Scotland : Argyll, Isles & Loch Lomond Chat for CC Ecosse Islay Cycle Tour 2014

[Pat "5mph"]

That sounds braw, so could turn this into a 4-day trip - no showers though for the ladies (and @Louch), is that a problem for 1 night?

No problem for one night

 

[GlasgowFinn]

That sounds braw, so could turn this into a 4-day trip - no showers though for the ladies (and @Louch), is that a problem for 1 night?

Graeme reckons that by summer he'll have shower, bathroom and kitchen facilities.

 

[edindave]

This sounds brilliant but with the wee fella starting school in the first half of August I doubt it'll be a go-er for me.

 

[Harry_Palmer79]

Well, I'm definitely up for this... should be okay to get the time off with enough notice

 

[tug benson]

See a tour not a race puts me off...Only joking me and the girfriend should be in Annecy at that time next year, i plan on destroying some of these wee easy french climbs

 

[Scoosh]

At some time recently , I mentioned to someone within CC Ecosse about a guy who does 'ultralight' touring.

His blog is here and is well worth reading ... especially for those who don't have a 'touring' bike and might wish to do the 5 Ferries thing ...

 

[Fubar]

Morning & a Happy New Year! Hope there aren't too many sore heads ...
Just noticed the 7:00 departure from Ardrossan ... First train from Glasgow Central doesn't arrive there until 9:20 on a Friday for the 9:45 ferry (current Scotrail timetable only goes to 3rd April)... Same info on Calmac summer timetable though, so probably right.

May have to travel ahead and spend and extra night on an island if I'm coming along , or 'race' you with a later ferry.

T

There is a youth hostel in Lochranza which could be built into the first day, means we could take our time and go the long way round Arran. Def a 4-day trip then!

 

[Fubar]

No problem for one night

Looks like it wouldn't be a problem...

Graeme reckons that by summer he'll have shower, bathroom and kitchen facilities.

 

[Edwardoka]

First of all @Fubar, thanks for doing the research into this. It's very comprehensive!

I have a couple of small issues:
Firstly, the Cowal/Bute section is absolutely stunning and removing it for the sake of people having to ride from Wemyss Bay to Ardrossan to pick up their cars is a shame. If people have had enough cycling they could cycle the 7 miles to Largs and get the train to Ardrossan.

Secondly, far be it for me to widdle in your weetabix, but that first Ardrossan/Brodick ferry is not even remotely practical for those who don't drive.

Other than that though...

 

[Bobby Mhor]

His blog is here and is well worth reading.

Excellent link....ta!

 

[Louch]

I will be staying in Ayr the night before if its a 7am ferry.....with a few bds available for those who want to do the same

 

[Telemark]

There is a youth hostel in Lochranza which could be built into the first day, means we could take our time and go the long way round Arran. Def a 4-day trip then!

That's what I was thinking when I said the 7:00 ferry was impossible on public transport ... Take the earliest feasible train & ferry and then leisurely winding our way round Arran towards Lochranza with @Pat "5mph", get a proper night's sleep (they even have twin rooms!), and join you lot well rested at Claonaig (edit: or even Lochranza).

T

 

[Fubar]

First of all @Fubar, thanks for doing the research into this. It's very comprehensive!

I have a couple of small issues:
Firstly, the Cowal/Bute section is absolutely stunning and removing it for the sake of people having to ride from Wemyss Bay to Ardrossan to pick up their cars is a shame. If people have had enough cycling they could cycle the 7 miles to Largs and get the train to Ardrossan.

Secondly, far be it for me to widdle in your weetabix, but that first Ardrossan/Brodick ferry is not even remotely practical for those who don't drive.

Other than that though...

All fair points, though I did say it was just a work in progress and I think we have to be realistic to what (a) can be achieved in one weekend and (b) what is affordable and practical for the majority. My aim was always just to make it Islay, preferably by bike. I now realise the first ferry is impractical but I had to work backwards from arriving in Port Charlotte (the first plan had us arriving there about 10pm!) - and I have now starting looking into the possibility of staying on Arran for the first night (see previous post).

Anyway, though you weren't interested... ???

 

[Edwardoka]

All fair points... I have now starting looking into the possibility of staying on Arran for the first night (see previous post).

Fairynuff!

Anyway, though you weren't interested... ???

I don't know where you got that idea, or are you just being your usual troll self?

 

[Telemark]

Fairynuff!


I don't know where you got that idea, or are you just being your usual troll self?

Do you mean 'droll'?