Islay Cycle Routes
Cycling around Islay…
Please use passing places on single track roads
Be courteous to motorists and fellow cyclists
If you see someone waving at you it's most likely the famous Islay wave.... all locals will wave to you!
Take advantage of our delivery/collection service. We can have your bikes delivered and collected anywhere on Islay for £10. (Three bikes minimum required)
We’ve listed some of our favourite cycle routes on Islay below…
Port Charlotte to Portnahaven
Circular route 16 miles
Difficulty level: Easy-Medium
Looking for some quiet touring to get the miles in? Starting from Port Charlotte, enjoy the sea views from the single-track road down to Portnahaven. Heading back via Kilchiaran Bay.
Download a pdf version below or view it in detail on our Google Map >
Port Charlotte to Kilchoman
Route 18 miles
Difficulty level: Medium
Leaving port Charlotte on the new cycle/walking path towards Bruichladdich, home to one of Islay’s famous distilleries, also the popular pit stop for cyclists is the Mini Market. Follow the road round to Kilchoman Distillery and cafe where you can enjoy a nice bite to eat. Round the corner lies Kilchoman bay, which is defiantly worth a visit, You have the option to return via Saligo Bay around the back of loch Gorm.
Download a pdf version below or view it in detail on our Google Map >
Port Ellen – Ardtalla
The Three distillery path, soon to be four
Route: 17 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
The most popular route is from Port Ellen up the Three distillery path. The Path is very safe for cyclists and runs 4 miles to Ardbeg passing Laphroaig and Lagavulin. I would recommend lunch at Ardbeg distillery then carry on up the single-track road to Kildalton Cross, Keep your eye out for wildlife on this route. Red Deer, Fallow deer, Seals at seal bay, The white-tailed sea eagle is a common sight from this part of Islay.
Download a pdf version below or view it in detail on our Google Map >
Port Ellen – Ardnahoe
Route: 45 miles
Difficulty level: Medium-hard
One of our favourite cycles, Ardnahoe is home to one of Islay’s newest distilleries, apart from their amazing whisky’s, The cafe and views are not to be missed. I would recommend the premium e-bike for this route to eat up those long slow hills. Leaving Port Ellen on the high road passing Barr farm in the heart of Islay will take you into Ballygrant, then down to Ardnahoe. I would recommend cycling back the same route to Port Ellen as the road through Bowmore to Port Ellen can be busy at times.
Download a pdf version below or view it in detail on our Google Map >
Port Ellen to the American Monument
Route: 14 miles
Difficulty level: Easy-Medium
A great way to explore the American Monument and take in the spectacular views of the Oa. The road down is rather rugged and has some steep hills, but the end results are well worth it. The bike can be left locked at the end of the road, where there’s a short 1-mile walk to the monument. Remember your camera and suitable footwear for walking!!
Download a pdf version below or view it in detail on our Google Map >
Bowmore to Craighouse, Isle of Jura
Route: 40 miles
Difficulty level: Difficult
We recommend our premium e-bike for this route. Cycling to Craighouse makes for a great day out, spectacular views on Jura, also known as deer island. This route requires riders to be very alert between Bowmore and Port Askaig as it can be fast at times.
When arriving on Jura the terrain can be steep so will require some effort. Craighouse is a beautiful small village on Jura with lots to offer, including Jura distillery, Deer island rum. Great food to be had at both the Jura hotel and The Antlers cafe. Konrad Borkowski Photography can be found down toward the pier. There is also Ardlussa Gin which is 16 miles beyond Craighouse on the north of Jura. Below is a link to check the Jura ferry timetable.
Check the Jura Ferry Timetable >
Download a pdf version below or view it in detail on our Google Map >