I'm going to have a few days to myself cycling

[Scotmitchy]

Having managed a couple of longer (to me ) cycles, I have planned a few days away from the family to cycle and recharge my batteries.

It will be later in July, and my plan is to watch the weather and book at the last minute, following the sun.

I very much hope to head to the isle of Bute. Anyone ever cycled there?

 

[jann71]

Isle of Bute is lovely and good for a day cycle. Can give you a few other good routes depending on distance you are looking for.

 

[Scotmitchy]

Jann, I would be delighted to hear any other route suggestions. I still class myself as very much a novice, and I thought Bute would be nice - especially as I would never be too far from returning to the B and B should my stamina wilt.

Where else would you suggest - my max is probably around 25 miles a day, with plenty of time built in for R and R

 

[Paladin - York]

Not sure if you are looking for a circular or linear route but a year or so ago I did the Sustrans Route 78 from Oban to Campbeltown which is 120 miles in total. On reaching Campbeltown I retraced my route to Claonaig and took the ferry to Arran. I then cycled from Lochranza to Brodick and boarded the ferry to Ardrossan. You can then pick up NCN Route 7 to go either north or south. Just an idea.

 

[Telemark]

We did a long weekend on Bute last year, it was great, very quiet roads, amazing views, a few sights to see (Mount Stuart, Victorian fernery, St Blane's chapel, castle & museum @ Rothesay, seals, birds), friendly locals, not a lot of hills, very easy by train & ferry from central belt. We stayed at the The Moorings B&B on the seafront in Rothesay, which had great views!
Very easy to base yourself at the B&B, and only take day stuff (food/drink/camera, repairkit) with you, oh and riding the Serpentine road is a must! There aren't many places for food outside Rothesay, so make sure you take enough water if you are there on a hot day ...

If you want to know more, we've got some photos, route maps (with profile) and write-up here, in 3 parts.

Enjoy, it's such a great place to visit!

T

 

[Scotmitchy]

Thanks Telemark, I will take a good long look at that this week - I don't mind cycling down the Serpentine, just not up lol.

 

[Scotmitchy]

Telemark, just had a quick peak and I am hooked - you have confirmed for me that Bute is the island I really want to go to.

Thanks

Jackie

 

[HJ]

Thanks Telemark, I will take a good long look at that this week - I don't mind cycling down the Serpentine, just not up lol.

Actually cycling up the Serpentine is not as bad as it looks, and it is definitely fun to come down...

 

[Scotmitchy]

HJ okay I promise to TRY to cycle up it, at least push the bike up it, and freewheel down! And I'll take a photo from the top!

 

[jann71]

If you get the train to Gourock, get the ferry from McInroys point to Hunters Quay then the ride to Strachur is good. Nice easy ride and the cafe stop is very good and on a good day a good view along the loch. Reasonaby quiet road with good road surface.

 

[soulful dog]

Nice write up Telemark, my sole 'touring' aim is to take a couple of days to cycle round Arran (I've read that part of your blog before!), but a trip to the Isle of Bute looks ideal as a step before tackling Arran. I'd probably just do a circular route in one day, anti-clockwise round the island and then explore the north end if I still felt up to it.

As someone who has never taken my bike on the train, do you need to book your bike and where is it stored (I've only ever seen a couple of people standing with their bikes in the doorway on short, local Scotrail journeys within Glasgow)?

Sorry to butt into your thread Scotmitchy, but I'd love to hear how you get on, so please make sure you post about it when you get back.

 

[Scotmitchy]

I will do, and interesting question about booking my bike on the train, I woudln't have thought of that. I will be going Linlithgow- Queen Street, Central- Wemyss Bay, so need to check that out with Scotrail.

I will definitely report back

 

[jann71]

What date(s) are you thinking of travelling?

 

[Scotmitchy]

Some time in the week beginning July 25.

 

[HJ]

Nice write up Telemark, my sole 'touring' aim is to take a couple of days to cycle round Arran (I've read that part of your blog before!), but a trip to the Isle of Bute looks ideal as a step before tackling Arran. I'd probably just do a circular route in one day, anti-clockwise round the island and then explore the north end if I still felt up to it.

As someone who has never taken my bike on the train, do you need to book your bike and where is it stored (I've only ever seen a couple of people standing with their bikes in the doorway on short, local Scotrail journeys within Glasgow)?

Sorry to butt into your thread Scotmitchy, but I'd love to hear how you get on, so please make sure you post about it when you get back.

No need to book on Scotrail and SPT trains: the Scotrail trains have dedicated cycle racks (you have to look for the wee bicycle signs on the doors), on SPT trains you just prop your bike in the vestibules.

We spent three days on Bute (read about it here, here and here). We also did Arran over two days (read about here and here), you can ride all way round Arran in a day, but there is so much to see it is worth taking your time and enjoying it...