The Isle of Skye Cycle Tour Map and Itinerary

Our six day cycle tour on the Isle of Skye covers every corner of this magnificent island, giving you time to discover the magnificent landscape, rich Gaelic culture and welcoming people.

Grade

This cycling holiday is graded moderate to strenuous because a couple of the longer days involve plenty of climbing so the trip is slightly more demanding than the relatively modest distances might indicate. Most of the route is on fairly quiet roads, the exception being the section between Broadford and Portree which can be busy in the summer so you should be comfortable cycling on roads and we wouldn’t recommend this trip for families.

Navigation

This route is not waymarked but is easy to follow with the help of the supplied map and route notes.

DAY 1 - Arrive Starting Point: Armadale

Armadale at the quiet southern tip of the Isle of Skye is best reached by the ferry from Mallaig which connects with trains from Glasgow. (6 hour journey time from Glasgow). Alternatively you can drive via the Skye Bridge (5-6h from Glasgow).
Overnight: Ardvasar
Armadale and Ardvasar enjoy beautiful views over the sound of Sleat to Mallaig and have a wonderful tranquillity. The Armadale Castle has wonderful gardens that you may like to explore.

DAY 2 - Armadale to Broadford—28 Miles

The lovely run to Broadford follows the quiet road on the western side of Sleat via Tarskavaig and Ord. This section of sometimes hilly single track road rewards with some of the best views in Skye across Loch Eishort to the Cuillin Hills. Sleat is more wooded than the rest of Skye and this relatively easy day is a great start to the week.
Overnight: Broadford
Broadford is the second biggest town on Skye and has a choice of restaurants and a large co-op supermarket as well as the normal facilities. It is a great place to add an extra night and either cycle down to Elgol (33 mile round trip) or catch the public bus so that you can enjoy a boat cruise to Loch Coruisk at the heart of the Black Cuillin.

DAY 3 - Broadford to Dunvegan —40 Miles

You leave Broadford knowing that a tough but very rewarding day lies ahead. Initially following the A87 which can be busy. The views across to the Isles of Scalpay and Raasay are great and you soon leave the main road at Sligachan, skirting the jagged Black Cuillin as you head to Drynoch, Bracadale and eventually Dunvegan. The short diversion to taste Talisker Whisky at Carbost is always tempting.
Overnight: Dunvegan
Dunvegan nestles at the head of Loch Dunvegan tucked away from the worst of the winter storms. Several B&B’s and hotels offer a warm welcome and the imposing Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan Macleod, gives a fascinating insight into the life of a clan chief.

DAY 4 - Dunvegan to Uig—27 Miles

A cracking day of cycling on quiet and picturesque roads. You traverse the Waternish Peninsula before heading up the west coast of the Trotternish Peninsula. The sea and mountain views are constantly changing and the quality of light is enchanting.
Overnight: Uig
Uig has a lovely end of the world feeling, tucked away in a protected bay, huddled around the ferry port to the Outer Hebrides. The Skye Brewery and Uig Pottery are both worth a visit for different reasons. On certain days of the week it is possible to do a day trip to either North Uist or Harris on the ferry, both of which can be explored by bike. An extra night in Uig is easily arranged if you would like to explore the outer Isles.

DAY 5 - Uig to Portree—33 Miles

The Trotternish Peninsula is the most northernmost of Skye’s wings and as you cycle round the northern point you can see Uist, Harris and Lewis on the horizon although the highlight of the day is cycling down the east coast. The Trotternish Ridge is a spectacular line of huge cliffs and towering pillars. Both the Quiraing and The Storr should be explored.
Overnight Portree
Brightly coloured houses and inns crowd around the working harbour in Portree to lend Skye’s capital a lively atmosphere. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink and live folk music most nights in the Isles Inn.

DAY 6 - Portree to Broadford—28 or 42 Miles

A choice of routes, the shorter following the busier A87 takes you back to Broadford. Personally I prefer the longer route as you get one more great close up view of the towering Black Cuillin.
Overnight: Broadford

DAY 7 - Broadford to Armadale—16 or 28 Miles

A last relaxing day on the Isle of Skye as you meander south on the Sleat Peninsula, time to reflect on a rewarding journey on the Misty Isle. Hopefully like me you will simply want to come back again soon.
Overnight: Armadale/Ardvasar

DAY 8 - Onward Travel

Either pick up your car in Ardvasar for the drive home or catch the ferry/train back to Glasgow (6h).