Successfully Completed
Meet up with the group, have dinner and get ready to start tomorrow.
This cycle on local country roads and cycle paths takes us on a circular ride over the Gleniffer Braes, with views north to Ben Lomond, west to Arran and south to Ailsa Craig. This is the highest point in the area but is still less than 800ft (244m). Most of the minor roads have very light traffic despite being so close to the populous central belt.
The route west is a mix of minor roads and cycle paths. Towards the end we have fantastic views of Gareloch and Loch Long, then we descend to sea level at Gourock. There is a short ferry crossing to Dunoon. Then we cycle along the flat coast line towards Toward point lighthouse and Loch Striven.
The cycle north to Strone and Ardentinny is followed by a steep little hill and over to the freshwater Loch Eck. At the south end of the loch we visit the lovely Benmore Gardens.
This is a bigger day of cycling. We cycle along the length of Loch Eck, and down Loch Fyne. Visiting the ruins of Castle Lachlan, taking our second (very very short) ferry on to Bute
Bute sits nestled close to the Cowal Peninsula and Kintyre. The town of Rothesay was a favourite holiday destination for Scots before cheap foreign holidays took over. Today we explore the island and visit Mount Stuart. This was the luxurious family home for the Marquess of Bute and reputedly has the first indoor heated swimming pool.
Leaving Bute on our third ferry ( same short crossing) then cycling round the Kyles of Bute and Loch Riddon, before climbing towards Tighnabruaich. The viewpoint at the top is spectacular, while the village shortly afterwards is very pretty. Then our fourth ferry crossing to Tarbert.
Clockwise cycle round Knapdale also known as the Kilberry loop. Then finish by cycling south along the west shore of Loch Fyne.
Visiting the tiny island of Gigha (fifth and sixth ferry crossings) then on to Arran (seventh ferry). Arran is often described as Scotland in minature. Staying in the lovely Auchrannie Resort for 3 nights.
Cycling south, each of the villages has its own beach, but the small one at Kildonan is our favourite. Bring your swimming costume if you fancy a dip. Or just wait until you get back to the hotel pool!
Cycling west and then north along the coast looking to Kintyre, before looping east to Lochranza. There is the ruin of a castle and a whisky distillery. Brodick castle is more of a stately home with nice gardens and beach. Alternative 1 - Circular ride round Arran 89k , 1,221m Alternative 2 - Hard figure of eight - 109k, 1,687m
Our eigth ferry to Ardrossan is the largest of the tour. Then we cycle up to Largs and visit Cumbrae (ninth and final tenth ferries). Cumbrae is situated centrally in the Firth of Clyde. Lovely flat coastal road, with a little hill in the middle giving fantastic views of much of our tour route.
Brisbane Glen is a favourite of mine, and the route around Kilmacolm takes us on to the idyllic Quarriers Village, before returning to Paisley. Last night of the tour.
The "Clyde Riviera" is a beautiful but often overlooked place. Most of the tour is in sparsely populated areas, often along the shore of one of the many lochs in the Firth of Clyde. Very little is on main roads as we use cycle paths and minor roads where practical.
The tour starts and finishes in Paisley which is just a 10 minute train ride from Glasgow.
Hotel accomodation
Accomodation on on a shared room basis (due to lack of space to offer single occupancy).
A car will be provided for luggage transfer (up to 8kg), but in case of a medical priority or breakdown, it may be necessary to carry your own luggage.
We stay 2 nights in most locations, so the days when we are not moving on are optional rest days. In practice most of the days that we are not moving on the route is a bit shorter anyway.
The holiday is classified as grade 5 (medium)
The holiday is for 13 nights, of which 12 days are cycling and there are optional rest days roughly on alternate days when we are not moving on.
This is a moving on holiday staying for 2 or more nights at 5 locations, and the rest will be a different location each night. So, if anybody needs a rest and repair day, they can sit out on one of the days that we are not moving on. No-one is obliged to ride those days.
Most of the roads are minor (some single track) and used by rural/tourist traffic and are hilly in parts. Though we may need to use some busier roads at times, we avoid them as much as possible.
Detailed route notes will be provided before the tour, along with GPS tracks for those who want them.
Most of each day will be spent cycling. People will be expected to ride at their own pace and often in loose groups, at around 10-12 mph on the flat, slower up hills, usually meeting up at cafes for lunch and refreshment breaks. You will be notified of recommended refreshment stops each day.
It is expected that you may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local point of interest and this is okay. You are on holiday.
Inevitably, parts of the route are hilly, so you do need to be fit to get the most out of this tour. It is essential to get out on your bike and do some 50-mile (83km) rides before the tour starts. There are some steep descents too, so you should be able to negotiate these safely.
On days where we are catching a ferry, it is important that we meet up on time. Most routes have a frequent service, so you might arrange to take a different crossing.
Please note it may not always be possible to follow the itinerary exactly due to road works or weather etc, as things do not always go as planned. In these circumstances, you will be advised of alternative arrangements.
The Leader and Deputy will share the luggage transfer and ride leadership between them. Often with one ahead and the other behind. They will not always be at the front of the group but may be anywhere within it, as circumstances require, so you will need to be aware of the route each day. This information will be given to you before, or at the beginning of the holiday, and again at daily briefings
Like the rest of the UK the weather in Scotland is very variable. On average May is both the driest and sunniest month. Please bring sun screen and waterproofs, as you might need to use both on the same day. There is a possibility of both heat waves and cold, wet weather, so be prepared for all possibilities.
Lightweight clothing, suitable for a range of temperatures, is needed and possibly smarter clothing for the more up-market hotels (though they seem to be very relaxed about what people wear).
Cycling clothes. Two sets of clothing are recommended as you can wash each evening; two short sleeved tops, a long sleeved top, or arm warmers, shorts, longs or leg warmers, two pairs of socks, a cap or helmet cover and two pairs of short gloves with a pair of finger gloves for rain and cold. Helmet and cycling shoes. Clear riding glasses.
Sun cream, lip balm and sun glasses are recommended along with insect bite cream.
Evening Dress. You will not need too much; Two T-shirts/shirts, one pair lightweight trousers, maybe a pair of shorts, two sets of underwear, two pairs of socks, light pullover/top and lightweight shoes. The lightweight cycling windproof top can be used in the evening if extra warmth is required. Swimming costume if you want the chance of a swim in the sea, average max water temperature 13 degrees, or the hotel pool.
Toiletries; These can be kept to a minimum by bringing very small toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles etc. A very basic first aid kit of plasters and pain killers etc are always recommended. Some places supply shampoo, but not guaranteed, and a small hotel size bottle is always useful to take and use for clothes washing, which can be done whilst showering. Shaving can also be done using shampoo, as can face washing. A piece of string is useful for hanging washing in the absence of coat hangers.
A touring cycle, hybrid, tandem, recumbent or lightweight road bike would all be suitable for this holiday, since we will endeavour to avoid tracks if possible.
You should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes.
A low bottom gear (eg. small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended; if unsure about gears, please talk to the Bikexplore Leader about them.
Mudguards are optional but demonstrate respect to those who are following you in wet weather.
Lights are recommended in case of arriving back late, and are useful if walking outdoors at night. A bell is advised and bring a bike lock for security. Water bottles are required to ensure you are hydrated at all times.
You will be expected to carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs, including two inner tubes, a spare gear cable, quick chain link and spare brake pads. There are very few bike shops on the route, and often they are never there when you need them.
You are advised to use 28mm tyres, or larger, to suit the variable terrain.
You will not need to carry luggage except in case of car breakdown or medical priority. The car luggage weight should be no more than 8kg. A rack-top pack or bar bag will be useful for carrying wet weather gear, spare clothing needed for the day, camera, emergency rations and a map.
I recommend bringing a paper backup in the form of relevant pages from an old car road atlas and an ordnance survey map if you plan on hill walking
GPS maps for each day will be provided in advance of the tour.
Please ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to cycle the distances (and ascents) planned for the tour. Use of an electric bike can help enable cyclists to complete long rides.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
I led my first tour in 2014, and since then have run tours every year (except one - guess which) and all in Scotland. Visiting almost every one of the larger islands.
Originally tours were through CTC Holidays, but now with Bikexplore.
My style is to help people enjoy their holiday and visit the many beautiful remote parts of my home country. In fact, one of my greatest pleasures is in sharing the wonderful quiet Scottish roads and scenery. My other great pleasure from running tours is the social aspect: seeing people form friendships that transcent the duration of the tour.
On tour, my partner Diane shares the ride leadership and luggage transfer.
Typically people do not cycle all together, but split into small groups of similar speed / interest and we meet at cafes and leap frog along the route.
martin@Bikexplore.co.uk Tel: 07981 100017