Saddle up and enjoy the new Argyll Bikepacking route!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable cycling adventure that takes you through some of Scotland’s most glorious scenery, then the new Wild About Argyll Bikepacking Trail could be for you!
The Argyll Bikepacking Trail
The route is 655 km (407 miles) long and travels along gravel tracks, forest roads, single trail, quiet roads and cycle paths to discover the best bits of ‘Scotland's Adventure Coast’. So saddle up and make 2018 the year that you do the Wild About Argyll Bikepacking Route! Share your bikepacking stories from the Wild About Argyll Trail on social media by using the #waat hashtag.
What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is essentially backpacking on a bike. It’s a way to explore the backcountry on your bike, fully self-sufficient. As Scotland has some of the best access laws in the world it comes as no surprise that people from across the globe come here to discover the old drovers' and military roads, mountain passes, walking tracks and country roads on their bikes.
The route
The Wild About Argyll Bikepacking Trail starts out in Helensburgh, and passes through some of Argyll's most stunning locations, including Cowal, Kintyre, Oban, Loch Awe and Loch Lomond. The route travels though the dramatic landscape of the Ardgartan Peninsula, along Loch Eck and through Puck's Glen and across the rugged landscapes and steep coastal roads in East Kintyre. You’ll enjoy views from the highest point at Allt Dearg Community Wind Farm, before descending to Achahoish and cycling through the Glen Nant National Nature Reserve and along the forest roads around Loch Awe and Avich Falls.
The route can be ridden in one go or split up into different sections, and you can access different points along the route by public transport. The first section from Helensburgh to Portavadie includes two fantastic national parks – Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and Argyll Forest Park – as well as two of Scotland’s long-distance trails, the Cowal Way and the Three Lochs Way. The second section from Tarbert to Oban is a cracker, taking in the fabulous landscape of the Kintyre peninsula and the rich historical and natural wonders of mid Argyll including Kilmartin Glen. Part of the trail follows the Kintyre Way and the Caledonia Way. The third section is less than 10 km long, and offers you a unique riding experience on the small island of Lismore. The final section from Port Appin to Helesburgh is stunning, with lochs, forest and mountains aplenty. It includes climbing on the B830 through Hell’s Glen, one of Scotland’s iconic road climbs.
The Wild About Argyll Trail can be ridden all year round and is suitable for gravel and mountain bikes. The best time to visit is from April to October. Some sections can be muddy or boggy in wet weather conditions.
Experience Argyll
The Wild About Argyll Bikepacking Trail isn’t just about cycling. There are plenty of opportunities to discover Argyll’s incredible food and drink, including whisky distilleries and craft ale breweries. You’ll also get the chance to discover some incredible wildlife and the area’s rich Highland history.
And all of this is just a hop and a skip from Glasgow. What are you waiting for? The wild is calling!
You can download the route for your GPS and find the full route description, as well as details about transport links and facilities, on the Bikepacking Scotland website.