Kintyre way figure-8

This ride follows the Kintyre way from its start point in Tarbert, south almost to Carradale. For the most part the route is smooth and fast forest track (with a few longish secitons on road). However the central crossing of the peninsula is quite rough and grassy, and may be better suited to use of a mountain bike; the waymarked descent to the west coast on this section goes through very soft muddy fields, and the final section is quite overgrown at present (summer 2020). Alternatively the middle crossing could be omitted and a variation on the route done as a loop (the southern off-road crossing of the peninsula being ridden in reverse).

Start point: Tarbert town centre

Distance: 98 km

Elevation gain: 1630 m

How rough? (1-10): 6 (central section over peninsula)

Eating/drinking: Shops and cafes in Tarbert. Post Office in Skipness. Tayinloan shop closed (summer 2020).

Description:

1. From Tarbert town centre, walk through the castle grounds to pick up the start of the Kintyre Way. Follow this over to Skipness, being careful to take a left turn onto a more minor track just past the summit.

2. Turn right on the road, passing the ferry slipway at Claonaig.

3. Turn left (signposted Carradale).

4. After a few km, the Kintyre way turns right on a track heading west over the hill. This is initially good, but degrades before passing into open heathland. The track improves again upon reaching forestry and small lochs, before a section through muddy fields and gorse, leading to the final overgrown descent to Clachan. If may be preferable to omit this section, instead heading south along the road towards Carradale, riding the southern section described below in reverse.

5. Ride south on the A83 to Tayinloan (the Kintyre way along this section follows a pebbly beach).

6. A couple of km past Tayinloan, turn inland (east) on the Kintyre way. This is followed withough any navigational issues all the way to the road just north of Carradale on the east side of the peninsula.

7. Head north on the road back to Claonaig. At the junction, turn left to corss the peninsula back to the A83, turning right (north) to follow this back to Tarbert

GPX File