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A delightful ride on forest tracks and empty roads. The start point is by Loch Seil, on the road to Seil Island and the “Bridge over the Atlantic”. The ride includes some steep climbs and descents, both on and off road, with the descent to Melfort being particularly memorable (and fairly challenging on a gravel/cross bike!). From Melfort northwards the route passes the curious “wishing tree” in the Bealach Gaoithe (windy pass). A GPS unit is helpful on this route for ensuring you take the correct turns in the initial forestry section (steps 1-8). Recommended by Mark Cardwell (Oban Cycles) as a good first test ride for my cross bike!
Distance: 26 km
Elevation gain: 730 m
How rough? (1-10): 5 (most is 2-3); descent to Melfort village along pipeline is steep and rough in places.
Eating/drinking: None on route
Start point: Loch Seil layby NM791200
Description:
Follow the track immediately from the layby around the south side of the loch, immediately climbing a steep hill.
After 2 km a junction is reached. Take the left fork, staying on a traverse line (not up the hill).
After a further 2 km, take a sharp left turn up a hill.
Follow the track past several turns (1 on the right, 2 on the left), before taking a left turn at about 2.5 km.
Follow this track up and over the north shoulder of Creag nan Cuilean, passing between it and Cnoc Cul nan Uamh.
After 2.1 km, turn right and then left to begin descending towards Melfort.
After 1.5 km the track takes a left hairpin back up the small valley. Take the right turn here, and follow this track to its end (another 1.5 km).
At the end of the track follow the pipeline directly down to join a path to Melfort village (exciting and rocky in places).
Follow the road out of Melfort village, aiming for the sea.
Turn right on the public road, heading west around the north shore of Loch Melfort.
After 7.5 km (1.5 km after passing Kilchoan), follow the track right up the hill (signed Bealach Gaoithe).
The climb is tough, but has great views from the top over the Seil Sound to Mull.
On the descent route, there are several options, but the major tracks all rejoin, crossing the stream and rejoining the road just NE of Ardmaddy Castle. 13) Follow the road north for 2.5 km to its junction with the B844.
Turn right at the junction, for just over 1 km to the parking layby.
Heading through the forest on a maze of tracks
Following the pipeline in descent to Melfort
Final part of the descent to Melfort
Bealach Gaoithe
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