Bike & Sail the Highlands of Scotland
Scotland Bike + Barge Tours
A sailing & biking tour around Scotland’s Isle of Mull, the Inner Hebrides, & the Highlands
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1795 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this unique bike and boat tour in Scotland, a true sailing adventure, you begin and end in Oban, a resort town nestled in the hills and formally known as the "Gateway to the Isles."
On the tall ship, the Flying Dutchman, you visit the Island of Mull and the Morvern Peninsula, still largely untouched by mass tourism. You will admire the fortresses on the island weathered by the wind, and enjoy the wild scenery of the highlands of Scotland, with its intense colors and great biodiversity.
From the ship's deck, you can look for dolphins and whales, as the grandiose landscapes glide by. While cycling, you will see eagles, red deer, and otters and gaze out upon the sea from the most beautiful cliff-top viewpoints.
In the evening, raise a glass of whiskey in one of the local pubs and listen to some Scottish music!
Highlights
- Amazing wildlife on the Isle of Mull
- Excavation site of Kilmartin
- Unique accommodations on an authentic tall ship
- Jura distillery
- Duart Castles
- Wild nature of Scotland
We offer other bike tours in Scotland of course and many, many other bike and boat tours in Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Oban
Day 2: Oban - Toberonochy - Crinan, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 3: Crinan - Island of Jura, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 4: Isle of Jura - Isle of Mull, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 5: Mull Island: Loch Spelve - Salen, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 6: Mull Island: Salen - Tobermory, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Peninsula Morvern: Lochaline - Kingairloch, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: DepartureAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to wind and weather considerations.
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Oban
Individual flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow and from there either by train or bus to Oban. Your cabins on the Flying Dutchman are ready for check-in at 5 pm. If you arrive earlier, your luggage can be stored onboard until check-in time. Alternatively, you can reserve a transfer leaving at 5:30 pm from the train station in Edinburgh and at 6 pm from Edinburgh airport.
During a late dinner, you get to know your crew and tour guides. (Meals included: D)Day 2: Oban - Toberonochy - Crinan, 22 mi. (36 km)
After breakfast, you adjust your bicycles and start your first cycle tour, leading south from Oban through hilly landscapes and along the shores of a small highland lake back to the sea. You cross a remote peninsula before embarking on the ferry which takes you to the island of Luing. The island is made up of slate and the mining of the gray glistening rocks played an important economic role in the past. The University of Edinburgh, for instance, is largely constructed out of the slate from this small island. At the Tobernochy dock, the Flying Dutchman awaits for a crossing to Crinan for the night. (Meals included: B, D)Day 3: Crinan - Island of Jura, 23 mi. (37 km)
Today’s bike tour leads from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, which will remind you of Stonehenge and prehistoric burial mounds, characterize the vast landscape. After visiting the museum grounds and enjoying lunch at the Museum Cafe, you return to Crinan. Past the Kintyre Peninsula, made famous from the Paul McCartney song ‘Mull of Kintyre’, you continue by boat to the island of Jura. (Meals included: B, D)Day 4: Isle of Jura - Isle of Mull, 17 mi. (27 km)
Before starting today’s bike tour, you are able to take part in a guided tour of the famous Jura-Distillery and gain first-hand knowledge of the processes involved in the production of great whiskey. Following the distillery tour, the route leads 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 about 5,000 deer that live there. Passing the so-called Paps of Jura, you arrive at a small dock where the Flying Dutchman takes you to the island of Mull. On the way you pass the swirling waters of Corryvreckan, one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world - but do not fear, the experienced crew will guide you safely to a quiet bay on the island of Mull for the night. (Meals included: B, L, D)Day 5: Mull Island: Loch Spelve - Salen, 32 mi. (52 km)
Today’s cycle tour is dedicated entirely to the spectacular natural beauty of Scotland. The route leads through hilly terrain and along the Island’s coastline. Behind every bend in the road, another breath-taking view awaits. After the road divides, and the few cars that we have encountered along the way so far have turned off towards Iona, you share the road only with sheep and shaggy highland cattle grazing peacefully in the bright green meadows. Along an ever-changing coastal road, you cycle past Loch Na’ Keal to Salen where the ship is waiting. On a short crossover on board, you navigate to Tobermory Bay. In this pretty, little place, with its colorful facades, an evening visit to an original Scottish pub is high on the agenda. This evening, you'll dock in the quiet harbor of Salen, able to soak in the beautiful sunset. (Meals included: B,D)Day 6: Mull Island: Salen - Tobermory, 31 mi. (50 km)
Cycling through the northern part of the Island of Mull, you'll encounter an elevation gain. As a reward, a cozy tearoom offers a welcomed reprieve before you head for the brilliant white beach of Calgary Bay and its crystal clear water. One of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, don't miss the opportunity to jump in for a refreshing swim. Heading back to the ship, there are just a few more inclines to tackle before reaching Tobermory. Explore the town with it's colorful houses and enjoy an evening meal in a typical Scottish pub. (Meals included: B)Day 7: Peninsula Morvern: Lochaline - Kingairloch, 18 mi. (30 km)
After short morning through the Sound of Mull to Lochaline, a scenic cycling tour awaits you. After the first ascent, you reach an almost traffic-free road leading through the barren highlands. You follow hillsides, wild mountain streams, and moorlands before reaching the Flying Dutchman, to ferry you back to Oban. Before dinner, you have the opportunity to take a stroll through Oban. The McCaig's Tower, an incomplete replica of the Coliseum in Rome, is a worthwhile visit. (Meals included: B, D)Day 8: Oban - Departure
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)View all our featured bike trips, specials, and news!
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Flying Dutchman
Comfort Class Sailing Ship
The Flying Dutchman, once a herring logger, was launched in 1903. The conversion to a sailing schooner took place in 2004 and the ship was equipped with 10 small but functionally furnished cabins, each with a private bath and all in one shower. The front saloon in the deckhouse serves as a cozy dining room and lounge with upholstered benches for seating all guests. At the stern, you can sit beside Captain Klaas at the wheel and perhaps even steer the 39-m-long vessel for a while. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights on the Flying Dutchman
- Daily breakfast
- 6 dinners (see daily itinerary)
- Guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
- Overview maps of the daily tours on board
- 21-speed trekking bike rental equipped with pannier bag
- Bed linen & towels (please bring a beach towel)
- English speaking tour guide
What’s Not Included
- Arrival transfer from Edinburg/Edinburgh Airport to the ship
- Helmets
- Departure transfer from Oban to the Edinburgh Airport
- Drinks on board, tally sheet. Flat rate for beverages (beer, wine, soft drinks, drinking water, tea, coffee): 90 GBP/100 Euro
- Meals other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees to museums and sights
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Trip Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Comfort Class
Flying Dutchman
Sunday departures
June 11, June 18, June 25, August 20, August 27, & September 3, 2023
Bunk bed cabin $ 3015 £ 1583 $ 2,672 € 1795 ₪ 7284 ¥ 274678 NZ$ 3250 NOK 21973 kr 21351 $ 1,965 Single supplement $ 1008 £ 529 $ 893 € 600 ₪ 2435 ¥ 91814 NZ$ 1086 NOK 7345 kr 7137 $ 657 Extra Options
Electric Bike
Limited number available: $ 168 £ 88 $ 149 € 100 ₪ 406 ¥ 15302 NZ$ 181 NOK 1224 kr 1189 $ 109
Transfers
Collective arrival transfer from Edinburgh (5:30 pm)/Edinburgh Airport (6:00 pm) to Oban: $ 84 £ 44 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 203 ¥ 7651 NZ$ 91 NOK 612 kr 595 $ 55
Departure transfer from Oban (7 am to reach flights starting from noon) to Edinburgh Airport: $ 84 £ 44 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 203 ¥ 7651 NZ$ 91 NOK 612 kr 595 $ 55
Other exclusive transfers upon request.
Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price (not combinable with the 50 % discount).
The third and fourth person in the quadruple cabin receives a reduction of 50% on the basic tour price.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This tour is classified as a moderate to difficult bike and sail adventure. The daily distances range from 12 to 37 mi. (20 to 60 km) on very hilly terrain. The majority of the route is on quiet country asphalted roads but, at times, field paths are also used. This tour involves some longer and steeper ascents.
The cyclists on regular (non-electric bicycles determine the pace. Electric cyclists should be mindful of this and acknowledge that non-electric cyclists need time to rest and will take longer to climb the hills.
Please note that strong headwinds may also be encountered. The daily program depends on the weather and the captain’s discretion.
Due to the necessity to embark/disembark the ship by dinghy, good balance and steadiness is required. 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.Airport Info
Fly to Edinburgh Airport (EDI).
Local Travel
A group transfer is available between Edinburgh/Edinburgh Airport and the tour start on embarkation and disembarkation day. See pricing and remarks for details. Travel time is 3 hours.
If you prefer public transportation, from the Edinburgh Airport, there are good connections by train and bus throughout Scotland. The simplest and cheapest connection between the individual places is the Citylink Busses. It is advisable to reserve the bus in advance.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Recommended
Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Helmets are available on board in limited number (on request).
Remarks
Collective transfer between Edinburgh Airport or Edinburgh Center to the boat and return (as long as it takes place on embarkation and disembarkation day) is available. See pricing.
• Group transfer Edinburgh (5.30 pm) /Edinburgh Airport (6.00 pm) – Ship in Oban
• Group transfer Oban – Edinburgh Airport (07.00 am to reach flights starting from 12.00 pm)If you arrive in the morning, you can take the public bus to Waverley Bridge/St. Andrews Square (every 10 minutes). Your baggage can be stored at the central station in a safe deposit box and you can enjoy the whole day in Edinburgh. At 5:30 pm the transfer bus can pick you up at Waverley Station Bridge at the center of Edinburgh. Otherwise, you can get picked up at the airport (arrival area) at 6 pm. The transfer to Oban takes 3 hours.
If you require a transfer other than during the mentioned time, please let us know and we can get you a quote.
We will need flight information for transfers.
- arrival & departure date
- flight route
- airline
- flight number
- estimated arrival or departure time
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
It is recommended that you spend at least one night in Edinburgh!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Island Hopping.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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