The Three Ferries Route by Gina O'Neill
Earlier this year the Sunday Times printed a selection of rides in Scotland and we decided that ‘The Three Ferries’ looked interesting enough to tackle. 4 of us took up the challenge.
The three ferries are (1) Corran, (2) Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull, and (3) Craignure back to Oban.
Originally we planned to go pre-midge in May, but injury put our plans back. Not a bad decision as that weekend looked like a washout. At the end of August we were extremely lucky with the weather as the photos show.
We started at the North Ledaig caravan site, following Sustrans Route 78 to Corran – 31 miles. The first stretch is mainly an old railbed, so pretty easy going – undulating but with the occasional hilly detour. The route takes you through Highland Titles Nature Reserve with stunning views to compensate for the short climbs. After Ballachulish, the route continues off road, on a narrow pavement. That could be tricky in places as the path became very narrow and was right beside a very busy road. The scenery was outstanding – Castle Stalker being only one example where we met a voluble young Frenchman who was cycling around Scotland and was keen to share his experiences ( and take photos!)
First ferry – free to pedestrians and cyclists.
Landing at Ardgour, we took a wee detour to Ardgour Ales for drinks and pizza – a good stop for our (late) lunch. Highly recommended with free midge for extra protein.
The next stage to Strontian (18 miles) follows the coast then turns inland and over a col before dropping down to Loch Sunart. A quiet road punctuated by periodic ferry traffic. We got to our B&B with time for showers before heading out to the Strontian Hotel for dinner, and a great view.
In the morning we set off on a flat route following the shore of Loch Sunart, then an 800 foot climb before a series of climbs and descents culminating in an exhilarating long descent to Lochaline. As on the first day, the roads were generally quiet, between ferries. At Lochaline we had time for a stop at the snack bar, and some photos, while we waited for the ferry to Fishnish.
Second Ferry – Lochaline to Fishnish – Small charge per person but bicycles free.
Landing on Mull there’s only a 5.5 miles ride to Craignure, but it is all on an A road. We had just missed the Oban ferry but that meant we had time for a snack and to visit a local ‘producers’ market’ before the final voyage.
Third ferry. Craignure (Mull) to Oban. Booking advised. £4.25 per person but again bikes free.
After an early tea in Oban, we set out for the final 7 miles back to the caravan site. Although Sustrans route 78 again, there were some steep inclines followed by a stretch sharing the A85 to Connell bridge, (Connell Bridge has a cycle path if you see it in time). Once over the bridge we were back on the railway route then showers and a welcome glass of wine.
A brilliant route over 2 days – 85 miles total with scenery that only Scotland knows how to do well in good weather. Thanks to the friendly ferry crews, Coille Darach B&B in Strontian, and the bars/eateries on the way.’
Hugh rides in support of the Chris Lucas Trust
Around the Forth with Sara and Mike - Route 76
Day One - The Outward Journey
For the second time in 2 years, Sara and I had a weekend away, peddling to Stirling from Edinburgh one day and back the next using the excellent, superbly signed and circular Sustrans R76. We covered nearly 90 miles from our start point via the normal route of Rosemount path, Cramond and the Forth Road Bridge viewing platform, picking up R76 just after coming off the Bridge heading towards Rosyth.
The first section to Limekilns passes through an industrial estate and then by a naval yard before climbing a wooded section with views of Babcocks in Rosyth and the Forth Bridges and dropping down to the bay in Limekilns. There are a couple of interesting cafes here plus a history of lime production for fertiliser and building.
Leaving Limekilns the route climbs up to Charlestown, through a wood and along side the A985 main road then drops down a very quiet lane until it joins the path by the sea, which leads through the small town of Newmills with its memories of a major mining disaster in 1939 then onward to the historic village of Culross with its Abbey.
A few miles further we pass the remains of Longannet Power Station then through the quiet village of Kincardine and under the old bridge. This leads to a plain from which a mound appears with the small town of Kincardine perched on the top.
Dropping down from Kincardine we soon enter Alloa with its interesting Alloa Tower and beautiful churches on a cycle path which seems to run across the whole town. The flat route then leads on mainly traffic free roads to Stirling although the section on the Alloa road (A907) could be described as interesting at best. We stayed at the Golden Lion where we were two years ago and feasted in the what became the very quiet Maharaja Authentic Indian Cuisine across the road.
Day Two - The Return Journey
The next day we picked up the cycle route just behind the railway station. The next 20 miles of the route to the Keppies is a plain, with only one very steep climb into Cowie and a rough track shortly afterwards. The rest of the route is flat farmland with the only notable feature being the easily missed Plain Castle. A minor detour from the main route took us to the Keppies. Apart from the amazing monuments there is a good cafe, toilets and food waggons.
We travelled onward through Grangemouth, passing the chemical works as we went, before ascending a very steep hill (or two) then dropped down to enter the park, ponds and woodland of Kinneil Estate. A short distance further, we passed the Bo’ness Railway Museum on our right as we hug the coast and the Forth on our left.
A short rough section through a wood is rewarded by superb views of Blackness Castle and the three bridges across the Forth before we enter the small and busy hamlet of Blackness.
We then joined the cycle path through the woods to Hopetoun House arriving at its deer park . A short distance from the entrance to Hopetoun House and after a short hill we arrived at South Queensferry and climbed up to the Forth Road Bridge before following our outward path until we reach home.
Two and Half Day's Cycling on Isle of Bute - Sara and Mike's Adventures
From 19th April to the 22nd April 2024, we spent 2 ½ days riding around Isle of Bute. We drove to Wemyss Bay. The car park is the one opposite the railway station as the latter only caters for single days. Alternative routes are by train arrivng at the superb Victorian Station which is part of the ferry departure. Boarding the ferry was very efficiently handled by CalMac staff and the bikes were stored in stands on the car deck.
On the right side of the ferry landing in Rothesay are some very interesting Victorian toilets and the Visitor Centre – both of which are worthy of a visit. We stayed at the Glenburn Hotel and there are a reasonable number of eating houses in Rothesay for an evening meal.
Features – Day One
Mount Stewart (which was closed)
Kilchattan Bay with an excellent cafe whose owner’s Great grandfather worked on the Titanic
St Balne’s Church – at the end of the road and across/up a field
Dunagail Vitrified Fort
- Click HERE for route
Features – Day Two
Scalpsie Bay beach and viewpoint – Said to be seals and sea otters
- Ettrick Bay – Excellent cafe along an old tramway with takeaways
Rhubodach Ferry to the main land
- Click HERE for route
Features Day Three
Few roads so they all lead to Rothesay. Only one killer hill and roads generally are very quiet
- Magnificant views across to Arran and other islands/mainland
Excellently preserved castle with a moat (closed for lunch noon until 1 pm)
- Click HERE for route
If you would like to know more or have any questions, please contact: mikesimm259@gmail.com
Katharine and Nicola ride Newcastle to Stirling - March 2024
Richie completes C2C - Bonar Bridge to Ullapool
A cracking route with a mix of road (about 10 miles), tracks and a river crossing – approximately 36 miles passing through some wonderful wilderness and two great wee bothies to stop at. Amazing views all-round and loads of wildlife and only saw five other people (although the bothy book seemed to say it was well used)
East to west was day 1 and, after spending a relaxing night in Ullapool youth hostel, we then did it from west to east. If I was to do it again, I would definitely do it starting at Ullapool side as it is a slightly easier route.
Taking your bike on the West Coast Railway Line 2022
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Taking your bike on public transport
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