Scotland by Bike and Boat
8 Days Starting and ending in Oban, Scotland
Visiting: Oban, Crinan, Isle of Mull, Mull Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
14 - 22
Age range:
10-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Scotland by Bike and Boat" tour, exploring the untouched natural beauty of the Inner Hebrides and the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands. This unique journey combines cycling and cruising, taking you through remote peninsulas, historic excavation sites, and the tranquil islands of Luing, Jura, and Mull. Marvel at fortresses and castles on the island of Mull, and enjoy the serene landscapes that inspired George Orwell. With 7 nights in a twin share cabin, daily meals prepared by the onboard cook, and guided cycling tours, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Oban
Location: Oban
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Dinner
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)
Location: Oban
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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)
Location: Crinan
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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)
Location: Isle of Mull
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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)
Location: Mull Island
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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)
Location: Isle of Mull
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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)
Location: Oban
Accommodation Name: Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Oban
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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Meals
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 day 8.
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Accommodation
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.
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Experienced Crew
Experienced crew including English speaking cycle guide.
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Bike Rental
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 alone.
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Bed Linen and Towels
Bed linen and towels are provided.
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Information Pack
Information pack including overview maps per cabin.
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Group Transfer
Group scheduled transfer from Edinburgh airport/city to the boat in Oban on embarkation and disembarkation days - reservation on request for an additional cost.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Oban
Travel to and from Oban is not included.
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Drinks and Meals Not Included
Drinks on board and meals not included.
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Flat Rate for Drinks
Flat rate for all drinks on board (including alcohol) and drinking water supplied for the cycling tours - GBP90 payable locally, to the captain.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer. -
Tips
Tips for crew and tour guide are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to museums and attractions for group visits are not included.
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Helmets
Helmets are 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. -
Optional Bicycle Insurance
Optional Bicycle insurance can be booked on arrival and paid in cash locally.
EUR10 per person for hybrid bike, EUR25 per person for electric bike.
Please note that normal travel insurance often does not cover loss or damage to rental bikes. -
Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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.
What You Carry
You will only need to carry your daily provisions in the pannier supplied with the bike. You may include a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, rain jacket, warm jacket/jumper, phone/camera, small first aid kit, & snacks. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes cycling tours with a 21-speed hybrid bike rental, ferry crossings, and boat cruises on the Flying Dutchman. Group transfers from Edinburgh to Oban are available at an additional cost.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on board the Flying Dutchman. The compact cabins are configured with bunk beds and include bed linen and towels.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners. The cook on board, who is a member of the crew, prepares breakfast and one warm meal a day. Meals begin with dinner on day 1 and end with breakfast on the final day. Drinks are not included.
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What type of accommodation is available on the tour?
Accommodation consists of 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities. If you are traveling alone, you can be matched with another passenger of the same sex. The compact cabins are configured with bunk beds, either two beds or four.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A 21-speed hybrid bike with a pannier is provided. 8-speed electric bikes are also available on most trips for an additional supplement, but supplies are limited. The guides will carry bike locks for the group, and individual locks can be provided on request.
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Is there a transfer service available from Edinburgh to Oban?
Yes, there is a group scheduled transfer from Edinburgh airport or city to the boat in Oban on embarkation and disembarkation days. This service is available for an additional cost and must be reserved in advance.
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Are helmets provided for the cycling tours?
Helmets are 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, but reservation is essential, and we cannot guarantee their suitability.
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What should I carry with me during the daily cycling tours?
You will need to carry your daily provisions in the pannier supplied with the bike. This may include a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, rain jacket, warm jacket/jumper, phone/camera, small first aid kit, and snacks. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tours?
The trip involves moderately difficult tours in mostly hilly stages of 20 to 65km (12 to 41 miles) on usually quiet asphalt roads. Some field paths are used as well. The tour includes some longer and steeper ascents where bikes may need to be pushed, and strong headwinds may also be encountered. It is suitable for fit adults and active experienced children (minimum 10 years old, height minimum 1.5m/5ft for rental bikes).
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What happens if I arrive in Oban before the check-in time?
If you arrive in Oban before the check-in time of 6pm, your luggage can be stored on board until check-in time. You can then join your crew, guides, and group for a late dinner at 9pm on board.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour. Cruise cover may be required, so please check with your insurer.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs include tips for the crew and tour guide, optional bicycle insurance, entrance fees to museums and attractions for group visits, and a flat rate for all drinks on board (including alcohol) and drinking water supplied for the cycling tours, which is GBP90 payable locally to the captain.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.