Scotland: West Coast Bike Tour
Six nights; seven days of bicycle touring on very quiet one-lane paved roads of western Scotland.
“This was the best trip of my life, and I loved every minute of it. The location was heavenly…The cuisine far exceeded our expectations. Honestly, I would sign up for this very same trip again!” – Sue & Linda
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Quiet, single-track roads with varying terrain along glens, lochs, rivers, seashores, and across wide open moors.
- Charming and hospitable lodging.
- Oban’s wool and tweed.
- Heather and ferns on Mull.
- Scotch in Tobermory.
- Waterfalls near Ulva.
- Druid and Stone Age ruins around Dunadd.
- Iona, where the Book of Kells was written, and Scottish kings buried.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
30-50 miles/50-80km per day of moderate cycling on quiet paved roads with only one lane. The route follows many shorelines and rivers, and is not as hilly as one might expect. Advanced cyclists may pursue longer options; relaxed cyclists may ride shorter distances and use the support vehicle as required.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions, ~26 km
- DAY 2: ~45 km or ~98 km
- DAY 3: ~70 km
- DAY 4: ~45 km
- DAY 5: ~75 or ~100 km
- DAY 6: Variable
- DAY 7: ~56 km
Scotland: West Coast Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Scotland: West Coast Bike
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Radisson RED Glasgow, 09:30, day one. Glasgow can be reached by train from Edinburgh. Click here for schedule & fares.
Note: We are unable to collect you from locations within Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone.
Finish: Fort William, 14:00; or Glasgow 17:00, day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Glasgow to Kilmartin. Ride to Crinan, ~33 km
Pickup in Glasgow. Begin cycling in Kilmartin, near Lochgilphead. Ride through level countryside and along the canal towpath near the ancient capital of Dalriada, seeing castles, gardens, and Neolithic & Bronze Age ceremonial sites. Tonight’s elegant dinner at the Crinan Hotel is a demonstration of culinary flair. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only).
Crinan Hotel, Crinan
Crinan to Oban, ~83 km
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 this land and its history. The final stretch downstream to Taynuilt and through Glen Lonan is a beautiful ride. Finish in Oban, where waterfront walks lead to many shops, restaurants, and the distillery. BL
Perle Oban Hotel, or, Glenburnie House Inn, or, upgrade to Manor House ($125pp), Oban
Oban to Iona, ~63 km
Take the ferry from Oban 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 with another, short ferry to the Isle of Iona where you’ll find your inn. BL
Argyll Hotel, or, Ardoran House, Isle of Iona
Iona to Tobemory, ~80 km with options up to ~117 km
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 Tobermory. BLD
Strongarbh House, or, Tobermory Hotel, Tobermory
Tobermory Loop Ride. Variable distance, 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, and a climb to where another view of the Outer Hebrides will enchant you. Return to Tobermory, where shopping along the quaint waterfront, at one end of which is the Tobermory distillery, will occupy a pleasant couple of hours. Choose from many dinner options in Tobermory then transfer back to your hotel. B
Same lodging
Kilchoan to Strontian, ~47 km
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 Shiel Estate then take a ride you’ll never forget along the shore of Loch Shiel to tyour lodging at Strontian. BLD
Strontian Hotel, Strontian
Strontian to Fort William; transfer to Glasgow, ~47 km
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. This is on the train line known as the most beautiful in the world, and you can choose to travel back to Glasgow with us, or to take the train on your own. Either way, you will enjoy fabulous views of Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor before following the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. BL
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 6-12
- Jun 3-9
- Jul 22-28
- Sep 2-8
2024 Guided:
- May 4-10
- Jun 1-7
- Aug 3-9
- Sep 7-13
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4275 (per person, double occupancy)
includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 3 dinners, ferries, luggage handling, full-time guide, support van, maps and route instructions, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 3785 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps and route instructions, essential transfers, emergency support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1145
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 265
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
The quiet single-track roads of Western Scotland follow glens, lochs, rivers, seashores, and across wide open moors, and are so quiet you will often feel like the sky and the ever-changing view are all yours. We pick you up in Glasgow, and start your bike tour near Oban with a warm-up on the Crinan Canal towpath. Your imagination will reel as you explore the Druid and Stone Age ruins around Dunadd. Ancient rites performed here included the crowning of kings as they sat upon the Stone of Destiny. You will ride north along the shore of Loch Awe, 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 visit Iona, where the Book of Kells was written, and Scottish kings buried. After visiting Tobermory, the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula will be your avenue eastward. On the return to Glasgow, you will pass through battle-bloodied Glencoe and along the shores of Loch Lomond. You will 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. The lodging on this adventure is exceptionally charming and hospitable, and the varied terrain will inspire all levels of cyclist.
