Gravel Biking in Argyll & the Isles
With nearly a third of the land swathed in forest and woodland and an intricate network of tracks and off-road trails, Argyll & the Isles is perfect for gravel biking.
The new ScotRail Highland Explorer has been specially designed to carry cycles giving easy access to stations along Scotland’s scenic west coast between Helensburgh and Oban. The transport infrastructure makes it simple to adapt routes to suit your needs. Enjoy a scenic early morning cycle, a big day out or a weekend adventure.
Hop off at Helensburgh, Lochgoilhead, Arrochar, Ardlui, Dalmally, Taynuilt, Connel or Oban to join a network of pre-mapped routes. Expect lush forests, deep glens beneath towering mountains, vast lochs, beautiful beaches, historic castles, and an abundance of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an osprey or stag amidst the stunning, ever-changing landscape.
Along the way, you’ll find freshly brewed coffee and cake, incredible seafood and fabulous craft breweries and distilleries from the Wild About Argyll Taste Trails.
With its roots in cyclo-cross , gravel biking has seen a massive surge in popularity. Gravel bikes are designed to excel on gravel and tarmac, dirt trails and forest roads. They’re light, they’re fast and they’re versatile. They provide sufficient challenge for experienced cyclists whilst offering a great introduction to cycling for novices.
Gravel Biking Routes
Loops from Stations
Perfect for a day trip - or combined for a longer quest - these short gravel adventure rides show you the very best of Argyll and the Isles. Connected by the West Highland Railway Line and the Wild About Argyll bikepacking route, these rides are roundtrips which start and finish at railway stations between Helensburgh and Oban. If you’re using your car, they all offer easy parking and most include somewhere for a well-deserved coffee or beer!
Discover the loops
Start & finish: Oban Railway Station
Distance 18.7km | Total Ascent 270m | Riding Time 1.5-2 hours
Terrain: Mostly tarmac, access roads and quiet roads with short sections on paths.
Highlights: If you brave the steep climb (there is an alternative!), there are great views over Oban and the bay and towards the Isle of Mull.
Route Level: Intermediate
Start & finish: Oban Railway Station (Or optional start & finish at Connel Railway Station
Distance 76.2 km (inn. 12.8 km by ferry – check the timetables) | Total Ascent 800m | Riding Time 6-7 hours
Terrain: A mixture of singletrack, quiet roads, well-graded gravel paths, cycle paths and a short hike-a-bike section.
Highlights: The old lime kiln and abandoned village at Lismore with fantastic views towards the Morvern peninsula, the coastal track to Clach Thoull - a raised natural rock arch, the shores of Loch Etive and Loch Creran and the magical Falls of Lora.
Route Level: Expert
Start and finish: Taynuilt Railway Station
Distance 20.6 km |Total Ascent 280m | Riding Time 2-2.5 hours
Terrain: A mixture of quiet roads, well-graded gravel paths and a short section on a busy road.
Highlights: Highland cattle at Glen Lonan, Angus’s Garden created by a mother for her son who died in the 1950s, Bonawe iron furnace and the shores of Loch Etive.
Route Level: Intermediate
Start and finish: Taynuilt Railway Station
Distance: 62.5 km | Total Ascent: 740m | Riding Time 5-6 hours
Terrain: A mixture of quiet roads, well-graded gravel paths and a short section on a busy road.
Highlights: Great views over the Loch and towards the mountains to the north, the Bonawe Iron Furnace – the most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain, the tranquil oakwoods of the Glen Nant National Nature Reserve with traces of ancient settlements and beautiful forest at Loch Nant.
Route Level: Intermediate
Start and finish: Dalmally Railway Station
Distance: 11.7 km | Total Ascent: 120m | Riding Time 1.5-2 hours
Terrain: A mixture of quiet roads, paths, forest tracks and a short section on a busy road.
Highlights: The Heartfelt Studio and the Victorian station of Dalmally, Glenorchy Parish Church – newly restored with its octagonal design - and the much photographed Kilchurn Castle.
Route Level: Easy
Start and finish: Arrochar and Tarbet Railway Station
Distance: 59.7 km | Total Ascent: 1,180m | Riding Time 6-7 hours
Terrain: A mixture of forest tracks, landrover tracks, paths, minor and service roads, and sections on busy roads.
Highlights: Packed with incredible views towards Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) and Loch Long and across Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The route also includes a fine example of General Wade’s bridges and Drovers' Road - built by soldiers in the 1750’s.
Route Level: Difficult
Start and finish: Arrochar and Tarbet Railway Station
Total Distance: 27.3 km (inc a 6.1 km ferry journey) |Total Ascent: 450m | Riding Time 2-3 hours plus ferry
Terrain: A mixture of forest tracks, landrover tracks, paths, service roads and short sections on busy roads.
Highlights: Superb views towards Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) and Loch Long on a clear day plus ‘An Ceann Mòr’ – part of the Scottish Scenic Routes pilot project - a viewing platform at Inveruglas with 31 steps offering great views of Loch Lomond.
Route Level: Intermediate
Dunoon to Helensburgh
Designed by Round the World Singlespeed cyclist & bikepacking trail designer Markus Stitz, this 116KM route is part of his Wild About Argyll Bike Packing Trail. It contains a great mix of off-road cycling mixed with quiet roads and plenty of climbing sections along the way. Local cyclist, Marcus Nicholson, trialled the route on a winter’s day starting from his base in Glasgow. You can read his review in his Winter Cycling in Argyll blog.
Discover route>
Gravel Biking in the Inner Hebrides
Get some inspiration by watching Mark Beaumont, round the world cycling record holder, and Global Cycling Network’s ‘Hank’ - road racing cyclist James Lowley-Williams - gravel bike the wild and rugged terrain of the Isles of Islay and Jura in the Inner Hebrides. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Other gravel riding routes
Wild About Argyll has planned a collection of 18 varied gravel biking routes which are published in full on Komoot.com. Take a look!
Discover Wild About Argyll Gravel Routes
Bikepacking routes
Most of the Wild About Argyll Bikepacking Trail and the Bikepacking Islands Trail routes are suitable for planning a gravel biking day trip.
Discover Wild About Argyll Bikepacking Routes
Gravel Biking FAQs
All you need to know
Gravel biking uses a drop-bar bike on all types of terrain including gravel and tarmac, dirt trails and forest paths. In simple terms, a gravel bike is somewhere between a road bike and a mountain bike. Despite its name, it’s not just for riding on gravel!
Because a gravel bike is suited to all types of terrain, you can start right outside your door. It’s suitable for both beginners and experts, solo riders or groups. Gravel bikes tend to be lighter and are designed for greater comfort when exploring off-the-beaten-track.
There are a number of places to hire gravel bikes in Argyll and the Isles. We recommend you book well in advance at peak periods. You can also hire bikes in Glasgow and bring the bike on the train.
For a short trip on a planned route, you just need a gravel bike, helmet, high vis clothing, map and compass / GPS and plenty of water. For a longer trip, it would be useful to have a basic bicycle repair and first aid kit, sun cream and a waterproof jacket (it is unpredictable Scotland!), insect repellent and plenty to eat and drink. Always carry cash as cards may not be accepted in remote places.
Safety First
Gravel cycling is a wonderful way to explore but it’s not without risk. Keep safe by following these safety tips.
1. Keep your bike roadworthy – maintain it well and check it is in good working order before you set out. Carry essential tools and spares.
2. Always carry drinking water with you.
3. Ride sensibly. Limit your speed and keep your distance.
4. Start with a short trip, preferably on an official trail so there are no surprises. Ride within your skill level and take your time. Consider your fitness levels, the terrain, weather forecast etc.
5. Know your navigation. Plan your route and mobile phone and a charged power bank.
6. Be seen – you might not be on the roads for much of the time but you still need to be seen to be safe. Check your lights are working, batteries are charged and wear high-vis clothing.
7. When cycling, wear a helmet.
8. For longer journeys pack a basic first aid and survival kit. Think self-heating hand warmers, foil blankets, high-calorie foodstuffs, tick remover etc.
9. Pack for all weathers. This is Scotland. Pack waterproofs and sun cream.
10. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
11. Know how to summon help if you need it.
12. Carry cash. In remote areas, you may need it for that well-earned coffee or wee dram.
13. Check for felling. Argyll’s forests are working forests. If you are riding forestry tracks, always check for felling operations and other forestry maintenance works. In the summer months, be alert for fire warnings from Fire Scotland and on local news channels.
Please note: Gravel biking is not without risk. Featured locations and local businesses are featured for your information only. All activities are undertaken at your own risk.
Connect with other gravel bikers in Argyll
Gravel biking Scotland - a Facebook group set up for the Gravel Cycling community in Scotland to share routes and information and organise gravel rides together.
North Argyll Cycle Club - a small cycle club based in the Oban area that arranges group rides in the Oban area.
Bute Wheelers Cycling Club - Bute Wheelers Cycling Club is based on the small Isle of Bute off the beautiful West Coast of Scotland.
UK Gravel Bike Club - a dedicated UK gravel bike community created in 2014. The group is built and driven by day-to-day gravel grinders.
Share your gravel biking experiences
We love to see people gravel biking in Argyll & the Isles. Share your photos with us on social media and inspire others by tagging us @wildaboutargyll.
Useful links
Great British Gravel Rides - Markus Stitz
Rail and Trail – The Highland Explorer
Rail and Trail Map – The Highland Explorer