Scottish Island Hopscotch Map and Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive

Ardrossan is the departure point for the Arran ferry. It is easily reached from Glasgow by train (50 minutes) and has secure parking. You will collect rental bikes from here if required and then jump on the one hour ferry to Arran to begin your adventure.

Overnight: Brodick—3* Guesthouse

Goatfell dominates Brodick Bay and the town of Brodick stretches along the sea front. After depositing your bags and bike at your accommodation you should have time to visit Brodick Castle, Arran Aromatics, or one of the many other attractions in this busy little town.

Day 2: Cycling on the Isle of Arran

Cycling on the Isle of Arran is a delight. Often described as Scotland in miniature it is just packed full of things to see and do as you pedal the quiet coastal roads which ring the island. You have a choice of routes ranging from 14 to 42 miles. Machrie standing stones are just my absolute favourite place on Arran so don’t miss them.

Overnight: Lochranza - 3* Guesthouse

The ruins of Lochranza Castle dominate the narrow string of houses which make up the village of Lochranza. Red deer have right of way in this tranquil village and the local Distillery is one of the newest in Scotland.

Day 3: Cycling and Island Hopping to Port Askaig, Isle of Islay

The morning ferry from Lochranza takes you back to the mainland island of Kintyre and it is just a short five mile cycle over to Kennacraig for the 13:00 ferry to Port Askaig on Islay. I

would strongly recommend a diversion to the Seafood Cabin at Skipness Castle for an early lunch. You just can’t beat fresh locally caught seafood done simply.

Keep your camera handy on the two hour ferry to Port Askaig as the views are splendid and dolphins, whales and basking sharks are all regular visitors to the Sound of Jura and Islay.

Overnight: Port Askaig - 2* Small Hotel

The tiny settlement of Port Askaig is dominated by the white buildings of the port and Port Askaig Hotel. Once the ferry traffic has left it is a quiet and peaceful place.

Day 4: Cycling on The Isle of Jura

Jura is the wildest and most remote of Scotland’s inhabited islands. It has no direct ferry to the mainland its 200 inhabitants and vastly outnumbered by the island’s 5500 deer. There is no getting lost on Jura, the island’s only road runs up the eastern side of the island and the maximum round trip is 62 miles. The 21 mile round trip to Craighouse Village and the Jura Distillery is a great day out. Keen walkers may also wish to pack their boots as a climb of the Pap’s of Jura rewards with panoramic views and red deer sightings are all but guaranteed.

Overnight: Port Askaig—2* Small Hotel

Day 5: Wildlife & Whisky on Islay

A few white sandy bays pierce the steep cliffs of the Atlantic Coast of Islay. Relentlessly pounded by the Atlantic surf this wild coastline is a haven for bird and wildlife and exploring this countryside on quiet singletrack roads is enchanting. The choice of routes is endless and you can cycle for anything between 18 and 60 miles.

Overnight: Port Charlotte—4* Small Hotel

Port Charlotte is an attractive village and nearby Bruichladdich Distillery is a must for whisky connoisseurs.

Day 6: Port Charlotte to Port Ellen, Islay

Take the time to explore the Museum of Islay Life, the Islay Natural Heritage Information Centre and just stroll around this charming village before you head off to Bowmore. Bowmore is the island capital and home to almost a 1000 people, the well known Bowmore Distillery and idyllically situated Round Church. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed lunch before continuing to Port Ellen. (18—30 miles)

Overnight: Port Ellen - 4* B&B

Port Ellen is a delightful town which curves around the white sandy beaches of Leodamas Bay.

Day 7: Islay’s Whisky Coast

You are in for a real treat today! Islay’s southern coast is littered with islands, shipwrecks and three of the best distilleries in Scotland. Cycle west from Port Ellen for ten miles until you reach the golden sands of Aros Bay, the perfect spot for a picnic. On your return you can visit Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Ardbeg Distilleries for a complete whisky experience.

Alternatively you may prefer to visit the Oa Peninsula to the South West of Port Ellen. This sometimes bleak landscape is nothing if not dramatic. Golden Eagles and corncrakes cab be seen at the RSPB reserve and the sea cliffs are home to Fulmars, Kittiwakes and razorbills in the summer. (6—20 Miles or more)

Overnight: Port Ellen - 4* B&B

Day 8: Island Hopscotch back to Ardrossan

An exciting Island Hopscotch via Kennacraig, Claonaig, Lochranza and Brodick brings you back to Ardrossan at about 18:00 where you can hand your rental bikes back and head home. (20 Miles)

Overnight: Not included

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