Bike & Sail the Highlands of Scotland

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: Departure

All 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!

• Flying Dutchman

  Comfort

  ?

  3 out of 5 (1 Review)

  View Boat

  Comfort Class Sailing Ship

  Hybrid Bicycles

  Cube Nature or exclusively designed trekking bike* … • Step through or horizontal bar (diamond frame) aluminum frame … • Upright riding position … • Selle Royal comfort gel saddle … • Shimano gearing… Read More

  Electric Bicycle (E-bike)

  Orbea, Cube, or FLEX ebike* … • Pedelec … • Aluminum step-through frame … • Upright riding position … • Shimano gearing … • 8 speeds … • Bosch motor and power pack … • Comfort gel saddle … •… Read More

  Accessories

  All bikes are equipped with a pannier bag. These are considered waterproof, however, please note that we can’t be held responsible or any damage that might be caused to any personal belongings like… Read More

  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