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Knapdale: Lochan Buic

A varied off-road bike route in mixed woodland - good views of the lochs and hills.

Route Profile

Knapdale: Lochan Buic profile

Route Map

Map of Knapdale: Lochan Buic

Key route details

Region(s): West Highlands & Islands, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate route
Type of Ride: Mountain Biking
Surface: Dirt Road
Environment: Forest

Start Point: Knapdale
End Point: Lochan Buic

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Knapdale is one of the most remote and beautiful areas of Scotland and this part of it is just filled with lochs and forest - there is a wealth of wildlife. It's also planned to re-introduce the European beaver here. This has been extinct in Scotland for several hundred years, but you never know - if you bike round in 2005 you might just see one!

The route begins at the Forestry Commission's car park at Dunadry on the B841. For the first mile it follows the route of the Dunadry Walk. After this you turn right at a T junction near Dunans Farm. By now you will have climbed quite a lot and there will be views over the forest to the west. After a further mile there is a another right turn leading to Lochan Buic. It's worth lingering at the lochan as there is a lots to see - moorhens and divers for example. Dragonflies are quite common, this indicates a lack of pollution. When the route reaches a minor road you have the choice of turning left to return via Achnamara using forest roads, or turning right to go back on public roads and the Crinan Canal towpath.

Returning on public roads.
This route runs by the north-east shore of Loch Sween. After this there is a gentle climb briefly touching Loch Coille-Bharr before joining the B8025. After this there is a further mile then you drop down to the B841 where you turn right. There is likely to be more traffic on the B841, but you are only on it for half a mile after which you can ride on the Crinan Canal towpath. Cross the bridge on the B8025 to reach it. After cycling on the towpath for something over a mile you'll be back at the start.

Returning on forest roads.
There is a short distance on the public road travelling south then you turn left to re-enter the forest at Achnamara. This section of the forest is a little hillier than the public road. It passes Loch McKay which is smaller than Lochan Buic. Obviously the system of calling small lochs lochans is an elastic one. After this you meet Dunans Farm again and return to the start at Dunardry the way you came.