled transfer from Edinburgh airport/city to the boat in Oban on embarkation and disembarkation days - reservation on request for an additional cost, please ask our office for details
  • Drinks on board and meals not included
  • Flat rate for all drinks on board (including alcohol) and drinking water supplied for the cycling tours - GBP90 payable locally, to the captain
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for crew and tour guide (see pre departure information provided on booking)
  • Entrance fees to museums and attractions for group visits
  • Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability
  • Optional Bicyle insurance - can be booked on arrival and paid in cash locally. EUR10 per person for hybrid bike, EUR20 per person for electric bike. Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. If you do not take out bike insurance you will need to pay for the cost of the bike or repair of damages.

Cabins

Flying Dutchman

The Cabins

The Flying Dutchman provides 11 functionally furnished cabins, 10 of them are equipped with a bunk bed. One cabin is equipped with two bunk beds and ideal for guests, who travel in groups of three or four. All of our cabins offer an all-in-one shower and a private toilet. The Flying Dutchman offers a small wardrobe and a small, open shelf for storing your luggage.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with hand brakes. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. The bikes do not have water bottle holders. Helmets are not supplied but are mandatory on all bike tours - you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available on board (reservation essential), however we cannot guarantee their suitability. Note: the rental bikes are only available for participants that are taller than 1.5m.

Electric Bike

An electric bike option is available for this trip - supplement applies.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.

Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This trip involves moderately difficult tours in mostly hilly stages of 20 to 65km/12 to 41mi 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 bikes may be pushed. Strong headwinds may also be encountered. Helmets are mandatory on cycle stages. It is considered suitable for fit adults and active experienced children (minimum 10 years, height minimum is 1.5m/5ft for rental bikes). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. Due to the necessity to embark/disembark the ship by dinghy, balance and surefootedness are essential. Due to the change in tide, ladders may need to be used to access the boat/land, covering height differences of up to 3 m. Group Riding Pace - the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask participants who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions. Flat rate for all drinks on board and drinking water supplied for the cycling tours - GBP90 or EUR100pp payable locally.

Priceper person from

£1840GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£160
  • Single SupplementGBP£680
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Explore Scotland by Bike and Boat Tour | UTracks Active Travel