• View from Ardelve looking South to Loch Duich Scotland, Ardelve looking South to Loch Duich
    View from Ardelve looking South to Loch Duich
  • Looking north from Fearnmore Scotland, Fearnmore north
    Looking north from Fearnmore
  • Kiloran Bay, Colonsay, Scotland Scotland, Kiloran Bay, Colonsay
    Kiloran Bay, Colonsay, Scotland
  • Kyles of Bute Scotland, Kyles of Bute
    Kyles of Bute
  • Dunvegan Castle Scotland, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle
    Dunvegan Castle

Highlands and Islands of Scotland - A Guided Motorcycle Tour

West, Scotland

4 star hotels

This tour of Scotland's Highlands also visits the Southern and Inner Hebrides of Scotland
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.
Provisionally Book This Tour Ask for more details about this Tour Learn about our group discounts

A motorcycle tour that traverses the Southern Hebrides, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Mull and the Isle of Skye plus the Scottish Highlands.

N.B. This tour is only available on select dates because there is not a daily ferry servive between some of the points e.g. Islay and Colonsay.

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

Seamill to Islay 125-155 miles with about 4-5 hours riding

We departure Seamill immediately after an early breakfast at circa 8am and ride 15 miles north to Wemyss Bay where we make our first ferry crossing to Rothsay on the Isle of Bute. A little south of Roythsay is Mount Stuart, a magnificent Edwardian property and home of the Marquess of Bute, but rather than ride there directly we take a partially circuit towards the south of the island before visiting Mount Stuart after which we make our way to the north of Bute to take Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry crossing to Argyll. 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.

Ideally we will want to catch the 15:30 ferry to Islay and will therefore take about a 40 circuit that crosses to Loch Caolisport and around West Loch Tarbert to the ferry terminal at Kenacraig. Alternatively we can opt for a later ferry and travel south taking a 70 mile circuit to Campbeltown before returning to Kenacraig where we catch another ferry crossing to the Isle of Islay.

We end the day about 10 miles from Port Askaig at a grand country house hotel near Bridgend on Islay. Distance circa 125-155 miles with about 4-5 hours riding and 3.5 hours on or waiting for ferries.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Oban

We cross from Islay to Jura and ride the islands only road before returning by ferry to Islay then crossing to Colonsay to circuit that island and dip our toes into the Atlantic Ocean at Kiloran Bay. We return to the ferry terminal to travel to Oban where we end the day.

Circa 135 miles with about 4 hours riding and circa 3.5 hours on or waiting for ferries

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Oban, Mull, Ardnamurchan, Mallaig (150 miles - 5.5 hours riding)

Sands of MorarWe depart our hotel in Connel making 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 West Highland Hotel in Mallaig.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Mallaig, Skye, Glenelg, Eilean Donan Castle (175 miles - 5 hours riding)

Kilt RockAn early departure from Mallaig crossing 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 with westerly views across the Inner Sound to Eilean Mor, Scalpay, Longay and Skye.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Plockton, Applecross, Torridon, Ullapool, Lochinver, Scourie (215 miles - 6.5 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 first head to Plockton, a picturesque village sitting in a sheltered east facing bay that is often referred to as "The Jewel of the Highlands". The town was used as the setting as the fictional Lochdubh in the TV series Hamish McBeth. We only take a brief stop for photographs and then carry on.

Our route circuits 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 at Scourie.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Durness, Tongue, Kimbrace, Lairg, Beauly (200 miles 5.5 hours riding)

BettyhillThis route will take us into some of the most remote parts of the highlands. First we depart Scourie 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 past Bettyhill before turning south just after crossing the Halladale River where we deviate to the south towards Kinbrace (which is where you will find Britain's most remote hotel, The Garvault).

Our route continues south and we break for lunch at a remote Inn north of Lairg. After passing through Lairg we continue to Bonar Bridge then Dingwall before we end the day's ride at Beauly. In French beau lieu means beautiful place. The surrounding land is fertile with grain and fruit mainly being farmed. There is also a ruined Priory dating from 1260.

View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)

Beauly, Drumnadrochit, Ft Augustus, Dalwhinnie, Killin, Glasgow (210 miles - 5.5 hours riding)

Falls of Dochart, Killin Departing Beauly we head south to Drumnadrochit where we reach Loch Ness. We follow Loch Ness to Fort Augustus where we take a brief stop before continuing through the great glen to Spean Bridge where we alter course to the east along the banks of Loch Lagan and then to Dalwhinnie where we shall visit the distillery. We will take a tour and participate in chocolate tasting but save the whisky until the days riding is over.

Our route south continues through Tummel Bridge and Fortingall where we break for lunch. Fortingall has two main claims to fame; it has the oldest ewe tree in the world at least 2000 years old and some claim as much as 9000 years old, the other claim is that it was the birth place of Pontius Pilot famed for sending Jesus to the cross.

The story of Pontius Pilate's Scottish origins was raised an article published in the 15 January 1899 edition of the New York Times. The article claimed that between 55BC when the the Romans' first came to Britain and their subsequent invasion in AD43 that Ceasar Augustus dispatched envoys to establish diplomatic relations with some of the important British and Caledonian tribes. One of these was a Caledonian chieftain called Metellanus, whose stronghold was at the head of Glen Lyon. A member of the Roman delegation to Metellanus's tribe fathered a child circa 20BC with a Caledonian woman, and this child subsequently returned to Rome with his parents. The child was raised up as Pontius Pilate.

Our journey continues to join Loch Tay which we traverse to Killin. Next we pass Lochearnhead and at Killmahog we cross the Dukes Pass to Aberfoyle where we take another refreshment break. At Drymen we change course again to the west reaching the southern shores to Loch Lomond and from there we join major roads back to base near Glasgow.

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 Heritage Classic Softail Rent Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic Softail

The Heritage Classic Softail ® is rich with the nostalgia of days gone by, but the hidden suspension gives you the authentic look of a hardtail without the bone-shaking ride. You get the comfort of standard cruise control and a low center of gravity, plus standard ABS, and a Milwaukee-Eight ® 107 engine giving a classic look and smooth ride.
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 £980

Harley-Davidson Road King Rent Harley-Davidson Road King

The Road King® is where stripped down, nostalgic style meets the performance and versatility of a modern Harley-Davidson® touring machine. The Hiawatha headlamp and nacelle were born in the 1960's, when chrome ruled the streets. But the power of the all-new Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 engine brings it all into the here and now in a hurry. The all-new double bending valve front suspension and rear emulsion shocks put you in control for a plush ride. With cast aluminium Impeller wheels and one-touch opening saddlebags, this is the timeless classic built for today.
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 £980

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

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