West Scotland and Isle of Skye
Sunday 15th June - Sat 21st June 2008
| Duration |
6 Nights / 7 Days |
| Tour Area |
West Coast of Scotland & Isle of Skye / Scottish Borders |
| Status |
Escorted Tour (E) |
| Accommodation |
3 & 4 Star Hotels - one with swimming pool |
| Mileage |
175 - 200 miles per day |
| Approx Tour mileage |
1000 miles |
| Roads |
Combination of A, B and Unfenced Roads |
| Skills |
Suitable for first-time tourer |
A chance to ride some of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland
We first did this tour three years ago, and yet people still talk about it
today, so we have dusted-off our notes to run it again in 2008.
This tour has been designed to take you from the lochs and forests of Galloway,
up the beautiful west coast of Scotland, to the wild and dramatic Isle of
Skye. After a day touring the area, we return via the majestic glens
of the Scottish Highlands, the lochs and mountains of the Trossachs, then
eventually finishing in the lowlands of Scotland.
A final day through the scenic Scottish Borders brings the tour back to
the English Lake District and within easy access of all major road networks.
VALUE TOUR - This tour is especially good value, as all evening meals are included - leaving you only to budget for lunch, petrol and drinks
Tour Format
Day 1: Sunday 15th June The tour will meet-up at a 4 star hotel set
in its own grounds, just over the border into Scotland. Chance for a quick
visit to the famous town of Gretna Green perhaps, before arriving in time for
a traditional evening meal and a get-to-know-you session with your fellow riders
and Guide for the tour.
Day 2: Monday 16th June (195 miles) We start the day with
a leisurely ride through the lovely Galloway countryside, before turning
northwards along the scenic Ayrshire coast towards the ferry port of Gourock. Pausing
only to take the short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde, we continue
our journey through the dramatic Argyll Forest, to end our day at the historic
village of Inveraray. Our accommodation tonight is at a traditional 3
star hotel overlooking the shores of Loch Fyne.
Day 3: Tuesday 17th June (172 miles) No time to pause for
breath as we have yet another day of wonderful scenery and great roads. Skirting
Loch Fyne, we continue up the Western coastline through Oban to Fort William. Leaving
the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis behind, we strike due west literally to
the end of the road and the fishing village of Mallaig, from where we take
another ferry across the Sound of Sleat, to the Isle of Skye. Following
the coastal road, we get to see the splendour of the Cuillin Hills, before
ending our day by crossing the magnificent Skye Bridge to our hotel at the
Kyle of Lochalsh.
Day 4: Wednesday 18th June (free day) Staying two nights
in Lochalsh means we have a free day to explore this lovely part of the world.
To the north, Wester Ross offers some demanding roads and stunning scenery,
none more so than the Applecross Peninsular. This Peninsula is located
on the west coast, directly opposite Raasay, Rona and Skye. Access
is by the Bealach nam Bo, or by the coast road from Shieldaig. The
Bealach nam Bo (the pass of the cattle) is an old drove road used historically
to take cattle to the market. The coast road was completed in
1975, and prior to this, the coastal townships were only accessible by footpath
or by sea.
The Bealach nam Bo is the highest pass in Scotland at 626m (2053 feet) above
sea level. The road incorporates a number of hairpin bends and
is unsuitable for learner drivers, caravans or those of a nervous disposition. However,
the views of the Applecross hills, the Cuillins of Skye and the bay are spectacular. The
coast road offers an alternative route for those uncertain of the Bealach,
and provides panoramic views over the Torridon Mountains and Loch Torridon. Irrespective
of which route is taken, visitors never fail to be impressed by the beauty
and grandeur of this rugged coastline.
Of course, everyone has heard of the beautiful Isle of Skye, and from our
base at the Kyle of Lochalsh, we are just minutes from the bridge across
to the island. There is a natural circular route of some 130 miles
which will take us around the island’s coastline and back in a day.
If you fancy something a little less strenuous, then the nearby village
of Plockton offers lovely scenery and a chance to take a seal sightseeing
boat trip.
Day 5: Thursday 19th June (193 miles) All too soon it’s time to leave,
but there is still much to see. We pass Eilean Castle - backdrop for
a thousand calendars, before taking the bike-friendly A87 down Glen Sheil
to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. No Scottish tour would be complete
without riding through the mighty but forbidding Glencoe and across the barren
Rannoch Moor, then finally leaving the Highlands behind, we drop down
into the beautiful lochs and mountains of the Trossachs National Park. Our
day ends as we pass the famous Gleneagles golf course to reach our final
hotel near Dunfermline. Once again, a 3 star hotel, with luxury leisure facilities
awaits us - a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s ride.
Day 6: Friday 20th June (206 miles) Our final day starts with
a ride over the impressive Firth of Forth suspension bridge. Bypassing Edinburgh,
we then take a scenic route back across the borders to England. Our
last night’s stay is at a 3 star hotel on the edge of the Lake District.
Day 7: Saturday 21st June The tour finishes after breakfast on the
Saturday morning, from where we make our way home.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is a combination of 3 and 4 star hotels. All
rooms are en-suite and with the usual facilities, including ‘phone,
TV, and drinks-making facilities. You will have full use of the hotels’ leisure
facilities, including - at one hotel - a swimming pool, so you may wish to
bring your swimming gear. This tour includes not only full regional
breakfasts, but all evening meals. These will be from either a 3 or 4 course
table d’hote menu, with a vegetarian option.
| Tour prices are inclusive of the following |
| * 6 nights en-suite accommodation |
| * 6 evening Meals (vegetarian
option available) |
| * 6 full Regional Breakfasts |
| * full use of the hotel's leisure facilities |
| * Mallaig to Armadale Ferry |
| * services of experienced Tour Guides |
Not Included
Dunoon Ferry |
| Tour Cost |
|
| Two persons, one bike, shared room |
£446 each |
| One person, one bike, shared room |
£474 each |
| One person, one bike, single room |
£555 |
| Deposit £50 |
|
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