This ride starts from the parking area at Carnasserie castle, before taking minor roads south to Kilmichael. After a short section on the main road, the Crinan canal towpath leads to more minor roads crossing the large marshes north of the River Add, and eventually a section of smooth gravel cycle path back to the start point. This area has many stone age monuments, with numerous detours and stop offs possible to investigate.
Distance: 32 km
Elevation gain: 338 m
Terrain: Minor roads, canal towpath, gravel cycle path
How rough? (1-10): 1
Eating/drinking: Kilmartin hotel 01546 510250
Start point: Carnasserie castle NM840005
Description:
Join the A816 north for 400 m.
Turn right on B840 (signed to Ford) for 2 km.
Turn right on minor road to Kilmichael, follow for 10 km. This is rough in places and there may be cattle on the road.
Continue through village and join A816 south towards Lochgilphead for 2 km (optional off-road section on left after 800 m).
Turn right on minor road to Cairnbaan.
Join the B841 west towards Crinan for 100 m.
Where the road crosses the canal, stay on the north bank, following a minor road for 2 km and the continuation towpath for another 2 km, before reaching the Islandadd Bridge, where the B8025 crosses the River Add.
Follow the B8025 north for 6.5 km, very straight at first but becoming increasingly twisty.
Take the left turn for Slockavullin (the last turn before reaching the main road again).
After 500 m, turn right, passing stone circles.
Follow the cycle route where it leaves the road. This twists and turns to eventually reach the castle where you started.