2025
Isle of Arran

Biketour on the Inner Hebrides

Isles of Jura, Islay & Arran

Ardrossan – Ballygrant – Port Ellen – Ardrossan

  • Isles of Arran, Islay, Jura and Colonsay
  • Isle of Islay Distilleries
  • Brodick Castle
  • Isle of Arran Coastal Path
  • Daily routes ●●●●○, altitude profile ●●●○○
  • New trip!

Days
8

Ø km per day
50

A biketour on the Inner Hebrides is a journey through rugged beauty, tranquil nature and vibrant island culture. On Arran, Islay, Jura and Colonsay, you can explore the scenic diversity of the West Scottish islands – by bike, at your own pace. Along lonely coastal roads and green hills, you will experience unspoiled nature, encounter deer, seabirds and perhaps even seals. Atmospheric ferry crossings take you from island to island, where whisky distilleries, monastery ruins and beautiful beaches await you. The small harbors and charming villages invite you to linger, while new views of the wild coastal landscape open up again and again along the way. Thanks to well-organized stages and luggage transport, you cycle from place to place in a relaxed manner. Look forward to relaxing days, scenic breaks and plenty of island feeling – active, enjoyable and unforgettable.

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    EN-GBAA7
  • Accommodation level
    national 2* / 3* level
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Arrival days
    on Saturdays
  • Minimum number of participants
    2 persons
  • Travel documents Languages
    English
  • Notes
    It is essential that you book your ferry tickets in advance and on your own at www.calmac.co.uk. Please wait for your official travel confirmation.
  • Ardrossan – Brodick 6:00 p.m. / Lochranza – Cloanaig 10:45 a.m. / Kennacraig – Port Askaig 1:00 p.m. / Port Askaig – Colonsay (return trip, Wednesdays) / Port Ellen – Kennacraig 9:45 a.m. / Claonaig – Lochranza 1:50 p.m. / Brodick – Ardrossan 7:20 p.m.
  • Arrival note
    Bike handover at Ardrossan docks at 5 p.m., in time for the 6 p.m. ferry.
  • Departure note
    Bike handover at Ardrossan docks on arrival of the 7.20 p.m. ferry from Brodick.

Day 1: Individual arrival at Ardrossan harbour, ferry trip to the Isle of Arran

Your biketour on the Inner Hebrides begins at Ardrossan harbour, where you will be warmly welcomed on arrival by train or car. Towards the evening, take the ferry to the Isle of Arran – the crossing takes around an hour. If you are using a rental bike, the crossing is at 6 p.m. On the crossing you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the view of the Scottish coast. After arriving on Arran, you can look forward to the island's scenic diversity and charming villages. Your first impressions of Arran will whet your appetite for more, and you will already appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of this island.

Day 2: Round tour on the South Island of Brodick, approx. 55 km + ferry ride

On your first day of cycling, you will discover the scenic diversity of Arran on an impressive round tour. After breakfast, we recommend a visit to Brodick Castle or the Arran distillery. You then cycle along the picturesque east coast to Lamlash. From here you can take a small ferry to Holy Island – a peaceful place with a Buddhist monastery and wonderful views. Back on Arran, the route continues along the south coast and along the central String Road back to Brodick. Look forward to quiet bays, sweeping views and relaxing breaks along the way.

Day 3: Brodick – Lochranza – Isle of Islay, approx. 35 km + ferry rides

Today you can expect a particularly relaxed day of travel with plenty of time to enjoy. As part of your biketour on the Inner Hebrides, you will cycle leisurely along the north coast of Arran to Lochranza – an idyllic village with a picturesque castle ruin. From there, take the ferry to the Kintyre Peninsula and enjoy the view of the sea and mountains. After a short cycle section, you will reach the next ferry connection to Islay. Just a few kilometers later, you will move into your accommodation in Ballygrant – welcome to the Queen of the Hebrides!

Day 4: Excursion to the Isle of Jura, up to 80 km

Only around 250 people, but around 5000 deer – Jura is a remote natural paradise full of wild beauty. Take a small ferry from Islay and start your discovery tour along the rugged east coast. If you like, you can cycle to the remote northern end of the island. On the way, Jura House with its exotic gardens, fantastic viewpoints and secluded bays invite you to linger. And don't forget to take a look at the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool – one of the strongest tidal current systems in Europe. A day full of impressions and tranquillity that you will remember for a long time to come.

Day 5: Excursion to the Isle of Colonsay, approx. 30 km + ferry rides

From Port Askaig, an atmospheric ferry ride takes you to the small island of Colonsay. There you will discover the peaceful landscape on quiet paths, visit the old priory of Oronsay – tide permitting – and enjoy relaxing moments on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Hebrides. In the evening, take the ferry back to Islay – a successful excursion that wonderfully combines nature, history and relaxation.

Day 6: Ballygrant – Port Askaig – Port Ellen / Bowmore, approx. 55 – 70 km

Islay enchants with varied landscapes, cultural highlights and a touch of whisky romance. During your biketour on the Inner Hebrides, you can enjoy a relaxing cycle tour across the island, discover the RSPB nature reserves, the charming local museum or one of the traditional distilleries. Depending on the route you choose, you will reach your destination in Port Ellen or Bowmore in the afternoon – two inviting places with a cozy flair that invite you to linger and enjoy.

Day 7: Round trip Port Ellen, approx. 35 – 55 km

On today's stage, you will explore the idyllic south-east of Islay – a region full of scenic and cultural highlights. The traditional Ardbeg distillery invites whisky fans to make an enjoyable stopover. Nearby you will find the atmospheric church ruins with the famous Celtic cross and a picturesque sandy beach that invites you to linger. Whether you prefer to be active on your bike or completely relaxed – plan the day at your own pace and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the island.

Day 8: Isle of Islay – Arran – Ardrossan harbour, approx. 30 km

Today it's time to say goodbye – but not without a final, atmospheric stage. In the morning, take the ferry to Kennacraig and cycle back to the Isle of Arran via the Kintyre Peninsula. Enjoy the vastness of the landscape, the play of light and sea and the peaceful atmosphere of the island roads one last time. After your arrival in Brodick, the ferry will take you back to the mainland. In your luggage: many impressions, new favorite places and the memory of an extraordinary biketour on the Inner Hebrides

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Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2025

Arrival on Saturdays from 05.04.2025 to 27.09.2025

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Season A
05.04. - 27.09.

from1599 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights with breakfast, selected bed & breakfast houses and hotels at national 2* / 3* level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, max. 1 piece of luggage per person, max. 23 kg / piece
  • Digital travel documents
    - only available in English -
  • Route navigation via app
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Minimum number of participants: 2 persons

Not included:

  • City or visitor's tax (if payable)
  • Ferry rides – It is essential that you book your ferry tickets in advance and on your own at www.calmac.co.uk. Please wait for your official travel confirmation.
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Children discounts

No child discount is offered on this trip.

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Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
249 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
379 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 24-gear unisex / men's bike
  • E-bike / pedelec
Fittings

Pannier, map holder, bike lock, pump, repair kit (1 x per booking)

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Route profile

  • Start / Destination
    Aran Islands
  • Length
    approx. 325 – 355 km
    Daily routes ●●●●○
    between 30 and 80 km, Ø 50 km
    Altitude profile ●●●○○
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Days
8

Ø km per day
50