Cycling The Scottish Isles
Enjoy scenic and picturesque cycling adventures in the Scottish Isles of Islay, Jura, Oronsay and Colonsay, and new for 2027 The Outer Hebrides (The Hebridean Way) and stunning Mull & Iona. Discover beautiful and serene destinations and marvel at some of the highlights these places have to offer with scenic roads, good quality accommodation, delicious food and some of the world’s finest whisky to make an unforgettable cycle trip!
These islands were made for bike exploration, and you can expect fascinating wildlife, history and culture along the way.
Cycling Islay and Jura, Oronsay and Colonsay
Islay is a jewel and southernmost of the Inner Hebrides and forms part of a group of islands which are also referred to as the Southern Hebrides: it’s closest neighbours are Jura, Gigha and Colonsay. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, with its rugged and ragged coastline is estimated to be 130 square miles. Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and its rich, fertile land has earned its nickname as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’. The abundance of peat in the rugged landscape makes Islay the perfect ‘whisky island’, and it is this natural fossil fuel which gives Islay single malt whisky its classic, smokey flavour. Jura is simply wild and stunning, known as deer island is longer and narrower, covers 141 square miles and is renowned for both its thousands of red deer and its great peaks – the paps of Jura. Islay has about 3500 permanent residents and Jura a couple of hundred. With an abundance of world class distilleries, amazing wildlife, ancient history and heritage, stunning scenery, great places to dine – there is something for everyone to enjoy. On Islay, main places are Bowmore, Port Ellen and Port Charlotte, and on Jura, Craighouse.
Cycling on the Scottish Isles of Islay and Jura are a favourite among cycling enthusiasts with so much to see along the way. With plenty of quiet single-track roads taking you through wonderfully secluded locations, you will have a great time exploring. And you will improve your fitness at the same time! Take in beautiful coastline, countryside, world class unique heritage and much more besides. Cycling on Islay is relatively flat making it a great place to cycle. In contrast, Jura has one scenic single-track road from the ferry which winds its way to Craighouse, and is challenging in places but beautiful to cycle. These Islands offer so much for you to see and explore, and an opportunity to experience true, authentic Scottish hospitality, on a bike!
If you want to read an ‘honest’ and interesting opinion about cycling on Islay, click on this link: https://www.thewashingmachinepost.net/cycle/. For a guide to Islay and Jura, visit: https://islayjura.com/our-islands/.
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