OFF-ROAD

A selection of off-road cycle routes near Oban. Most of the routes could be tackled using a gravel bike or a mountain bike, though there are sections on some which would be challenging on a gravel bike. Within each route description are notes on how rough the routes are, with details on specific sections. A slection of the routes are shown together on a single map below. Individual route details, maps and GPX files are found by clicking the images further down the page.

Local routes not presently shown include "The Black Lochs" (Oban and Connel), the southern loop on Kerrera (starting from the ferry slipway), and "The Coffin Route" (east of Beinn Lora). Further afield (not described here) are other adventurous mountain bike options such as the Tour of Ben Nevis (80 km ish, starting in Fort William) and Glen Kinglass (train from Oban to start point at Tyndrum). A great road/gravel loop is also possible on Ardgour, heading over the Corran Ferry; head to Strontian, over the hill and along the shore of Loch Shiel.

There is also good technical mountain biking close to town i) in Glencruitten Forest, ii) around the "Old Hydro", iii) along Druim More (behind Pulpit Hill), and iv) on some great recently built trails on Beinn Lora (Benderloch).

Finally, if you are in the market for a long multi-day route check out this page, a 655 km route which uses many of the tracks and minor roads described in the routes below, plus much more!