Road Cycling. View Trip Dates Book Now. Arran, Islay & Jura. Trip Grade: Green 3

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1 Road Cycling Arran, Islay & Jura View Trip Dates Book Now Trip Grade: Green 3

2 Arran, Islay & Jura On this island-hopping cycle tour you ll enjoy a week of day rides on the beautiful islands of Arran, Islay and Jura, as well as crossing the Mull of Kintyre. These small islands were made for exploring by bike and you can expect to find fascinating wildlife, history and culture along the way. Journey from island to island using local ferries and to finish, a private RIB charter back to the mainland via the straits of Corryvreckan. At the end of each day relax in hand picked accommodation with mouth watering local food, ales and whiskies providing an authentic taste of the islands. Highlights Cycle through 3 of Scotland best islands including Arran, Islay and Jura. A tutored whisky tasting including samples fresh from a cask. A Guided Rib trip to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. Book with confidence We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 2 people have booked Maximum of 8 places available per departure PLEASE NOTE The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

3 Planned Itinerary Day 1 Glasgow to Brodick Day 2 South Arran Loop Day 3 Arran to Islay Day 4 Riding on Islay Day 5 Riding on Islay Day 6 Jura & the Corryvreckan Whirlpool Day 7 Return to Glasgow Arrival Info Your Guide will meet you at Glasgow Queen Street Station 11:00am on Day 1 of your trip Departure Info You will be returned to Glasgow Queen Street Station 12:30pm on the final day of your trip PLEASE NOTE The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

4 Day 1 Glasgow to Brodick We meet in the morning in Glasgow for our journey to the west coast, where we catch the ferry from Ardrossan to the Isle of Arran. We will cross the Firth of Clyde which takes 55 minutes and arrives into the main village of Brodick. Arran is often described as Scotland in Miniature and is divided into the wild, unspoilt, mountainous north, dominated by the peak of Goat Fell; and the forest, farmland and resorts of the south. On arrival we will make the short transfer to our accommodation for the next two nights. After checking in we will spend some time fine tuning the bikes and ensuring everyone is set up for the weeks riding. After a short ride, we settle in to our accommodation at Lamlash to relax before dinner. (L, D) Day 2 South Arran Loop Our ride today will take us around the southern half of Arran, which has a lower landscape in comparison to the mountainous north, although there will be a couple of hills to test the legs. Starting from Lamlash we head round south passing through Whiting Bay and on to the south side of the island. We stop for lunch at a Velo Cafe before turning north again and the route is packed with interest and the coastline is worth exploring including standing stones, caves, castles and crags. We will also be treated to great views across to the mainland. Completing the loop we pass through Brodick and back to Lamlash. This evening we will enjoy dinner at the hotel (B, L) Ride details: 65km/ 41 miles Day 3 Arran to Islay Cycling directly from Brodick we pass by Goat Fell, the highest peak on Arran. The road winds north towards Lochranza and its ruined castle, where a short ferry crossing reconnects us to the mainland on the Kintyre Pensiula. We will then ride the short distance into Kennacriag to connect with our second ferry of the day to take us to Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours and takes us past the Isle of Gigha and through the Sound of Jura, where we can look out for minke whales, dolphins and basking sharks. On arrival in Islay there is an option to ride a short distance to the accommodation or transfer in the support vehicle. (B, L) Ride details: 52km/ 36 miles

5 Day 4 Riding on Islay This morning we transfer to the costal village of Portnahaven, where grey seals can often be seen in the harbour. Our route follows the west coast of the island, with the Atlantic sea to keep us company, before a short descent towards Port Charlotte. We then ride north to a wild sandy beach for a picnic lunch overlooking the sea. Back on the bikes we start to ride back to our accommodation at Bridgend via Loch Gruinart, where we can stop off to visit the small RSPB centre for a break and to learn about the importance of Islay to many bird species such as migrating geese, corncrakes, lapwing and hen-harrier. (B, L) Ride details: 64km/40 miles 798m/ 2620ft elevation gain Day 5 Riding on Islay Today will be a shorter ride along Islay s quiet country roads. We set off to Port Ellen, and reaching the coast once more we turn left and follow the road along the whisky coast - passing the 3 famous distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We carry on a short way past, to reach the monolithic Kildalton Celtic Cross. We then ride back to Ardbeg for lunch in the cafe before spending the afternoon enjoying a whisky tour and tasting. Afterwards we transfer back to Bridgend. (B, L) Ride details: 45-65km/ miles depending on which distilleries you choose to visit

6 Day 6 Jura and the Corryvreckan Whirlpool This morning we ride the short distance to Port Askaig, where we board the passenger ferry to Jura reaching the island in a little over five minutes. The support van will stay on Islay today so we ll need to be self sufficient for the day. The island only has one main road, passing by the Isle of Jura Distillery. There are many historical sites of interest, varying from Iron Age Forts, ancient burial grounds and standing stones as we cycle along the east coast of the Island towards the main village of Craighouse. We will stop for lunch at a great little cafe, enjoying views of the bay. Continuing along the coast, we will then load the bikes onto a private boat and be treated to a trip to visit the straits of Corryvreckan, home to a famous whirlpool when the tide is roaring through. From here the boat takes us back to the mainland and our hotel which is set in 17 acres of gardens and beach overlooking the coast. We will enjoy a final dinner at the hotel and perhaps a dram to celebrate a fantastic week of island hopping. (B, L, D) Ride details: 56km/35 miles 700m/ 2300ft elevation gain Day 7 Return to Glasgow After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel there will be time for a short walk around the neighbouring Arduaine Gardens. The gardens are run and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and benefit from the warming effect of the North Atlantic drift. Due to the proximity to the sea, this allows the cultivation of many rare and tender plants from around the world. Our journey back to Glasgow will take us around 2 hours 45 minutes, passing through Inverary and Loch Fyne. (B)

7 Trip Grading Green 3 Green graded trips are suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoy cycling and are looking for an active but relaxed trip. They are also suitable for active people who are new to cycle touring and looking for a new way to explore the countryside. Distances each day will be between miles, cycling at an average speed of around 12mph. We will ride on mostly straightforward rolling terrain with one or two more notable climbs during the trip, where some riders may opt to ride in the support vehicle. We will be in the saddle for 4-6 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus visits to sites of interest. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join. If our guides feel that you are not able to complete a scheduled ride they may ask you not to join in that day. If you have any questions about the grading, then please do give our Adventure Consultants a call to chat through your experience and suitability for this trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described rides in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.

8 Accommodation and Meals This trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities. Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/restaurant. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Evening meals are included on the first and final evenings, and on this itinerary and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route. On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations. Single Rooms There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of 400 is charged. Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

9 Inclusions This trip includes the following: 7 days professional guiding with lead guide plus assistant guide/support driver 6 nights accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels/inns/guest houses on a B&B basis Meals stated in the itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Vehicle transport throughout including ride support and luggage transfers All ferry transport and local boat services Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary Ride snacks, home-baking and drinks

10 Our holidays reviewed in your words The whole experience was a fantastic way to experience what Scotland has to offer in terms of scenery, wildlife, people and food, on a much more intimate level than just driving through the same terrain. The guides and their knowledge added value to enrich the experience, and made the whole process seamless and worry-free. Probably the best way to sum up was that I ended up making a commitment to an Outer Hebrides trip next year. Paul Travers All Trip Reviews Here

11 Your Guide During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages. Sustainable Travel Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive. We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC). We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in. You can learn more about the work we re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here.

12 Equipment List Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/road-cycling-in-scotland-what-to-wear Eat Stay See Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do Eat Stay See Glasgow.pdf General Info Scotland From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to to know facts. General-Info-Scotland.pdf

13 Travel Insurance It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions. We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the following companies offer suitable policies. Campbell Irvine Direct campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services journeyman-services.com/travelinsurance If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions Travel With Confidence You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected. Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA.

14 FAQs Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page. wildernessscotland.com/faq Questions To Ask? Ready to Book? If you want to get in touch please send us an or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by , or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately. We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer. info@wildernessscotland.com Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0) Tel (US and Canada): View Trip Dates Book Now