About Halcyon Cycling Holidays:
Halcyon Cycling Holidays is a specialist cycling tour operator that operates a small number of guided small group cycling adventures on the Isles of Islay, Jura, Oronsay and Colonsay during the summer months. The cycling trips to the Islands are now on sale for 2026 and 2027 summer season but some dates are nearly full!
Cycling on Islay and Jura in particular offers stunning, wild landscapes with quiet roads, perfect for exploring the Islands distilleries, coastlines, monuments and historic sites and wildlife, using ferries to connect the islands. Jura features one main road ideal for adventure on its single track “Long Road”, while Islay provides flatter, varied routes to get to most places of interest. The cycling holiday to the island of Jura takes in the majority of the “Long Road” as part the overall trip.
The fully guided cycling holidays are based on Islay and its capital Bowmore and is our base for the 8-day trip, with its independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and other services. All five guided rides are on a mix of terrains but mainly on quiet country roads and lanes and will cover approximately 200 miles, and the scenery and sites are spectacular. The routes chosen are not without their challenges and the islands are well known for the odd steep climb and descent, but some sections offer an easier gradient, with far reaching views over open Scottish countryside. All our rides are guided throughout and EXCLUSIVE, Halcyon Cycling Holidays operates a minibus and bike trailer transfer charter from the north of England to Kennacraig for cyclists, bags and bikes. More details are on the website.
Accommodation for this trip is based at The Saddlers House in Bowmore and is highly rated online and is based on a room-only basis, sharing a twin or double-ensuite room or on a sole-occupancy basis. There is a sole occupancy supplement on this holiday (see pricing section). Everyone will have access to kitchen facilities, a lounge or social space and there are some fantastic views from the terrace over towards the sea loch.
There are some real cycling highlights to enjoy including a visit to Deer Island, Jura, an opportunity to sample a wee dram at one of the many world famous major smokey whisky distilleries such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, an opportunity to see Sea Otters at Portnahaven, historic sites such as Kildalton Cross on Islay, secluded beaches like Machir Bay, rugged landscapes such as the Oa Peninsula, abundant wildlife, traditional music and fresh seafood, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and unique island culture.
You can find details about the trips on the Halcyon Cycling Holidays website, halcyoncycling.co.uk or call (01226) 700428 and speak to one of the team (during office hours).