Argyll and the Isles is Scotland ’ s Adventure Coast . And what could be more exciting than a two-wheeled adventure on Islay , one of the region ’ s most beautiful and cycle-friendly islands ? Follow in the slipstream of Mark Beaumont , who pedaled across this Hebridean island on his recent Wild About Argyll adventure .
Largely flat and with quiet country roads , Islay is ideal for cycling . It ’ s known as ‘ The Queen of the Hebrides ’. Cycle around the island and you ’ ll soon see why . It ’ s truly beautiful , with fertile farmland , miles and miles of sandy beaches and breath-taking coastal views around every corner . Discover fascinating historic sites , incredible wildlife and world-famous peaty malts as you ride along .
You could spend many happy days exploring the island by bike , with a number of different routes taking in the island ’ s highlights . Cycle to the south to visit the Ardbeg , Laphroaig , and Lagavulin distilleries where you can sample a dram , head to The Rhinns of Islay to discover some of the island ’ s most glorious beaches and pedal north from Port Askaig for wonderful views of Jura and the Sound of Islay . Or why not hop across on the ferry to explore neighbouring Jura ? Mountainous and sparsely populated , it ’ s perhaps the wildest of the Inner Hebridean islands and offers fabulous – if challenging – riding .
Islay is dotted with cracking cafés , so you ’ re never far from that all-important tea and cake stop . Ardbeg ’ s Old Kiln Café and Debbie ’ s Mini Market at Bruichladdich are both popular with cyclists and serve up fantastic coffee and home-made cakes . If you ’ re cycling The Rhinns , stop off at An Gleann to pick up some An Gleann Tablet – a glucose-packed treat that ’ s certain to give you an energy boost ! Islay is home to some excellent hotels and and restaurants , many of which feature local produce on their menu , including lamb , beef and venison from the local farms and seafood plucked fresh from the surrounding waters . What could be better than tucking into super-fresh haddock and chips washed down with an Islay Ale after a long day in the saddle ?
There ’ s a great range of holiday accommodation to choose from on Islay . From hotels to hostels , cottages to camping , you ’ ll find something to suit . Many offer extras aimed at cyclists . For example , Persabus Farm provides ‘ camping with breakfast ’, which is ideal for cyclists who are heading off early to catch the morning ferry from Port Asakig .
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Mark Beaumont goes Wild About Argyll
Bicycles go free of charge on the ferry to Islay , but you can also hire a bike from various places on the island , including Bowmore , Port Charlotte and Port Ellen . Islay Cycles also offers a bike repair service as well as guided cycle tours of the island . Islay has an active cycling community and the local riders go for a scenic social cycle every Sunday . They meet at 10am at Debbie ’ s mini market in Bruichladdich and you ’ re more than welcome to join them .
So whether you ’ re a veteran cycle tourist or an occasional rider , you ’ ll find that Islay is the perfect destination for your biking adventure . And why stop there ? The ferry from Islay will drop you at Kennacraig on Kintyre . From here you can pick up the famous Caledonia Way , National Route 78 of the National Cycle Network . Or how about catching the ferry from Tarbert to Portavadie to cycle through Cowal to Dunoon ? You could detour via the island of Bute .
“ Islay may be best known for its peaty tipple , but being Scotland ’ s fifth largest island there is also plenty to boast about when it comes to adventure sports . The cycling is relatively flat , on excellent and beautiful roads , the distilleries path at Port Ellen is well worth an explore and the coastline has spectacular kayaking with sea caves and uninhabited islands like Texa ”. -Mark Beaumont
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