I developed this route a while back and it was 500 miles starting at Tyndrum. I've now re-jigged it to start at Balloch (good and regular train service from Glasgow) and added in a bit around Argyll to miss out the Trunk road schlep round Loch Fyne the 500 route used (hence it now being 550 miles). I've ridden most of it and a fair bit has appeared on various other routes so it's not really anything new.

Anyway, it's a reasonable way of spending a week or so if you fancy a decent cycle tour (ne bikepacking route ) Think of it as an old persons Highland trail!
Guaranteed no death marches and plenty of re-supply options - also ferry rides!, Sea Eagles! Red Squirrels! Lochs! Glens! Midges!

You could do a few short cuts with a bit of map appraisal. Probably do-able on a gravel bike...

I'm thinking of having a wander round it second week of June but only if the weather is half decent. I'll be using the Jones and I won't bother changing my gearing.

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/212571 ... re&type=2d

PM me with an email and I will send you the GPX direct.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 3:26 pmProbably do-able on a gravel bike...

Is it just Corrieyairack you're uncertain about regarding tyre width? I find the hairpins hard going no matter the width of the tyres.

I've never been out West into Ardnamurchan or the peninsulas, I am interested in going. But there is a lot of road (but actually probably badly beaten road) for 2.8" tyres instead of 40mm.

Dean wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 5:34 pm

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 3:26 pmProbably do-able on a gravel bike...

Is it just Corrieyairack you're uncertain about regarding tyre width? I find the hairpins hard going no matter the width of the tyres.

I've never been out West into Ardnamurchan or the peninsulas, I am interested in going. But there is a lot of road (but actually probably badly beaten road) for 2.8" tyres instead of 40mm.

That's probably the worst bit for narrow tyres. There is a section of single track on the north side of Ardnamurchan which I've not done, and whilst it does go (I'm told) is a bit 'variable' but quite short. When I originally planned it I had a Salsa Fargo! That said I've done a fair bit of road riding on 3" Bonty XR2's and they roll fine

Bing Maps suggests that the singletrack is part gravel stalker's path, part underwater for 2km. I suppose if I wanted to save wet feet I could go by the road, there won't be heavy traffic there.

40mm tyres I can ride at almost 30km/h on heavy road and nice gravel, 2.8" can barely reach 20km/h on perfect freshly-laid tarmac. Strava doesn't know all of the surface types but it looks like it is could be 50/50. I guess the state of the forestry roads after 18 months of rain will be the deciding factor.

I have 4 days in early May, so planning to 'enthusiastically tour' the Western portion from Fort William to Tarbet. I only really know the bit around Dunoon, from the Dirt Dash, and some very midgey camping on Ardnamurchan, so keen to explore. Though if the weather looks great, I'm going hill walking.
It'll be on a rigid MTB with 2.3" tyres I reckon.

Is there a gpx as i dont have OS

Looks rather good. Have cycled most of it but never the lot together so might need to find a few spare days.

If anyone is heading round it I’m not far outside Lochgilphead should you need any help or anything.

Lazarus wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:25 pm Is there a gpx as i dont have OS

*sigh* I rashly assumed the OS link would allow non OS users to download...
PM me your email John and I'll send it to you. that goes for anyone else too.

boxelder wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 11:12 pm I have 4 days in early May, so planning to 'enthusiastically tour' the Western portion from Fort William to Tarbet. I only really know the bit around Dunoon, from the Dirt Dash, and some very midgey camping on Ardnamurchan, so keen to explore. Though if the weather looks great, I'm going hill walking.
It'll be on a rigid MTB with 2.3" tyres I reckon.

Should be fine Andy. I'm hoping the current cold snap will slaughter a few billion midges

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 9:05 pm

boxelder wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 11:12 pm I have 4 days in early May, so planning to 'enthusiastically tour' the Western portion from Fort William to Tarbet. I only really know the bit around Dunoon, from the Dirt Dash, and some very midgey camping on Ardnamurchan, so keen to explore. Though if the weather looks great, I'm going hill walking.
It'll be on a rigid MTB with 2.3" tyres I reckon.

Should be fine Andy. I'm hoping the current cold snap will slaughter a few billion midges

Well it snowed on the Buttermere fells this evening. Poor little midges........
I suspect I'll get onto Mull and want to explore the west coast - not been for 18 years

Keith74 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 6:23 pm Looks rather good. Have cycled most of it but never the lot together so might need to find a few spare days.

If anyone is heading round it I’m not far outside Lochgilphead should you need any help or anything.

Well I'm pleased Phil's latest route goes nearer Moine Mhor, as I'm keen to visit. I'll keep your offer in mind Keith.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 9:03 pm

Lazarus wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:25 pm Is there a gpx as i dont have OS

*sigh* I rashly assumed the OS link would allow non OS users to download...
PM me your email John and I'll send it to you. that goes for anyone else too.

Would like to see the route.

You’ve probably got my email Phil, if not I’ll PM you

Cheers Phil.

Here's a video of the section across the north coast of Ardnamurchan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTrXPyGiay8.

Looks a fine trail, particularly in those conditions!

Ygm

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 8:14 pm
Looks a fine trail, particularly in those conditions!

It'll be just like that next Monday though, right? Train booked to FW, for a tour round to Garelochead. Gravel bike.

I had a few days out on/around this route last week. Parked Garelochead (station car park - free) and got the 0645 to Fort William, picking up Phil's route there. First ferry (other cyclists nowt to do with me)
20240506_104148

Around towards Glenfinnan and along the back of Loch Shiel on good gravel tracks/road, to Ardnamurchan. As on the video linked above, there's a lovely beach just off route


The trail to Ockle becomes narrow and on/off for 2 Km - I'd be impressed if anyone cleared it all, even on an unloaded MTB. It's certainly no hardship though and the views are (were) amazing. 10 ticks at the end of this day though, so take an extractor or wear long pants. The sign has been replaced since that video



A race to Kilchoan got me on the last ferry to Tobermory (thankfully it was a few minutes late). Chips on the harbour and campsite on the edge of town

1000012110-01

I left Phil's route near Glenmore Castle/Dervaig as I wanted to explore more of Mull, so pedalled around the NW coast. Must go back for the Ben More hills.



Having spent too long on Mull I took the ferry from Craignure to Oban, missing Phil's Loch Linnhe/Appin loop.



Through Taynuilt and up the metalled road to the wind farm past Loch Nant, where I planned to camp. Nothing obviously suitable and ended up leaving the route again at the edge of the forestry and descending towards Lower Fernoch, camping at the first burn where there was a breeze.

Ben Cruachan from Loch an Droighinn, en route to the wind farm.
1000012237-01

Crannogs and a closed road (landslip) added interest to Loch Awe and I joined Phil's route again for a while through Ford. Being on holiday, I wanted to explore the 'old stuff' in Kilmartin Glen/ Dunadd, so carried on down to the road, picking up the Caledonian Way (NCN 78) again, through Dalavish to Kilmartin. Spent a few hours exploring chambered cairns, rock art and hill forts.



Across Moine Mhor to the Crinnan Canal and a resupply in Lochgilphead. Short on time, I missed the Kilmory/Knapdale loop (already knew I'd be back for more around that section, as it's stunning) and stuck to the Caledonian Way on tarmac around to the ferry from Tarbert. It started raining coming off the ferry, which brought the first midges out. Booking.com got me a room in a hotel in Dunoon, so I just pushed on the 40Km to there, for a very welcome hot shower.

From there I followed the WHW550 back to Garelochead, with views of the Cobbler etc making up for the first 5Km of the Three Lochs Way, which is 'aggressively undulating' and a bit chunky.
NOTE: there's a felling site on the section down Glen Croe - sections of very lumpy sharp gravel which look like preparation for large vehicles rather than repairs. Signs say closed til end June. I took my chances and they weren't working that day, but there was an oil delivery truck heading up to the site. Could just detour down the road.


I rode a gravel bike with 27.5"x1.9" tyres and was pleased I had the extra tyre volume. Also happy to have a 38x46 low gear.

Cheers for the route ideas Phil and I'll definitely be back to do the eastern half and the bits I missed between Mull and Argyll.

That looks gorgeous there!