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Scotland by Bike and Boat

Scotland by Bike and Boat

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~~$2223~~

$2123

Scotland by Bike and Boat

8 Days Starting and ending in Oban

Visiting: Scotland

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

SBB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

14 - 22

Physical rating:

moderate

From:

$2223

$2123 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100

NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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.

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
Following the Caledonian Canal

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Scotland by Bike and Boat | SBB | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Oban

Meals Included: D

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.

Day 2 : Remote Peninsula Cycle, Ferry To Luing Island And Cycle To Tobernochy (36Km/22Mi)

Meals Included: B, 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.

Day 3 : Loop Cycle From Crinan To The Excavation Site Of Kilmartin, Cruise To The Island Of Jura (37Km/23Mi)

Meals Included: 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.

Day 4 : Cycle On Jura, Cruise To Mull (27Km/17Mi)

Meals Included: B, L, 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.

Day 5 : Cycle On Hilly Terrain And Marvel At The Natural Beauty On Mull Island (52Km/32Mi)

Meals Included: B, 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.

Day 6 : Cycle On The North Of Mull Island Towards Salen, Cross To Lochaline (50Km/31Mi)

Meals Included: B

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.

Day 7 : Cycle Route On The Island Mull, By Boat Back To Oban (19Km/12Mi)

Meals Included: B, D

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.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Oban

Meals Included: B

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.

What's Included

Accommodation
7 nights boat
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. 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
Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide
Bed linen and towels
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
Information pack including overview maps per cabin
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 d

What's Not Included

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)
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
Entrance fees to museums and attractions for group visits
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 no

Grading

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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

O. Bromley(Roberts Creek, BC, Canada)

Scotland by Bike and Boat

Wonderful guides and great food.

B. Stanwell(United Kingdom)

Scotland by Bike and Boat

Wonderful remote isle cycling on excellent ship. G

Wonderful remote isle cycling on excellent ship. Good value, guided and sailing every day to a new place was relaxing.

M. Coombs(Revere, United States)

Scotland by Bike and Boat

Everything was wonderful. The boat crew and tour

Everything was wonderful. The boat crew and tour guides worked very hard every day and the riding was amazing.

E. Liddell(Sydney, Australia)

Scotland by Bike and Boat

Wonderful sail and cycle trip around the Inner Heb

Wonderful sail and cycle trip around the Inner Hebrides. Great guides in Martin and Ana who kept us energised and were full of fun.

1 Dates & Availability

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Jun
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 16, 2024

~~$2223~~ $2123