Cycling

As members of the Visit Scotland "Cyclists Welcome" scheme we provide rest and relaxation for our guests. Crinan Cycles in nearby Lochgilphead provide spare parts!

National Cycle Network route 78 from Oban to Campbeltown covers a distance of 120 miles, winding through the varying scenery offered by the Kintyre peninsula and Knapdale. If you are thinking of cycling the stretch between Kilmartin and Tarbert, why not consider a slight detour taking in the scenery and history of Loch Sween?

• NR804923 – Bellanoch, (turn right) leaving NCN78 and follow the B8025, turning left at the road junction and continuing towards Tayvallich
• NR790911 – Barnluasgan, turn left, signposted Achnamara
• NR781873 – The Stables B&B – rest overnight ahead of the next day’s cycling!
• NR713789 – Castle Sween
• NR703751 – Kilmory Chapel
• NR698746 – Kilmory Bay (small sandy beach)
• NR708741 – leave public road at Balimore and join private road for 4km
• NR739760 – rejoin public road
• NR751768 – St Columba’s Cave
• NR782772 – rejoin the NCN78 turning right onto the B8024 at Achahoish, heading south towards Kilberry and on towards Tarbert

We have a range of maps available for our guests, to help you plan your routes further afield as well as our own locality.

Mountain Biking

In addition to the quiet roads around Loch Sween, there are miles of Forestry Commission tracks to be found throughout Knapdale Forest. Discover secluded lochs, magnificent views, and see wildlife in its natural habitat as you cruise the various trails.

We are on the nearby "Lochan Buic" cycle route, and only a few miles - along quiet country lanes - from the "Ardnoe" cycle route.

For those wishing to try out more moderate gradients, we can recommend cycling the Crinan Canal from Ardrishaig to Crinan. Nine miles in length, the views across Moine Mhor are quite something...and then there is the added incentive of refreshments at the Crinan Hotel bar or Crinan Coffee Shop! (For those in need of a half-way stop – there is the Cairnbaan Hotel!)

For the adrenaline junkies there is always the Fire Tower Trail at Achnabreac, a mere 6-8 miles away (depending on whether you want to limber up with a more direct trail through the forest). Check out such pleasures as “Swamp Monster”, “Quarry Drop”, “Murder Hill”...

For further information see the following links:
• Sustrans (NCN78)
• Forestry Commission
• Fire Tower Trail
• Visit Scotland
• Crinan Cycles