Scotland by Boat and Bike: Inner Hebrides and the Isle of Mull

🙋 Common questions

• How hard is the cycling, honestly?

  

  Harder than most boat-and-bike trips. The operator rates it 4 out of 5. You ride through hilly to mountainous ground with climbs of up to about 400 m in a day, on winding descents, uneven tarmac and the occasional gravel stretch. Days run from 19 to 52 km with 200 to 500 m of climbing. If you ride regularly and are comfortable on a descent, you will enjoy it. If your usual riding is flat canal paths, this is not the trip to start with.

• Do I need to rent an e-bike?

  

  Yes. You cannot bring your own bicycle or e-bike on this ship, so every guest rides a rental e-bike. It costs €273 for the week and comes with an Ortlieb pannier. Cover against theft and damage to the rental e-bike is a further €28 for the week. If you have never ridden an e-bike, get some practice first: they are heavier and faster than a normal bike, and the descents here are not forgiving.

• What is the weather like?

  

  Scottish west coast weather, in August and early September. Expect sun, wind and rain in the same day, with temperatures around 15 to 19 °C. Bring a proper waterproof jacket, overtrousers, gloves and something warm for the evening. Midges can be a nuisance at dusk when there is no wind, so pack repellent. Nobody cancels a ride here because of rain.

• Is it guided, or do I ride on my own?

  

  Guided. An English-speaking guide rides with the group every day. If you would rather do a stage on your own, talk to the guides and they will suggest a route. You can also skip a ride entirely and stay on board or swim.

• What is the cabin like?

  

  A twin cabin below deck with its own shower and toilet, for seven nights. Bed linen and towels are provided. The ship has 11 cabins and takes at most 22 guests, so it never feels crowded. The lowest rate is a small bunk-bed cabin on the lower deck; a standard bunk-bed cabin costs more.

• How do I get on and off the ship?

  

  Sometimes by dinghy, which is part of the fun and part of the reason you need to be steady on your feet. With the tide you may have to use a ladder covering a height difference of up to 3 m. If that worries you, tell us before booking.

• Are drinks included?

  

  No. There is a flat rate of €120 per person for the week covering beer, wine, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee on board, paid to the ship. Meals and drinks ashore are on you, as are entrance fees, tips and parking.

• Is a helmet compulsory?

  

  Yes, on every ride. Bring your own well-fitted helmet if you can. There are rental helmets on board but only a few, and they must be reserved in advance.

• How do I get to Oban?

  

  Fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow, then take a train or bus to Oban. There is also a group transfer on embarkation day from Edinburgh city centre at 3.30 pm and the airport at 4 pm, and one back on disembarkation day leaving Oban at 7 am. Both are priced on request and must be booked in advance with your flight details.

• Can children come?

  

  The minimum age is 10, and children need to be fit and already used to bike touring. In practice the terrain and the daily distances make this a trip for adults and for teenagers who really ride. Children under 16 get €200 off the basic tour price.

• Is a cycling map provided?

  

  No. No printed map is supplied and there are no GPS tracks. You ride with the guide, who knows the route.