Riding The Hebrides: Epic Gravel & Legendary Whisky

Scotland’s Argyll coast is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and is also home to many of the world’s finest whisky distilleries. After their Land’s End to John o’ Groats world record attempts, Hank and Mark are back together, and the wild and rugged terrain of the isles of Islay and Jura provides the perfect backdrop for their latest adventure. Perfect gravel trails, proper Scotch whisky and even a bit of kayaking await. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Where’s your dream location for a gravel adventure?

[@pascalperriard9434]

Switzerland, come over here once please !

[@orlix666]

South Africa

[@scottpardy990]

Between this video, and Jenny's on GCN+, the Hebrides are pretty high on my list for gravel adventures.

[@projectorcomputer2718]

NorCal Sequoias

[@orlix666]

The Ardennes in Belgium + Luxembourg

[@evigvandrare]

Definitely more of stuff like this! Mark and Hank are such a grand duo, and seeing some Scottish gravel riding and my favourite distilleries is an excellent thing.

[@christianhuber4054]

Agreed, Hank and Mark are my favorite duo on GCN!

[@garethrichards5054]

They do seem to enjoy riding together and that comes across with their presenting.

[@Motorep146]

I definitely agree and they ended with my 3 favorite distilleries as well.

[@evigvandrare]

@@Motorep146 Only the first distillery they visited is the one I don't have multiple bottles from in my collection. 😂 I'd love to see those docos longer on GCN+, or even longer trips. Two or three days seems far too short. I'd never want to leave!

[@evigvandrare]

@@christianhuber4054 They're tied equal first with Jennie and Manon for me. I have a bit of a soft spot for Mark though, I saw him speak at an adventure medicine conference a few years back, and that shoved me down the path of endurance riding.

[@davidgartside4677]

I have cycled these islands around 12 times on road bike with pals, grand children and solo. Never tire of them. The cycling, peace and wildlife is wonderful. A gravel bike would open up more tracks, but there is plenty of scope on a road bike. The Long Road ends at Kinauchdrachd. Leave bike there and a further 2 miles of rough walk takes you to overlook the Corryvrekan Whirlpool between Jura and Scarba - not to be missed. Vehicle ferry between the 2 islands, passenger ferry (inc bikes) from mainland to Craighouse on Jura. Also, water taxi from Crinnan on mainland to any drop-off point on Jura. Camping field outside the great Jura Hotel. Recommended route is to leave car at Ardrossan, take ferry to Brodick (Arran). Cycle Arran (18 miles or 50 the long way round) then ferry from Lochranza to Kintyre. Cross Kintyre to Kennacraig (only 8 miles) for ferry to Islay & Jura. Only 3 nights away and a great adventure. Vamos! PS - Forgot to mention. Summer wednesdays and Saturdays there is a sailing from Port Askaig (Islay) to Oban via Colonsay and return. Gives about 7 hours on lovely Colonsay, enough time to circuit the island and visit adjacent Oronsay across the strand beach. So 5 islands, 10 ferries in 3 nights. Terrific trip. See also whirlpool-scotland.co.uk

[@simon6652]

I’ve hiked the west coast of Jura and it was epic.

[@MrAndi1281]

wow, thanks for providing soo much valueable infos!!

[@MannBazza]

@@MrAndi1281 I’ll second that! Sounds like a bucket list trip!

[@welivesofast8839]

Great info. Is there path from the end of the road in Jura to see the whirlpool?

[@davidelibralesso4345]

thanks David, that is a big amount of great infos!

[@michaelwillis4528]

They tried to get Si to go on this ride, but then he saw the Coo’s. Also, “followed the Beaumont Nose” 😂

[@douglaspate9314]

The images if that had been Si would have been for and epic GCN Episode in itself

[@chrisridesbicycles]

„Mooed in a very aggressive way“ 😂 #captioncompetition „Hey Richardson, ready for a little sprint challenge?“

[@pglick123]

These GCN tours are epic! The production quality is amazing. A hand to the support staff and crew that help make these happen. Keep it up!

[@saintuk70]

Laphroaig was my very first home, actually living at the distillery. Nice to see GCN visit a jewel of the Scottish islands and, along with the Mull of Kintyre a fantastic place to live and visit. As for the "local wave", most island people will wave to cyclists I've found this through Inner and Outer Hebrides. Only one teeny downside, this was filmed in Autumn - during April and May (usually the Scottish summer ;) ) the weather can be far kinder and the landscapes even more dramatic.

[@Dleger13]

One of these days i'll make my way out there to plant a flag or something on my little plot of land

[@Shellewell]

One thing I love about these videos with Mark and with Jenny is the inclusion of hikes and kayaks. Getting the endurance people in really seems to tie cycling into other outdoor sports in a great way, showing how two wheels can balance with these other activities. As somebody who came to cycling while already an avid hiker and climber, it is just great and inspiring to see multi-faceted adventures.

[@sylvest1001]

Probably the best GCN film ever

[@petinka721]

They are friends forever!

[@orlix666]

Makes me want to head out straight away. Epic. Love this type GCN videos the most by far.

[@gcn]

That's why we make these Kim! Glad to hear it inspired!

[@annie52e]

@@gcn Add more about where to stay. We are not bike packers but love to ride and travel.

[@helenfairhurst6727]

I'm not a cyclist but I love Scotland, the scenery, the Highland Cows, fine dining and kayaking, whats not to love? Oh and of course a wee dram at the end of the day - thanks Guys

[@JorkLeonhardt]

Mark and Hank are an absolute dream team. I have thoroughly enjoyed every video with them so far.

[@brianasselta9237]

Ok so outside of Simons iceland gravel ride and ollies iceland gravel race this easily makes my top 3 favorite vids you guys have done. Really appreciate the scotch whiskey aspect of the video. Kudos! Happy New Year!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian!

[@gerlachsieders4578]

these vids with mark and hank are just the best

[@gcn]

He's just started the Race Across America How do you think he'll get on? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJWmiGWuds91jdk

[@MannBazza]

Whisky, cycling and stunning scenery. This is a dream of a bike ride as far as I’m concerned.

[@peterrooney8236]

That was so good I actually felt a tinge of envy, especially when they kayaked over to one of the distilleries and someone had kindly set up a table full of oysters and a bottle of whisky. Living the life.

[@williamsylvia3962]

Mark and Hank are a great team! Great watch!

[@galenkehler]

This is the first GCN bike trip that I realized I HAVE to do. Bucket list stuff for this Canadian 🇨🇦

[@dextercuizon6118]

Dream destination of mine. Islay. With its whiskies.

[@coreyreeder3549]

Love any video with Mark and Hank

[@hoser7706]

Biking at its best!! Scenery. Whisky. Food. Friends!! Give us more for sure please.

[@davidedwards199]

Oh my God!!! (and I do believe in Him) That would be so close to heaven. I love my Scottish (in -law) Heritage and My Mother-in-law has blessed me with a love of whiskey. Islay is now on my list. To finish off with fresh oysters 😋 and whiskey, ... just WOW!!! Thanks guys, I do believe in a new heaven and a new earth 🌎 ... so either this side of Heaven or the other, I'll have eternity to experience these things.

[@Kai-vy9uq]

Your guys have one of the best jobs in the World

[@xosece]

one of my favourite episodes of the channel. Scotland is beyond gorgeous.

[@marksimmons6055]

My kinda bike ride. More of this please guys!

[@turboplopp]

This is THE most inspirational video EVER!

[@warrenm3542]

We need more of this Mark, a Wild Argyle tour with a few more islands please!

[@earthsign39]

Yes, I love all the channels, but I love the cycling travel ones the most…thanks

[@KevinAxt-om5on]

More like this, please. Looks exactly like an adventure I'd love to do.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Watched the first 5 seconds and can already tell it's going to be epic from the opening shots 👌

[@stevelewis6154]

Never seen two people enjoying riding bikes more. Hank & Mark are just brilliant together.

[@jennifercash1093]

I love seeing Mark and Hank on an adventure, regardless of the amount of suffering involved. They make such a good team and I like the way they interact with the camera too. I'm definitely adding this to my adventure list for 2022.

[@kimberleyguilmette761]

Loved this as a whisky lover & cyclist, yes please...more films like this, more Scotland, England, Wales please....with or without the whisky Slainte!! adding tours to my dream list!

[@gazzaman28]

Brilliant stuff, I've been lucky enough to take my bike over to Islay twice now, and have visited every distillery. There's nothing more rewarding than having a dram after arriving there on 2 wheels. Great video guys!

[@BrentonChan]

This is one of my bucket list vacations. Dreams of Islay! Nectar of the Gods. Thanks for wetting my appetite even further.

[@bartkrauss7452]

Fantastic all around.....love the "touring" segments GCN puts together.

[@jeffreywilliams3646]

Cycling in Scotland is on my to-do list. If we can ever travel again.

[@Starginal]

This inspires me to return to Scotland for another bicycle tour, after my one and only tour some 30 years ago.

[@Metal-Possum]

Probably one of the more enjoyable GCN videos since Matt left... It doesn't have his iconic laughter like earlier GCN videos did, but it was definitely a good watch. I don't mind Hank's presenting at all.

[@kathyjurgens7153]

Absolutely smashing. Loved it. We were to sea kayak here for our 35th Anniversary. Then Covid shut down the world. Now we look forward to getting set to carry on but with some cycling and of course whisky. Wow. We reinspired.

[@quidiVidiGintamaKitty12]

Bikepacking from one bothy to another. To me, this is my #1 bucket list because I love the Highlands of Scotland.

[@moreadventureuk]

We are loving these videos of Scotland. In our opinion one of the greatest cycling destinations in the world!

[@darrendunn54]

Yes please what a truly wonderful film, thank you for sharing your trip. The Scottish islands are truly amazing. I’ll add, the best time often to visit is mid May to mid June and travel between is easy non-expensive , slick and breathtakingly beautiful

[@benhoward4294]

Really enjoyed this less intense side of GCN. This is a place I’d definitely visit. More of these short adventures!,

[@russelldrey8678]

I think you Gentlemen filmed the ultimate cycling adventure of 2021. Scotland, cycling and whiskey . Along with highland cattle. Great job 👍🚴

[@tonymellor7979]

Great comment Russell, but no E in Scotch Whisky… Irish and Bourbon onleee!

[@bikelawbloke]

The fast challenge, endurance stuff like LEJOG is great to watch - but there’s something about people doing adventures in beautiful scenery, having a laugh and relaxing along the way that is even more enjoyable to watch. Maybe that’s because its more realistic for me to think about the latter than the former! 😂 … makes me want to take my bike to Scotland and I intend to later this year.

[@rossthompson3568]

Maybe the best thing I have seen on GCN

[@charliepenman1319]

Mark and Hank best of the best on GCN and GCN+. What a great pair. Seems like they have fun and the adventures are easily the best part of GCN network. Love it. Keep them coming guys.

[@jagrutirathod]

Didn't think GCN could get much better and then you go make a video about two of my favourite things with two of my favourite gcn presenters! 🥃🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️👌🏼

[@velosapien]

thumbs up to all the cinematographers on this..absolutely epic

[@timrathbone]

I had forgotten that I had cycled to Finlaggin over 10 years ago on a family holiday to Islay. This brought back so many memories and now I can't resist returning..

[@roberttell1587]

A video that doesn’t try and break Hank. Glad to see some well-deserved RnR

[@ibfrenchy]

Hank, "WHOOOOO!!!" I love it!

[@stolenc7]

I love that the two spent the entire time half-wheeling each other.

[@philippstr8615]

Man i’d give a kidney to do this tour with mark and hank... So stunning!

[@jj09102010]

Mark and Hank have so much chemistry. Love it love it !

[@richardruns4cake]

My favourite film of the year on the last day of the year . Much more of this please .

[@grahamwestwater8585]

That was amazing 👏 ..... what an advert for bike touring in Scotland. Take a bow . Hank and Mark make a great team

[@g_y.rtz420]

I love how despite all the beautiful sceneries and the luxury and history and whisky, the cycling is still the main attraction of this video, absolutely breathtaking routes covered with fast paced mud and dirt everywhere cycling. What an adventure indeed, thank you for such a high quality video i love it

[@erilassila409]

Three of my favorite things in one video: trains, cycling and whisky!

[@davestatz3611]

Great job by all. The cinematography was epic. Alway enjoy when these two get together. Cheers, and Happy New Years from Buffalo New York USA.

[@gcn]

Thanks Dave and happy new year to you too!

[@iwonanatalia5476]

Hank and Mark make a great duo! And these islands are just jawdropping stunning beautiful !

[@lucavanderkraan8774]

Please please please more videos like this. I went to Scotland in October for a wedding and this just makes me want to quit my job and ride the Scottish isles. Scotland is so beautiful, the people are so nice and it’s just such an adventurous place. Great video!

[@richcrompton6891]

Just what the doctor ordered. Epic adventure with the dream team 😊

[@uwet716]

My favorite video of the year. I 've been there 2018 and it's a great reminder on a good time.

[@trevejenkyn9888]

Great to see the lads together again, I was worried after the Tandem, that the team had taken a hit, great to see them together well done Thank You

[@ianmchugh9423]

I love Mark because he is basically just a madman who loves nothing better than misery and adventure. Truly unhinged in a way we all should be.

[@jon4827]

Oh gosh! Please more videos like this. So cinematic and great to watch while eating a meal. It was like watching a Netflix original of two bros tour the world and indulge in delicate cuisine around the world!

[@bikerider.56]

Just watched it today absolutely loved it. Love to see more videos like this.

[@janfrancis2583]

Yep, definitey more of these type of videos, it was the whole gravel, bikepacking, adventure cycling scene that got me back on a bike so these videos are real inspiration.

[@bikeskimawk670]

Mates having fun. Ride to the level of your smile.

[@jeffscofield8077]

That was incredible. It was nice to see you two guys actually do a ride totally for the enjoyment and not necessarily to set some sort of record or reach a almost unobtainable goal. Definitely do more of these sorts of videos.

[@familyhill6425]

I’ve not been to Islay for about 20 years, but this certainly relights the fire & something to achieve in 2022! Thanks guys!!

[@davidjarvis6202]

Really enjoy GCN doing UK gravel rides!!

[@dcafiso]

Love Hank, such a fun young lad. Scotland is magnificent

[@mcbishopuk]

Glorious! Reminds me of the time I cycled with my ex from Oban to Kennacraig on a tandem towing a trailer with peat-coring and surveying gear (the surveying staff was fastened along the crossbar!) to go across the Islay (where there were professional bird-counters from the RSPB in our B&B). Cycling in the Inner Hebrides is magical and it's a place where the few motorists, instead of shouting at you, stop for a chat and offer you a lift.

[@tonywatson8101]

Don't watch a lot of GCN videos but anything with Mark Beaumont is a must see. He's such a natural presenter and seems like a true gent. And he always has the best routes up his sleeve. Thumbs up every time. Give us more ! :).

[@kritan84]

Hank and Mark makes a beautiful combo, watching them always makes me happy for some reason 😊

[@JoseLNazario]

I really enjoyed this video, Hank and Mark have great chemistry and it shows. Please do more like this

[@kevin._.farren]

First Matt, then Chris, Emma, and Jeremy. If Hank ever leaves GCN I’ll crack. Love the enthusiasm and energy. Love Mark as well especially since he can put these former pros in their place with his amazing physical and even more impressive mental capabilities. Love the combo of these two presenting together and it seems they enjoy it as well. Great video!!

[@dviddy3]

This was fantastic - the bromance between Hank and Mark is so fun to watch. Also great to see Hank enjoy himself after being tortured for so long!

[@NigelPCrane]

Love it, Love it, Love it. More of this please.

[@debkemp7431]

More iconic gravel rides thought the UK please!! This was great!! Loved it!!

[@zebragunwar]

This was great loved it had me smiling all the way through

[@TheGeo2hot]

Lovely remake of broke back mountain but a bike/ kayak version. Really sweet from Hank and Mark 👍🏻🥃

[@cdcdcd6777]

This maybe the most EPIC travel video from GCN yet. two of my favorite items as i got old... lovely

[@lovecycling193]

Love seeing the adventures you guys go on. Hank and Mark deliver over the screen what appears to be a fantastic friend ship, and add in the landscapes with bikes it's simply fantastic viewing ❤️

[@iwonanatalia5476]

yup, definitely a bromance vibe

[@Solarsystem50]

These guys do the best content in GCN. They just made me go to the liquor store.

[@neildturnbull]

Brilliant video one of GCN's best I would say. Very inspirational 👏

[@gcn]

Thanks Neil!

[@scottbert9556]

HAPPY NEW YEAR FELLOW CYCLISTS! May all your miles this new year be a pleasure.

[@archy_bold]

Cycling and peated whisky: that’s pretty much a perfect holiday for me.

[@TAYZTAR]

Combining the worlds most beautiful country with cycling and whisky.. Cannot get any better than that. Very well done guys! Some day i will take my bike thru the islands of scotland. 10/10 cheers

[@normancooper8741]

Mark and Hank just seem to bounce off each other and create epic videos. More please.

[@denisegan4934]

Give Hank more luxury, he deserves it!

[@mariacristinaperezlegorret7593]

What an unforgettable experience! Thank you!

[@antonlasy7501]

a perfect bromance here!! cheers guys!

[@pmiller7886]

Absolutely more of this!

[@Spin90]

I love these adventures on GCN. Feels like Top Gear (original), when they began their epics. Great formula and fun to watch. Keep it up GCN

[@erics418]

Hard not to want to go there after watching this. Lovely.

[@butchpedit4871]

Big win with me. Enjoyed it front to back.