Thomson
Account
Tour De France - Official Premium Tour Operator
Account
Thomson
COVID-19 Travel Update
Close

Trips

Discover

Search

Trip Calendar Tour de France Countries Top Destinations Trip Types
About Us The Team Rental Bikes The Journal Partners Reviews Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy
Account Account Spectator Trips
Back
Belgium Colombia Croatia France Italy Portugal Scotland Spain Switzerland
Alps Andalusia Andes Ardennes Barcelona Bormio Canary Islands Dolomites El Teide Flanders French Alps French Pyrenees Girona Italian Alps Lake Como Lombardy Medellin Mediterranean Northern France Northern Spain Paris Piedmont Provence Pyrenees Roubaix Spanish Pyrenees Swiss Alps
Cycling Trips Paris Tickets
Tour de France Race Trips Cycling Camps Rutas Negras Trans-Challenges Discovery Gravel Gran Fondos Hospitality

Search Results

Scotland – Highlands & Islands

Compass
Miles & ft
Km & m
Download Itinerary Make Enquiry

Jump to

Overview Itinerary Climbs Dates & Prices Hotels What's Included Travel Details Rental Bikes Book this trip
Close
Overview Itinerary Climbs Dates & Prices Hotels What's Included Travel Details Rental Bikes Gallery

Scotland – Highlands & Islands

Join our Company Founder, Peter Thomson, on an incredible ride through Scotland's magnificent Highlands & Islands

The trip focuses on the western islands of Mull and Skye – incredibly beautiful places to ride a bike! Listed by Lonely Planet in the Top 10 travel destinations in the world!

Featured Climbs

Bealach na Ba, Glen More, Bealach na Ba

Overview

Details

Next Departure

June 6th 2021

Price

USD $6,895

Duration

7 days / 6 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

Yes ?

Rental Bike

USD $500

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Our Company Founder, Peter Thomson, was brought up in Scotland and before taking up road-racing, he’d spend many a holiday cycle-touring around the mountains of Scotland. 40 years later he returns to Scotland to share with you the best of these holiday routes.

Scotland’s west coast is a wild and remote place, filled with some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world – and includes many of Peter’s favorite rides! We focus on the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull and Skye along with the most spectacular rides on the Scottish mainland. You’ll ride across the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, recognized as one of the most beautiful regions of Scotland, and the trip concludes with the UK’s most challenging climb, the Bealach na Ba Pass (from both sides). This region is also home to magnificent ocean wildlife and we’ll include a boat trip to witness some of this wildlife including basking sharks, minke whales, killer whales, seals, dolphins etc.

To enjoy Scotland at its best you’ll stay in luxury accommodations including the 5-star Isle of Eriska Hotel – located on it’s own private island, and the top hotels on the Isle of Skye.

Banner Photo Credits: VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins, Damian Shields, Kenny Lam & John Duncan North East 250/Damian Shields

Book with Confidence Commitment

Book your 2021 Thomson trip with confidence. Our new cancellation policy provides a Full Refund if you cancel your trip up to 90 days prior to departure. View our 2021 Terms & Conditions for full details.

Suitable for Non-Riders

Non-riders are welcome to join this trip. Although we won’t have a specific non-riding program, non-riders will be able to enjoy the route as we’ll be travelling through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. We’ll also be staying at luxury and historic hotels & castles which can organise local cultural activities and visits.

Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Scotland Isle of Eriska Hotel
02 Isle of Mull Isle of Eriska Hotel
03 Ardnamurchan Peninsula Duisdale House Hotel
04 Isle of Skye - the East Coast Skeabost Hotel
05 Isle of Skye - the West Coast Duisdale House Hotel
06 Bealach na Ba Pass x 2! Duisdale House Hotel
07 Haste ye back!
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Scotland

Your trip starts at Inverness Airport where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your luxury hotel on it’s own private island!

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride in Scotland through Glen Salach to Loch Etive. A really beautiful ride to open up your week in the Highlands & Islands, and a wee taste of things to come!

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Isle of Mull

One of the most beautiful and picturesque islands in Scotland is the Isle of Mull and it’s one of Peter’s favorite places in the world to ride a bike!

You’ll start the morning with a 20-minute drive along Ardmucknish Bay to Oban where you’ll take the 45 minute ferry ride across Loch Linnhe to Mull. The ferry sails into the port of Craignure which is where our 140km Tour of Mull starts.

The entire route is magnificent. You’ll ride around the bottom of Mull’s highest mountain, Ben More, then head through breathtaking coastline to the north of the island. After a series of short, steep climbs and a few switchbacks you’ll drop down to Tobermory, the largest town on the island, famous for it’s row of multi-coloured houses that featured in the children’s TV series Balamory. From Tobermory, it’s a short spin along the shores of the Sound of Mull to Craignure where the ferry will take you back to the mainland.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Ardnamurchan Peninsula

From one island to another – today you’ll head northwards through the Ardnamurchan Peninsula towards the famous Isle of Skye. The route takes us through the best of Scottish landscapes, mountains, lochs, rivers and waterfalls abound and as always you’ll be accompanied by thousands of sheep and highland cows.

Leaving the hotel you’ll ride up the east shore of Loch Linnhe, eventually arriving at the base of the famous Glencoe valley where, in 1692, the Macdonald clan was attacked by the Campbells in the infamous massacre of Glencoe.

The next 100km are a real feast of mountain and ocean landscapes before you arrive in the port town of Mallaig where you’ll take the 45 minute ferry over to the Isle of Skye. On arriving in Skye, you’ll have the option of jumping in the van or riding the final 12km stretch to our hotel in Duisdale.

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Glen Salach
from Barcaldine
3.4% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Glen More
from Inverlussa
2.5% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Allt Chreaga Dubha Waterfall
from Kilfinichen
3.2% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Tostary
from Killiemor
3.2% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Burg
from Kilninian
5.4% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Dervaig Hill
from Achnadrish
5.2% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Gualan Dubh
from Tobermory
2.4% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Glen Tarbert
from Inversanda
3% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Drynie Hill
from Dalnabreck
5.5% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Loch na Draipe
from Kyles Wood
5.6% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06

Login to view full itinerary

To access full trip itinerary you must sign in to your account


Sign up to view full itinerary

By creating an account you will be able to access full trip itineraries.


Don't have an account?

Sign up with email

Have an account?

Login

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
3 Glen Salach (from Barcaldine) 01 20 3.4%
3 Glen More (from Inverlussa) 02 16 2.5%
4 Allt Chreaga Dubha Waterfall (from Kilfinichen) 02 17 3.2%
4 Tostary (from Killiemor) 02 16 3.2%
3 Burg (from Kilninian) 02 31 5.4%
4 Dervaig Hill (from Achnadrish) 02 29 5.2%
4 Gualan Dubh (from Tobermory) 02 13 2.4%
4 Glen Tarbert (from Inversanda) 03 15 3%
4 Drynie Hill (from Dalnabreck) 03 27 5.5%
4 Loch na Draipe (from Kyles Wood) 03 30 5.6%
4 Loch Fada (from Portree) 04 15 3%
3 Quiraing (from Brogaig) 04 36 5.9%
4 Edinbane Climb (from Edinbane) 05 19 3.4%
4 Col de Elgol (from Kilmarie) 05 32 6.2%
1 Bealach na Ba (from Tornapress) 06 70 6.8%
1 Bealach na Ba (from Applecross) 06 72 7.1%
Show moreShow less

Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices

Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2021
Book this trip
Jun 6 - Jun 12
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $6,895
USD $1,500
USD $1,375
Book this trip
Book this trip
Close

Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:


    Book Private Trip

    Inspired by this trip but can’t fit it around your busy schedule? Don’t worry, that’s why we let you build your own trip for you and your friends.

    We can tailor trips to your difficulty level, schedule and budget.

    Just fill out the form and we’ll be in touch directly within 24 business hours to start designing your perfect cycling challenge.

    Private trip form

    Want to Customise this trip?

    With Thomson, that’s not a problem.

    Let us work with you to build your perfect cycling trip from scratch, including your choice of riding, accommodations and dining options.

    Our experienced team will help you build the perfect trip, just for you.

    Custom trip form

    Create Group Trip

    If you have 6 or more people who want to do one of our regularly scheduled bike trips book the trip online or get in touch with us on 888.446.5502.

    Group Discount (Restrictions Apply)
    6 to 10 guests — 5%
    11 to 15 guests — 7.5%
    16 to 18 guests — 10%


    Trip Hotels

    Isle of Eriska Hotel

    View website arrow

    Duisdale House Hotel

    View website arrow

    Skeabost Hotel

    View website arrow


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 1 sit-down lunch (Day 1)
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick up and Drop off in Inverness
    • All transportation during the trip (including ferries)
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 1 sit-down lunch (Day 1)
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick up and Drop off in Inverness
    • All transportation during the trip (including ferries)
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Travel Details

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Meeting Time

    Inverness Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Kingsmills Hotel

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Arrival Time

    Inverness Airport

    10:30am

    OR

    Inverness Railway Station

    10:30am


    Rental Bikes

    Made by hand in Italy, the Basso Bikes Diamante is exactly what a fine, authentic, Italian road bike should be. The classic lines, flawless geometry and rounded tube shapes offer performance and ultimate versatility.

    Frame

    Basso Diamante

    Groupset

    Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 (Electronic Shifting)

    Weight

    8kg (size 53)

    Wheels

    Microtech MR38 Disc Carbon Clincher

    Chainrings

    50x34

    Cassette

    11-32

    Sizes

    45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61

    Price

    USD $500

    View Full Details
    Basso Bikes Diamante Opal White with Disc brakes

    Scotland – Highlands & Islands

    Join Peter for this incredible opportunity to witness the best of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands


    Similar trips

    Scotland – Speyside Whisky Trail

    The trip focuses on the mountains in the North-East of the country including the magnificent Trossachs National Park, Royal Deeside, Loch Ness and the famous Speyside Malt Whisky Trail.

    Barcelona To Girona by Gravel

    Intimate knowledge of our backyard has enabled us to design this sensational gravel route from downtown Barcelona to Girona. An epic gravel adventure – only with Thomson!

    VIP Trans-Croatia

    Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast sets an astoundingly beautiful scene for our latest VIP destination.

     

    THIS TRIP IS ONLY OPEN TO REPEAT GUESTS AND THEIR FRIENDS.

    Trans-Sicily

    Take a step back in time on this magical and historic island. Cross the island including a double ascension of Europe’s highest volcano: Mount Etna.

    Trans-Corsica

    Known to the French as the “Île de Beauté”, you’ll be amazed by the quality of the riding on the island. Epic rides with an incredible combination of spectacular mountain scenery and dramatic coastlines. Unique!

    3 Ride Programs

    Our trip has 3 fully supported ride programs each day. Use the buttons highlighted at the top of the screen to switch between each rider level: Sport, Performance and Extreme.
    Thomson logo Thomson logo Thomson logo Thomson logo Thomson logo Thomson logo Thomson logo Thomson logo

    I would like to receive communications about Thomson Bike Tours trips, events, products and matters of cultural interest.

    Connect with us

    Trips

    Trip Calendar Tour de France Race Trips Trans-Challenges Cycling Camps Rutas Negras Discovery Gravel Gran Fondos Hospitality

    Essentials

    Terms & Conditions COVID-19 Travel Update About Us Partners Privacy Policy

    Give us a call

    North America

    206 678 2255

    International

    +34 938 945 167


    Email us

    info@thomsonbiketours.com


    Contact Form

    Alternatively click here to use our enquiry form

    Design by Conductor

    © 2002-2021 THOMSON BIKE TOURS

    Welcome to Thomson Bike Tours

    Thank you for creating an account. You can now view itinerary on Trip pages, book trips with us and log in to your account to manage your preferences and bookings.