Cycling The Scottish Isles Mull, Iona & Ardnamurchan Peninsula

Description

One of our brand new cycling trips for 2027 is a fully guided and supported holiday to The Scottish Isles of Mull, Iona and Ardnamurchan Peninsula. This cycling holiday includes return transport from north of England to Oban, the start of our holiday to this part of the world. The Isle of Mull is located off the west coast of mainland Scotland and is the second largest of a group of islands that make up the Inner Hebrides. There are dramatic bays and beaches scattered along the three hundred miles of superb coastline, and this little island has great acclaim as having the greatest biodiversity of any place of comparable size in Britain!

With a population of approximately 2,800, the Island of Mull features a vibrant community renowned for its hospitable Scottish atmosphere. Most residents are concentrated near Tobermory, the island’s principal harbour town, while additional settlements are found throughout the island’s various regions. Visitors typically arrive via Craignure, accessible by ferry from Oban on mainland Scotland. Alternative crossings are available from Lochaline to Fishnish and from Kilchoan (on the Ardnamurchan peninsula) to Tobermory, though these routes are less frequently utilized due to the remote nature of their departure points.

Mull is widely recognized as one of the premier locations for wildlife observation within the United Kingdom, owing to its considerable variety of species and habitats. Eagles, otters, red deer, and whales are notable attractions, and numerous guided boat excursions enable visitors to experience the island’s remarkable marine environment firsthand.

The island features striking bays and beaches along its extensive three hundred miles of coastline, including exceptional sites at Calgary and the Ross of Mull. Boat tours to nearby islands such as Iona, known for its historic Abbey and Chapel; the Treshnish Isles, celebrated for avian diversity; and Staffa, famous for basalt columns, are also available. Mull is esteemed for its unparalleled biodiversity among British locales of comparable size.

Mull offers outstanding opportunities for holidays, encompassing cycling, walking, fishing, and other outdoor activities amid impressive landscapes. The presence of diverse wildlife, numerous attractions, and high-quality dining establishments further enhance the visitor experience.

Cycling on Mull offers a rugged, world-class experience across nearly 300 miles of paved road, much of it single-track with passing places. The terrain is challenging in places, featuring a variety of terrains and contours, with breathtaking coastal views, seascapes and landscapes galore. Our cycling holiday and itinerary explores some of the best routes in the north of the Island (see itinerary section for details) and we will also have the opportunity to visit the island of Iona as part of our trip. Often called the "Cradle of Christianity" in Scotland, the Isle of Iona is a tiny, serene island in the Inner Hebrides known for its profound spiritual history. Located off the southwest coast of Mull, it is famous for its historic 6th-century Abbey, stunning white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The island is mostly car-free, walkable, and home to about 170 residents.

Another special place to visit on our trip is the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Cycling across the Ardnamurchan Peninsula provides a remote and picturesque experience in the West Highlands of Scotland, highlighting striking coastal views, tranquil single-track roads, and an ascent to the westernmost point of the British mainland at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. This route serves as an impressive component of our week-long itinerary and adventure in the Scottish Isles. 

This fully guided cycling holiday is based on Mull and its capital Tobermory, our base for the 8-day trip, with its independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and other services. All five guided rides are on a mix of terrains but mainly on quiet single track country roads and lanes and will cover approximately miles, and the scenery and sites are spectacular. We will cover about 160 miles during the week. The routes chosen are not without their challenges and the islands are well known for the odd steep climb and descent, but some sections offer an easier gradient, with far reaching views over open Scottish countryside. 

Accommodation for this trip is based in a number of high quality accommodations, all with bike storage, scattered across Tobermory and is based on a room-only basis, sharing a twin or double-ensuite room or on a sole-occupancy basis. We have a male only, female only and mixed (couples) accommodations.  There is a sole occupancy supplement on this holiday (see pricing section). Everyone will have access to kitchen facilities, a lounge or social space and dining area but will have to share bathrooms. Please note bike storage is available at each property and their descriptions are included in the dates and prices section.

On this holiday, we also offer our group the opportunity to enjoy some downtime and dine out together in a pre-selected choice of local restaurants and hostelries in Tobermory on the majority of evenings during our stay. It’s a great way to get to know each other and enjoy some of the very best food and drink this area has to offer. There is no pressure for you to join the group in an evening, just let the guide know if you will be attending or not.

Everyone who is booked on this trip will receive a bespoke itinerary via email about one week before departure explaining every element of your trip. There are some real highlights to enjoy including a visit to Calgary Bay, arguably the most famous beach on the Isle of Mull renowned for its pristine white shell sand and clear turquoise waters that often draw comparisons to the Caribbean, the Isle of Iona, Dervaig a picturesque village situated at the head of Loch Cuin on the northern coast of the island, known for its Viking heritage and distinctive architecture, it serves as a central hub for exploring the island’s wild northwest. There is also the opportunity to explore the islands abundant wildlife, traditional music and fresh seafood, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and unique island culture and much more besides. 

We have a return mini bus and bike trailer transfer available from the north of England to Islay which includes transport for cyclists, bikes and baggage. This must be booked at the time of booking as there is limited space available. Ask us for details. Transport is operated by our travel partner Millburn Coaches of Hexham and is a sixteen seater minibus and bike trailer.

Highlights

• Opportunity to visit the historic Isle of Iona
• Opportunity to visit Ardnamurchan Peninsula and the historic lighthouse, the UKs most westerly point
• Enjoy an array of fantastic cycling with a variety of distances, all designed with coffee and lunch stops
• Explore Calgary Bay with its impressive white shell sand, turquoise waters and local craft and arts
• Opportunity to visit Ulva Island with fantastic panoramic views and local food and drink 
• Stay in good quality accommodation in a variety of properties in Tobermory
• The chance to visit a variety of quaint island villages in your own time
• Experience wild Scottish landscapes, seascapes and an abundance of wildlife like red deer.
• Dine out at a variety of good quality local restaurants and hostelries in Tobermory

Itinerary

This is a fully guided and supported 8 day cycling trip. Itinerary as follows:

Day 1 - Saturday 12 June 2027

Arrival in Tobermory, Mull

Everyone meets at the Calmac ferry terminal at Oban. If you are booked on the transfer, you will disembark at Oban for the late afternoon ferry to Islay. Everyone on this trip is booked on to the ferry as a cyclist and you can only take your bike and baggage with you. If you have driven to Oban, you will need to park your car in Oban. There is a couple of long stay car parks available. You will need to check for car parking charges. The ferry sailing takes about an hour. On arrival in Craignure, your bags will be transferred to your accommodations. The group will cycle from the port to the accommodations in Tobermory. 

Day 2 - Sunday 13 June 2027

Ride to Calgary Bay with its impressive whiteshell sand "The Beach ride"  (32miles/52km, ascent 3609 feet/1100m)

After breakfast, we will assemble in Tobermory and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 to 4 steady to challenging. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is approximately 32 miles with a lunch stop in Calgary Bay and you will ride on some fantastic country roads and lanes and enjoy spectacular scenery along the way. Today’s highlights include Dervaig, a picturesque village on the north coast of the Isle of Mull in Scotland, known for its unique "planned" layout. Historically a Viking settlement, the village name derives from the Old Norse word for "good inlet”. Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull is a stunning, westward-facing beach renowned for its white shell sand and vibrant, clear turquoise waters, often compared to the Caribbean. Located on the northwest coast, it features sheltered, gentle waves ideal for swimming, backed by grassy machair, woodland, and hills. The name derives from the Gaelic Cala Ghearraidh, meaning "meadow beside the bay". Notably, the city of Calgary in Canada was named after this location. In the bay, you will find several cafes, toilets and other refreshment outlets. This is our lunch stop. Please note this is a circular ride, and you will have the opportunity to ride on the coastal road on the return, with its superb seascapes and views. This is a spectacular memorable ride.

In the evening, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry in Tobermory for everyone to enjoy.

Day 3 - Monday 14 June 2027

Ride to Ulva Ferry and Ulva Island (47miles/75km, ascent 3495ft/1065m)

After breakfast, we will assemble in Tobermory and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 to 4 steady to challenging. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is about 47 miles and includes a coffee and lunch stop as part of our ride. We set off from Tobermory and cycle the Glen road to Glenforse Cafe and Farm Shop, our coffee stop on the outward leg.  We will continue onto the Ulva Ferry and the small inhabited island of Ulva, with its fantastic panoramic views on both the outward and return legs, and we will have the opportunity to take the ferry to Ulva Island, made famous by Interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband Ro who are transforming a derelict Regency mansion, Ulva House, on the remote Scottish Isle of Ulva into a boutique hotel. Featured in the 2026 BBC Scotland Series "Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel," they are renovating the former Laird's house. Lunch stop is The Boathouse cafe, Ulva. We will have the opportunity to enjoy some time on the island, before our return on the coastal road to Tobermory.

On day 3, after we get back after our ride, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry in Tobermory for everyone to enjoy.

Day 4 - Tuesday 15 June 2027

Half day ride to Ardnamurchan Peninsula and Lighthouse (16 miles/26km, ascent 1393 feet/424m)

After breakfast, we will assemble in the main square in Tobermory near to the accommodations, and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is a half day ride and graded as grade 3, steady. The ride includes a one hour ferry journey from Tobermory to Kilchoan each way and is included in the price of your holiday. You will need to ensure you make a note of the ferry times on both the outward and return.  The ride to the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is a rugged and rollercoaster experience with a few ascents and descents but a fabulous experience. Located on the westernmost point of the British mainland, the Ardnamuchan Peninsula is a remote, rugged Highland escape known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and its iconic Egyptian-style lighthouse. Please note there is a lovely coffee stop called the Puffin Cafe as soon as you arrive in Kilchoan and a cafe at the lighthouse for an early brunch if you are feeling peckish! 

In the afternoon you have the opportunity to enjoy some free time in Tobermory or there is a 10 mile return ride to Glengorm Castle and Coffee shop available. If you want to ride in the afternoon. speak to the Halcyon guide who will give you more information.

In the evening, an evening meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry in Tobermory for everyone to enjoy.

Day 5 - Wednesday 16 June 2026

Free Day or Visit to Isle of Iona

Free day/evening and an opportunity to visit the Isle of Iona. Please note this trip will need to be prebooked and information will be emailed in advance. Please note this excursion is not included in your price of the holiday and is an extra cost. No evening meal has been booked on this day. Otherwise, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some free time exploring the delights that Mull has to offer!

Day 6 - Thursday 17 June 2027

Ride the Spectacular Mull Anticlockwise Circular ride (35 miles/56km, ascent 3177 feet/968m)

After breakfast, we will assemble in Tobermory and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 to 4 steady to challenging. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is about 35 miles and includes a coffee and lunch stop as part of our ride. This is an anti-clockwise ride that takes in Dervaig, Calgary Bay, Ulva, Salem, returning back to Tobermory. The ride hugs the coastal road with its abundance of sensational seascapes, stunning vistas and the opportunity to appreciate the very best wildlife Mull has to offer. Please note on this ride, you will have time to stop, pause and look out for the white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, otters, red deer, and seals (harbour and grey) and much more besides. This is a superb ride!

In the evening, a meal has been booked at a local restaurant or hostelry in Tobermory for everyone to enjoy.

Day 7 - Friday 18 June 2027

Ride the Glen Road & Salem (30 miles/48km, ascent 2229 feet/679m)

After breakfast, we will assemble in Tobermory and the Halcyon ride leader will explain the ride in detail to the group. This ride is graded as grade 3 steady to 4 challenging. There are some challenging ascents and descents on this ride. The ride is about 30 miles and includes a lunch stop as part of the ride. The ride out includes a visit to Dervaig before we turn left up the Glen road, a rugged and wild single tracked road, barely used by traffic, that has an abundance of sensational views and vistas all the way back to the coast at Dervaig. Here you will see raptors such as golden eagles if you are lucky. This ride takes you all the way to Salem and the opportunity to explore this pretty village and enjoy lunch in a local cafe before our return on the coastal road to Tobermory.

In the evening, our very last celebratory meal has been booked at a very special local restaurant in Tobermory; it’s a fitting end to a very special week in the Scottish Isles.

Day 8 - Saturday 19 June 2026

Final day and departure
After breakfast, everyone will need to cycle to Craignure for the return ferry back to Oban and home. All bags will be transferred by minbus. The ferry leaves in the morning and journey is about 1 hour. Finish Oban or catch the mini bus for the return home.

Accommodation

Accommodation for our trip is very good quality in Tobermory called Crofters, Ambleside and Glenfuran. All the accommodation can be found at islandholidaycottages.com. Island Holiday Cottages are our accommodation partners on Mull. The properties have a number of double and twin rooms, for shared or single occupancy use. The accommodations also have kitchens, dining spaces and communal areas. Please note you will have to share bathrooms in the properties. The accommodations are split into male, female or mixed. Please note bike storage is available at all the accommodations and are fully accessible. 

The Cycling

Each individual ride is graded and detailed in the itinerary description. The rides on this cycling trip have been graded between 3 (steady) to 4 (challenging). Please note the majority of the roads on Mull are single track roads, but are safe to cycle. Information about the cycling, what to do etc will be included in your bespoke itinerary, which will be emailed to you about a week before travel.

This trip is suitable for most bike types except mountain bikes. 

Group Size: 12-15 people.

Dates & Prices

12 June - 19 June 2027, Price £895. Sole occupancy supplement £100.

We also have a transfer available from north of England to include cyclists, bikes and baggage. The return transfer cost is £200. This must be booked at the time of booking as there is limited space available.

The price stated is per person.

Additional Info

What’s Included:

• Accommodation (shared twin/double en-suite rooms or for sole occupancy) on a room only basis in a variety of good quality accommodations in Tobermory
• Services of a first aid trained ride leader and guide and bike mechanic for the duration of the holiday.
• Bespoke and detailed itinerary emailed to you personally a week before travel
• Return baggage transfer service from port to accommodation
• GPX files emailed in advance of all the rides on this holiday
• Return transfer if booked from north of England to Oban
• Local Halcyon Cycling Holidays representative for the duration of the holiday
• Full financial protection (see booking conditions) 
• Return ferry for cyclists, bags and bikes
  

What’s Not Included:

• Bike and helmets 
• Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
• Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
• Other optional activities
• Tips for guides, drivers, support staff

Transfer Information

A mini bus and bike trailer transfer service is available at an extra charge from north of England to Oban, operated by Millburn Coaches of Hexham. You will need to book your place at the time of booking. Limited spaces available and subject to availability. Return baggage transfer from port to accommodation is included in the price of your holiday.

Pick ups:

Start Sheffield Meadowhall Interchange M1 (South Yorkshire) Free car parking here for duration of trip

Wakefield Junction 38 Woolley Edge Services Northbound M1 (West Yorkshire)

Huddersfield Hartshead Moor Services Westbound M62 (West Yorkshire)

Birch Services Westbound M62 (Greater Manchester)

Rivington Services Northbound M61 (Lancashire/Cheshire)

Lancaster Services Northbound M6 (Lancashire)

Please note the minibus and bike trailer will only pick up at certain stops prebooked in advance. Return to same place as outbound.

Bike Hire

Bike hire can be arranged in advance with Cycle Mull. Ask one of our team about arranging for bike hire at the time of booking as this is a special request.  On all of our cycling holidays, wearing of a helmet is mandatory.

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