If you don’t know your way around the peninsula yet, talk to us for some great ideas for places to cycle. Here are some suggestions.
Whatever you choose, you’ll love discovering Ardnamurchan for yourself.
| Ariundle and Fairies walk | A lovely ride is the track through the Ariundle Oakwoods just north of Strontian, a well maintained path takes you through the woods, described as Scotland’s Atlantic rainforest to the far bridge where you can choose to continue on towards the glen and ultimately the disused leadmine – the going does get a little tougher mind – or take a right and follow the boardwalk to the bridge and onto the the Fairy Road, a fairly newly created path, which will take you back to Strontian. You can then stop for refreshments in the village or ride back to Ariundle for well deserved refreshments at the Ariundle Centre. |
| Polloch to Glenfinnan | For a longer ride you can attempt the forest track at the side of Loch Shiel. Its a long traffic free forestry road that takes you from Polloch to Glenfinnan about 15 miles each way. Watch out for Golden Eagle! Drive over the hill from Strontian to the car park at the end of the road at Polloch. Once riding you can stop at the Loch Shiel viewpoint at the top of the hill before the track descends back to run along the Loch all the way to Glenfinnan. |
| Ardtornish ride to the old castle | Follow the track from Ardtornish estate to the ruins of Ardtornish castle overlooking the sound of Mull. The track initially follows Loch Aline down to the shore opposite Lochaline before bearing left. Another ride from Ardtornish estate is the opposite way, go past the archimedes screw turbine that provides electricity to the estate then up into the hills to find Loch Tearnat after skirting around Lochan Lubh an Arbhair. |
| Glencripesdale | The remote Glencripesdale, a former National Nature Reserve in the Ardnamurchan, on the shores of Loch Sunart comprises woodland, shoreline, heaths and moorland. It is an international renowned site for its mosses, liverworts and hornworts, being one of the top three woodland sites in the UK. You can ride here from Strontian around Loch Sunart or park up just before Laudale house and take the bike from there. There is a very good chance of spotting otters. |
| Climbs | If you enjoy a bit of the old thigh burn there is a couple of testing rides out of Strontian. The first is the ascent to the mast at the top of the hill on the road to Polloch, fairly reminiscent of a classic alpine pass. Alternatively head to the forestry track at Carnoch and follow it all the way up through the plantation. Both rides a good work out with the added enjoyment of a hasty descent. |
| Quiet roads | One of the benefits of being in a quieter part if the country is the quiet roads. Try Salen to Glenborradale along Loch Sunart or Locahaline to Drimnin along the Sound of Mull both have excellent views along the way. |
If you would like a guided bike ride around the area this can be arranged through Otter Adventures, also based in Strontian. You can contact them here.