Scroll to enter site
It all started on the road from Campbeltown, island-hopping up Scotland's west coast, visiting the odd far-flung whisky distillery. The route was thanks to Aidan, the whisky was Tom's idea - being a drinks writer by trade. Somehow it all meshed together beautifully as friends on the trip can testify.
Similar trips followed to prove it wasn't a one-off. And that some ideas are too good not to share.
Come and join us for our next adventure.
The hotels will be comfortable - some of them luxurious. The food and drink will be good with plenty of locally sourced produce to enjoy. Your baggage will be carried in our support van that also acts as a back-up for anyone who needs a break. You’ll be guided by Tom and Aidan who will cycle with you and be there to fix any punctures and the like. The pace is nice and steady with stops and picnics along the way, though there will be hills. If you’re renting one of our bikes it will have super-low gearing for the ups and great disc brakes for the downs. Any visits to wineries or distilleries will be after the day’s ride.
saddle grape and grain- the 2025 tours
In 2025 we will be running four main guided tours and shorter two day tours in the Cotswolds. Here’s a summary of the tours below - click on ‘2025 tours’ on the menu page to get more details, dates and prices.
Quite challenging - around 50 miles a day on quiet backroads at a comfortable pace - amazing views and scenery as compensation for your efforts.
An eight day tour which is challenging at times.
We meet up in Glasgow and then transfer to the starting point of the tour, the 19th Century whisky ‘capital’ of the world, Campbeltown at the south of the Mull of Kintyre.
After a warm-up day, the route then takes us up the length of Kintyre, across to Islay then to Jura and across by rib to Tayvallich on the mainland. A private boat crossing takes us to a quiet corner of the Isle of Mull from Oban and we cycle up to Tobermory. Finally, we hop across from Mull to the Morvern peninsular or Ardnamurchan before finishing our ride in Fort William.
The stunning Isle of Arran and quiet less-known corners of the mainland.
The cycling distances aren’t too long but it’s hilly!
Easy transport connections to and from Glasgow at the beginning and of the trip.
Two great distilleries on Arran
Additional whisky tasting and talks en route
Possible extra night and Clydeside distillery visit.
Starting from Dublin, great cycling countryside and a route that takes in visits to some of the new wave of independent Irish distilleries to finish in Cork.
An early evening walk through the historic whisky district of Dublin.
Great Wiklow mountain scenery on day 2.
A day off the bikes on the third day, optional rowing and a distillery visit.
A quiet route to Waterford and an afternoon distillery visit.
To Dungarvan by cycle path and then onto distillery at Ballyduff before a transfer to a beautiful hotel on the coast.
A final ‘back roads’ ride to Cork.
Good hotels and food, great company.
A two day ‘taster’ cycle tour in cotswolds with picnic lunches, dinner and a stay in a comfortable hotel and a tour of the cotswolds distillery and a local vineyard
A chance to get to know us and ride in great scenery.
Easily accessible - train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Support vehicle and back-up and easily achieved distances to ride.
Bike hire possible (including e bikes)