• looking east at nort end of Loch Awe Scotland, Loch Awe
    looking east at nort end of Loch Awe
  • Kaimes looking towards Bute Scotland, Kaimes, looking towards Bute
    Kaimes looking towards Bute
  • Eilean Donan Castle Dornie by Kyle of Lochalsh Scotland, Dornie, Eilean Donan Castle
    Eilean Donan Castle Dornie by Kyle of Lochalsh
  • Viking Ship in Tarbert bay Scotland, Tarbert, Viking Ship
    Viking Ship in Tarbert bay
  • Dunvegan Castle Scotland, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle
    Dunvegan Castle

Scotland West Coast Islands and Highlands Ver2 - A Guided Motorcycle Tour

West, Scotland

Mainly good quality hotels and lodges

This tour begins near Glasgow Airport and makes its was to the west coast then north to the highlands before returning to Glasgow
On this guided tour you will ride some of the best motorcycle routes starting from West
We have not set dates for this tour yet and there may have added a new variant, so, check our tour diary. If you are interested in this tour or something similar then please contact us and we shall set a date, alternatively, browse our upcoming tours to see what's new.

Contact us to discuss your bespoke tour requirements.
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This Scottish motorcycle tour to Highlands and Islands begins as clients arrive at Glasgow airport to collect their motorbikes or we can have them delivered directly to the hotel. It is only a short ride to from Glasgow to Kirn for our first overnight stop before beginning the motorcycle tour properly.

We then visit the Isle of Bute, Argyll, Kintyre peninsula, Seil, Mull, Skye and the Highlands of Scotland

Look at this itinerary and discover some of the most interesting motorcycle routes in scotland

Hillington to Kirn (26 miles, about 1 hour including ferry)

The Royal Marine Hotel at KirnWe collect rental bikes about 5pm and take a short motorway ride to the ferry crossing from Gourock to Hunters Quay arriving at the hotel about an hour later leaving a little time to explore Dunoon and surrounding area before dinner. 

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Kirn, Bute, Argyll and Kintyre peninsula (156 miles - 5 hours riding)

Mount Stuart House, ButeWe shall departure Kirn heading to Colintraive where we take the ferry crossing to the Isle of Bute where we visit Mount Stuart, a magnificent Edwardian property and home of the Marquess of Bute. 
We take a circuit arount the island then head back to the Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry to cross back to the mainland.

We travel through a very picturesque part of Argyle with views across the Kyles of Bute passing through Tighnabruaich before reaching Portavadie where we break for lunch before taking the crossing to Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre.

Next, we head south to Caradale and onwards to Campbeltown taking the east coast road of the peninsula with views over towards Arran. We return along the west coast road taking in views if the Isle of Gigha with Islay and Jura beyond. We end the day at Tarbert.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Tarbert, Crinan, Inveraray, Dalmally, Seil, Oban (150 miles - 5 hours riding)

Crinan canalWe head west towards Port Ban on the Kintyre peninsula before we begin our journey north. As we reach Lochgilphead we shall follow the course of the Crinan canal and then visit the ancient Dunadd Fort where the Kings of Dalriada lived (after the Romans left and before King David came to rule in 1124 Scotland comprised 4 kingdoms and Dalriada was one of those. It was an ancient Gaelic speaking land forming Ireland and the West of Scotland). We shall then make our way to Inveraray, a pretty model village and home to a prison and castle (both are tourist attractions).

We shall then head towards Dalmally and visit an interesting church, fairly modern but created to appear much older. We then join the shore road of Loch Awe riding along a narrow road with stunning views as we almost reach Dunadd Fort again. We make our way to Ardfern and then over to Crobh Haven Marina before crossing "the Bridge over the Atlantic" to Seil Island. We will also consider making the passenger ferry crossing to Easdale Island before continuing north to Oban where we end the day at the Best Western Muthu Queens Hotel overlooking the bay.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Oban, Mull, Ardnamurchan, Morar (140 miles - 5.5 hours riding)

Sands of MorarWe depart our hotel and make our way to the ferry terminal in Oban where we take the crossing to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. All of the roads we ride on the Island will be single track, we first make our way to Loch Beg and circle around Ben More and Loch na Keal with views over to Ulva and other smaller islands. We shall take a brief stop at the bridge crossing Eas Fors Waterfall before climbing up and over a road with several tight bends that leads to Tobermorry where we shall break for lunch.

After our lunch break we take the Tobermory to Kilchoan ferry crossing to the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the most westerly mainland of the UK and an area of Scotland that is particularly unspoiled because it is remote, has poor access routes and narrow roads.

As our route continues we shall take a stop at the Sands of Morar which featured in the movies Local Hero and Breaking the Wave. The quartz sand looks almost white with silver speckles and on a sunny day the beach and sea look more like the Caribbean than Scotland. We shall end the day at the Morar Hotel.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Morar, Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton (185 miles - 5.5 hours riding)

Kilt RockAn early departure from Morar heading to the ferry from Mallaig across to the Isle of Skye where we take a circuit of the Island making our first visit of the day at Dunvegan Castle. Later we cross the Quirang, a dramatic pass formed from a landslip, before stopping to view Kilt Rock, a 90 meter tall basalt rock formation that resembles a pleated kilt. The nearby Mealt waterfalls the drop from Loch Mealt over the cliffs to the sea below is another popular photo opportunity.

After breaking for lunch near Portree we make our way to the last remaining operational turnstile ferry in the world to depart Skye.

On the mainland side we meander through Glenelg to Shiel Bridge then make our way back towards Skye stopping at Eilean Donan Castle for pictures. The castle is one of Scotlands most photographed and sits three sea lochs meet; Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. The castle was rebuilt in the 1920's and 30's and has been used in numerous films. We end the day just north of Kyle of Lochalsh in the pretty village of Plockton.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Plockton, Applecross, Torridon, Ullapool, Lochinver, Kylesku (200 miles - 6 hours riding)

Bealach na ba SummitToday we make more progress because there are no ferry crossings. All our riding is on the mainland and in great remote areas along the North West coast.

We depart the picturesque village of Plockton taking a circuit around Loch's Carron and Kishorn before crossing the Bealach na ba a winding, single track road through the mountains leading to Applecross where we take a refreshment break.

From Applecross we hug the coast to Torridon before crossing to Kinlochewe then along the southern shore of Loch Maree to Poolewe. We progress onwards to Loch Ewe where some might want to visit the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum then onwards to Ullapool and Lochinver and end the day near Kylesku.

N.B. Many of the roads on this route are single track but there are shortcuts along A roads if anyone is struggling.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Kylesku, Durness, Tongue, John o' Groats, Brora (190 miles 5 hours riding)

BettyhillThis route will take us along the most northerly roads in the highlands. First we depart Kylesku heading north to Durness where we meet to north coast of Scotland. A little along the coast we stop a Smoo cave and from here we follow the northern coast line past Tongue to Borgie Lodge where we take a refreshment break.

Our route continues East passing Dounreay where the UK's first fast breeder atomic reactors back in 1955 for safety reasons because of the remoteness from large population centres. We continue in the Britains most North Easterly habitation where we shall take a lunch break.

Our journey now deviated to the South as we make our way past Wick, Helmadale to end the day at the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Brora, Ft Augustus, Ft William, Glencoe, Loch lomond, Glasgow (215 miles. 5.5 hours riding)

looking down from the mountains onto a Scottish LochLeaving Brora we stop for a tour of the home of the Earl of Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle, then continue our route South as we make our way back to Glasgow. We pass through Dingwall and Beauly and we make our way to the Great Glen, joining Loch Ness at Urquart Castle which makes a nice phote stop as do the Locks in Ft Augustus and later at Neptunes Staircase all along the route through the Great Glen.

We break for coffee in Ft Augustus and after passing through Glencoe village we shall stop for lunch at the Clachaig Inn. Then we pass through the mountains and onward to the Loch lomond National Park where we make our final stop for the day at the pretty village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond.

This brings us within 30-45 minutes of Glasgow where we end the journey. Customers can opt for a 4-5 star city centre hotel or those catching a flight might prefer one by the airport to end this tour.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Route Variation

Please note that maps are indicative because it is not always possible to enter all the waypoints and on the day of departure as we need to review our routes based upon the latest traffic and weather information available making changes as and when necessary.

Ask for more details about this Tour Provisionally Book This Tour Learn about our group discounts

Motorcycles For Rent in West, Scotland, Available on this Tour

Most motorcycles available for hire are obtained directly from local mainstream dealers and are subject to change especially if the tour listed was last run in previous years. We can source others to ensure most riders needs are accommodated. However, apart from our own fleet we do not have exclusive access to third party rental motorbikes and so models, availability and prices must be confirmed. Prices and terms are set by the dealers who supply the machines and they are liable to update them regularly.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Rent Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

If you're the kind who wants it all, the Ultra Limited gives it to you. From the powerful all-new Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, right down to the heated handgrips. The unmistakable Batwing fairing and Splitstream air vent mean optimal air flow and reduced head buffeting. Premium BOOM! Box 6.5 GT touchscreen infotainment and navigation allow rider and passenger to ride to any soundtrack they choose. Electronic cruise control, Reflex Linked Brembo® brakes with ABS, dual LED Daymaker headlamps, a premium Tour-Pak® carrier, which can house both rider and passenger helmets, luggage rack and one-touch saddlebags all come standard. Which means the ride you'll experience is anything but standard.
Up to 250 miles per day included, thereafter £0.15 per mile

Restrictions: Rider must be over 25 with a full motorcycle license.

Weekly Hire From: Pound £1,190

CFMOTO 650MT Rent CFMOTO 650MT

The CFMOTO 650MT is a great rival to the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki VStrom 650 offering a comparable parallel twin 650cc engine, Bosch fuel injection, engine protection bars, wind deflecting windscreen, integrated handguards and SHAD panniers and top box, we think this bike offers all a rider needs if on a tighter budget. Styled by the Austrian design team Kiska and with close association with KTM the CFMoto 650MT is available for hire and is perfect for a diverse range of riding and rider skill levels. Supplied with removeable panniers the 650MT also have an adjustable windscreen and engine protection bars and features the following. 60.35HP - 45kW at 8,750rpm Torque: 56Nm at 7,000rpm 650cc parallel twin cylinder liquid cooled engine Bore x Stroke: 83 x 60mm 6 speed gearbox Bosch ECU and fuel injection CST tyres. Front: 120/70R17 Rear: 160/60R17. J.Juan brakes Dual channel ABS USD front forks and adjustable rear monoshock On the fly mapping with dual riding modes 2180 long x 835 wide x 1332 high (in mm) 1425mm wheelbase 840mm seat height 218kg 18 litre fuel tank capacity 2 x Shad Panniers (side cases) Garmin Zumo GPS Low rental plus £0.25 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1500

Weekly Hire From: Pound £675

CFMOTO 650GT Rent CFMOTO 650GT

The CFMOTO 650GT with its parallel twin 650cc engine, Bosch fuel injection, SHAD panniers and top box, taller windscreen and adjustable suspension with longer travel; this bike will be a perfect partner for long distance journeys. The 650GT utilises the same base engine used in their TT racer with proven reliability and offering smooth power through the Bosch fuel injection system, you'll enjoy riding the CFMoto 650GT. These bikes are equipped with the latest TFT dashboard, LED lights front and rear, plus LED indicators, Continental ABS, Spanish J.Juan brakes and Metzeler tyres. They were designed by Kiska, the powerhouse behind the designs for KTM. Built to take on the open roads and made to last those longer journeys. Using the super reliable 650cc engine, paired with high specification auxiliary parts the CFMOTO 650GT is a perfect grand tourer for those on a tighter budget. 795mm seat height, 60 BHP, 56 NM, 218kg. Supplied with 2 x Shad Panniers (side cases) and a Garmin Zumo GPS. Low rental cost plus £0.25 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1500

Weekly Hire From: Pound £675

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Rent Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

Weighing in at 239kg and with a seat height of 850mm coupled to the all new Revolution® Max 1250 that delivers 127nm torque makes this an outstanding adventure bike.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess €1000

Weekly Hire From: Pound £1,190

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special Rent Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Adaptive Ride Height makes its debut on the Pan America 1250 Special. This factory-installed option unlocks confidence you can feel by lowering seat height when stopped, and maintaining a constant, optimum suspension sag at speed by adjusting preload while continuously sensing weight inputs.

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess €1000

Weekly Hire From: Pound £1,250

Triumph Tiger1200 Alpine Edition SE Rent Triumph Tiger1200 Alpine Edition SE

The Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition was inspired by epic alpine adventures. Supplied with top box and 2 panniers. We have 2 saddles; a low heated one and regular comfort. These provide a versatile saddle height from 815mm up to 855mm to suite a variety of leg lengths. Mileage charge is £0.30 per mile. If carying a pillion an age restriction of 35-70 with a minimum of 3 years riding on simiar machine applies.

Restrictions: Theft-Damage deposit £2500, Minimum age 25, 2 years riding

Weekly Hire From: Pound £1,395

Other makes and models of motorcycle may be available for hire on special request, so, if you have a preferred ride just ask and we shall see what can be arranged.

Further details

Parties interested in this tour should get in touch now to intimate interest via our Enquiries Form or email hi@mctours.eu or phone +44(0)141 416 0230