Bikepacking Argyll's Islands

Island Bikepacking Trails

Argyll’s islands, the Inner Hebrides and Bute, offer fantastic bikepacking filled with beautiful beaches, some of the world’s best distilleries, great gravel tracks and local food experiences.

Our Bikepacking Argyll’s Islands route combines using public transport with ScotRail’s Highland Explorer, relaxing ferry journeys and great cycling on the islands of Mull, Jura, Islay and Mull to an itinerary starting and finishing in the host city of the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023 – Glasgow.

For new bikepackers and gravel cyclists Bikepacking Argyll’s Islands offers a wide range of accommodation and incentives to stop, while experienced cyclists will find plenty of opportunities to extend the route.

Bikepacking Argyll's Islands

As guidance for planning your own adventures, we have divided the route into eight day itineraries.

Day 1 - Start in Glasgow, Train to Oban, Ferry to Craignure - Cycle to Burg

Day 2 - Cycle Isle of Mull Coastal Route - Ferry to Oban

Day 3 #1 - Cycle Oban to Tayvallich

Day 3 #2 - Ferry to Jura - Cycle to Tarbert Bay

Day 4 - Cycle Jura - Ferry to Port Askaig

Day 5 - Cycle Port Askaig - Port Ellen - Port Charlotte

Day 6 #1 - Cycle to Islay to Port Askaig

Day 6 #2 - Cycle Kennacraig to Tarbert

Day 7 #1 - Cycle from Portavadie to Colintraive

Day 7 #2 - Cycle from Rhubodach to Rothesay, Isle of Bute

Day 8 #1 - Cycle Rothesay Loop

Day 8 #2 - Bute Ferry to Wemyss Bay - Cycle to Gourock - Train to Glasgow