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Knapdale: Ardnoe

A signed off-road bike route in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Knapdale is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and this route in the west part of it takes in some wonderful views.

The route consists of a nine mile off road section which takes you north-west towards Ardnoe Point, after this it turns south towards Tayvallich. Return to the start is four miles on the B8025, this is reasonably quiet. The whole route is very scenic, with fine views towards Jura in the middle section. It is hilly at times, mostly on forest roads.

Knapdale is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and this route in the west part of it takes in some wonderful views.

The route consists of a nine mile off road section which takes you north-west towards Ardnoe Point, after this it turns south towards Tayvallich. Return to the start is four miles on the B8025, this is reasonably quiet. The whole route is very scenic, with fine views towards Jura in the middle section. It is hilly at times, mostly on forest roads. Start at the Druim-an-Duin car park which is on the B8025 between Tayvallich and Crinan. The car park is near a wide bend in the road at the top of a hill (the start point of the Faery Isles route is across the road).

You start with a steady climb; there is a fine view of the Loch Caol Scotnish at a sharp bend. After this there is a further climb through the forest. After about two miles you emerge high above the village of Crinan, with a stunning view over Loch Crinan and the Moine Mhor. Following this there is a fast descent travelling east. As you turn the corner the island of Jura comes into view. This north part of Jura is mostly uninhabited, there are large numbers of deer, though you will not see them at this distance. The name Jura means deer island. There is a descending trend to sea level. As you work south. The mountains the Paps of Jura slowly become visible. There is a lovely section by the rocky inlet of Sailean Mor, after this there is a gentle climb through forest after you leave the forest road to follow a narrower track. Finally you leave the trees at a sign for Knapdale Forest, there are some ups and downs, with occasional views of Jura, and eventually you meet the public road by the small pier at Carsaig. Turn left (east) and cycle to Tayvallich. There is an good restaurant and a camp site in Tayvallich. The public road back to the start at Druim-an-Duin is mostly flat, though there is a steep little hill at the end.

Other possibilities:
Cycle to the Faery Isles, 6 miles, return distance. This is fairly gentle and would be good for young children. Mostly in woodland, but also with interesting sea views. You return the way you came. Initially there is a gentle descent on a dirt road leading through plantation forest. It soon becomes more interesting however as the uniform spruce gives way to more varied woodland owned by the Scottish Woodland Trust. You pass a number of rocky tidal pools, finally finishing near the tip of the peninsula with a fine view over Loch Sween.

The village of Crinan has a hotel and a food shop but Lochgilphead is the nearest town with a tourist office. There is a choice of B&Bs, hotels, shops etc.

There are more off-road bike routes just east of this one and also just north of Lochgilphead around Loch Glashan. These are interesting but not quite as scenic as the Crinan route. You can link the Crinan and Loch Glashan routes by cycling along the Crinan Canal towpath though a short section of a mile on the A816 is unavoidable (see other map).

Features:

• B&Bs / Hotels Nearby
• Camping Nearby
• Circular Route
• Half Day Ride
• Route By Sea
• Route For Young Children
• Route With Bar Meals

Additional Features:

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