Arran, Islay & Jura - Island Hopping Adventure

Chris & Jeff

Wednesday 14th May – Tuesday 20th May 2025

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

This island-hopping trip combines scenic roads, excellent accommodation, delicious food and some of the world’s finest whisky to make an unforgettable cycle tour. Throughout the week, immerse yourself in the stunning coastal landscapes of southwest Scotland. Explore the Isle of Arran, Islay, the whisky island of Jura, and crossing the Mull of Kintyre.

These small islands were made for bike exploration, and you can expect 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 impressive Corryvreckan Whirlpool – the largest in Scotland! 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.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Wednesday 14th May | Scottish Mainland to the Isle of Arran | Overnight: Lamlash

Day 2 | Thursday 15th May | South Arran Loop | Overnight: Lamlash

Day 3 | Friday 16th May | Arran to Islay | Overnight: Bridgend

Day 4 | Saturday 17th May | Cycling on Islay | Overnight: Bridgend

Day 5 | Sunday 18th May | Island Spirits | Overnight: Bridgend

Day 6 | Monday 19th May | Jura and the Gulf of Corryvreckan | Overnight: By Oban

Day 7 | Tuesday 20th May | Finish in Oban

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 14th May - Scottish Mainland to the Isle of Arran

We meet in Ardrossan this morning to catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. Crossing the Firth of Clyde, arrive 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 beaches of the south. On arrival, we will make the short transfer to your accommodation for the next two nights. After checking in, spend some time building and fine-tuning the bikes and ensuring you’r comfortable for a week of riding. After a short warm up ride, we’ll settle into your accommodation at Lamlash to relax before dinner.

Overnight: Lamlash | Glenisle Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Guide Details - Scott McCabe Read More +

Name: Scott McCabe
Contact Number: +44 (0)7840 588166
Meeting Place: Ardrossan South Beach Station | Meeting Time: 11:30

Scott will meet you at the South Beach station in Ardrossan this morning to kick start your adventure.

Day 2 - Thursday 15th May - South Arran Loop

Today’s ride takes us around the southern half of the Isle of Arran, which features a gentler landscape compared to the mountainous north, though there will still be a couple of hills to test the legs. Starting from Lamlash, the route heads south, passing through Whiting Bay and onto the southern side of the island. Along the way, stop by the innovative Lagg Distillery for a mid morning tour and tasting. The coastline is full of things to explore, including standing stones, caves, castles, and crags. There are also stunning views across to the mainland throughout the ride. Completing the loop, we’ll pass through Brodick and return to Lamlash.

Overnight: Lamlash | Glenisle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 16th May - Arran to Islay

Cycling directly from Brodick we will 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 the group to the mainland on the Kintyre Peninsula. We will then ride the short distance into Kennacraig to connect with our second ferry of the day to journey to the island of 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.

Overnight: Bridgend | Bridgend Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Saturday 17th May - Cycling on Islay

Today, you will explore by bike the stunning famous area of the Isle of Islay located in the southern Hebrides. This morning, enjoy a transfer to the picturesque coastal 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 to keep us company, before a short descent towards Port Charlotte. Ride north to a wild sandy beach for a picnic lunch overlooking the sea. Back on the bikes, we’ll ride back to the accommodation at Bridgend via Loch Gruinart, where we have the option of stopping 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, corncrake, lapwing, and hen harrier.

Overnight: Bridgend | Bridgend Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sunday 18th May - Island Spirits

Continuing your Islay visit, today will be a shorter ride along Islay’s quiet country roads. Set off to Port Ellen and, reaching the coast once more, turns left and follows the road along the whisky coast – passing the 3 famous Islay distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. You carry on a short way past, to reach the monolithic Kildalton Celtic Cross. Pedalling back on ourselves a little, we’ll stop at the Lagavulin Distillery for a tour and tasting followed by a spot of lunch in the neighbouring Ardbeg Distillery’s cafe.  Choose to ride back to your accommodation in Bridgend or saddle up and pedal back along the lovely winding roads.

Overnight: Bridgend | Bridgend Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Monday 19th May - Jura and the Gulf of Corryvreckan

It is time to enjoy some exceptional island cycling! This morning, ride across Islay to Port Askaig, boarding the passenger ferry to Jura, reaching the island in a little over five minutes. The support van won’t join you today, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient – Scott will make sure you’re happy with the days plan before you board the ferry. The island has one distillery (which it would be rude not to stop at and enjoy one last tasting), one main road, and many sites of historical interest, varying from Iron Age Forts, ancient burial grounds, and standing stones. Setting foot on Jura you’ll continue along the coast, taking in the sweeping views to meet a private boat and be treated to a trip to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home to a famous whirlpool when the tide is roaring. From here, the boat takes you back to the Scottish mainland and your hotel, which has 17 acres of gardens and a beach overlooking the coast. You will enjoy a final dinner at the hotel and perhaps another dram to celebrate a fantastic week of island hopping.

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Tuesday 20th May - Finish in Oban

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, make the short transfer to Oban, where your journey concludes. This picturesque coastal town, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, offers a fitting end to your Scottish island-hopping adventure. You may have time to explore Oban’s charming harbour, visit the iconic McCaig’s Tower for panoramic views, or enjoy a final taste of local seafood before departing.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 6 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels.
  • Breakfast each day
  • A support vehicle with a guide who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
  • Soigneur / Support driver, bike mechanic and first aider available 24/7 while on the trip.
  • Essential equipment including GPS with pre-loaded routes, bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers.
  • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip.
  • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1 if hiring.
  • Daily luggage transfers.
  • Whisky tours and tastings at Lagg, Lagavulin, Jura distillery
  • Private RIB trip
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 888 351 5707

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch

Tel: 888 351 5707

Email Chris

Accommodation

Glenisle Hotel

Lamlash | Isle of Arran |
KA27 8LY | Phone: +4490)1770 600 559
Web: glenislehotel.com

Bridgend Hotel

Bridgend | Isle of Islay |
PA44 7PB | Phone: +44(0)1496 810 212
Web: bridgend-hotel.com

Loch Melfort Hotel

Arduaine | By Oban | Argyll |
PA34 4XG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1852 200 233
Web: lochmelfort.co.uk

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Meet Your Guide

Scott McCabe

Contact Number: +44 (0)7840 588166

Mini Bio

I have been bike mad for about 10 years now, mainly road cycling but over the last few years, I have also embraced the chunkier tyres and baggier clothes for plenty of fun mountain biking action. I enjoy cycling all over Scotland and also travel to Europe to seek out the smoother tarmac and sunny climbs when I can. I have a passion for all things outdoor and adventure. When I’m not out my bike, I’ll be out climbing or in the hills.

I have studied Physiology and Sports Science at University, worked as a landscape gardener, trained as a chef, travelled around on my bike and become a qualified Mountain Leader and Mountain Bike Guide. Instructing, guiding and introducing people to the outdoors in Scotland is now proudly what I can say I do for a living.

Place to Play

Everywhere and anywhere that there are rolling roads or scenic single-tracks for the bikes or mountains and crags to walk and climb. Having lived in different areas across Scotland there is something special and appealing to all of them but the West Coast and Islands certainly have a bit of everything for my tastes, including the food and the whisky!

Not a lot of people know this

I used to be a keen rugby player and played at a fairly high level until I realised getting broken a few times a week wasn’t the best idea

Virtuoso

Arran, Islay & Jura – Island Hopping Adventure

Wednesday 14th May – Tuesday 20th May 2025