Cycling on Arran

Cycling on Arran is very popular. We give you information on cycling on the road and on the tracks. We are also popular with cyclists riding from Lands End to John O'Groats

Cycling on Arran

 

I have a long background in touring cycling having cycled in New Zealand, Australia, Holland, Italy, Ireland and much of Scotland. I have also completed the ride from Lands End to John O'Groats.

Isle of Arran

Road Cycling

Road Cycling

Cycling on Arran roads is a pleasure. The roads are generally quiet but after the recent severe Winter weather there are currently a lot of potholes.

There are only 3 main roads to choose from.

• The A841 main road goes around the edge of the island
• The 'String Road' goes across the middle of the island from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot and rises to 234 metres
• The 'Ross Road' goes from near Kilmory in the South to Lamlash and rises to over 250 metres

This allows a number of loops to be enjoyed.

• The full lap of the island is a 57 mile ride and with a few long climbs is a great challenge. How about making it into a weekend ride by staying overnight along the route.

• The Northern Loop follows the coastal road and 'The String'. This route is 32 miles and has 2 big hills but also some easy coastal riding.

• The Southern Loop uses 'The String' and the Coastal Road. A more undulating ride than the Northern route and many people would say harder. A beautiful ride passing through most of the major villages. Distance 36 miles.

• The String and Ross Road Loop is a challenging loop of 28 miles with lots of climbing. Suitable for fit cyclists.

• The Ross Road Loop uses 2 sections of the Southern Coastal Road. As this road is very narrow (There are over 50 passing places) care should be taken.

National cycle route 73 runs from Brodick to Lochranza. Following this route through Arran is fast becoming a popular choice for cyclists undertaking the Lands End to John O'Groats ride. It avoids having to cycle through Glasgow and uses much quieter roads. Many people, myself included, decide it is worth the extra 50 miles.

Mountain Biking

Cycling on Arran is not just limited to the roads, we also have some great mountain biking.

Arran's 'Natural Mountain Bike Trails' are a series of routes that are very different from the man made colour coded routes found at many mountain bike centres.

Our routes are a great mix of paths tracks and trails which can be joined together to create some wonderful rides for a whole range of abilities.

For much more information you can download route descriptions and maps from the Arran Bike Club website.

For Mountain Biking in other parts of the world and much more why not visit the Best-Mountain-Biking.com website. It's all about the best of mountain biking trails, bikes and accessories. Mountain biking for women and beginners. Discover what you need to know about mountain biking gear.

Cycle Touring

Lochranza ferry

For many cycle tourists, cycling on Arran is a stepping stone for a tour of the west of Scotland. Leaving the island on the Lochranza ferry takes you to the Mull of Kintyre. From here it is just a few miles to Kennacraig and the ferry to Islay, then why not head on to Jura.

For details of a cycle tour of the Southern Hebrides take a look at Steve Coulson's website My Bicycling Adventure.

For Steve and Karen this was the start of something bigger, as they are now cycling around the world. You can follow their adventures on their website

 

Cycle Hire and Repairs

Bikes can be hired from 'The Boathouse' in Brodick. (Tel 01770 302868)

Located behind the smaller Co-Op at the north end of town, they hire adult and child bikes as well as trailers. All bikes come with a helmet and lock. A security deposit is required for all bikes.

Adult bikes are £6.50 for 2 hours and £12.50 for a day. Childrens bikes are £3.50 for 2 hours and £8.50 for a day.

Arran Adventure Company located at the Auchrannie Spa Hotel in Brodick (Tel 01770 302244) also hire mountain bikes and can organise rides. Adult bike hire prices start from £10 for 3 hours for adults and £8 for children this includes a lock and trail routes. For an interesting option why not try their Trailquest route. Maps are £5.

Newly opened is cycle hire from the Sandwich Station at Lochranza. They have a range of mountain bikes which can be booked for full or part days. Call Louise or Brian on 07810 796248

Brodick Cycles is located on the seafront about a hundred yards further north and they stock a good range of parts and spares but do not do cycle hire. Tel 01770 302202