Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Argyll; stunning Scottish scenery, off-road trails and quiet country roads. This is cycling and mountain biking at its very best, and it’s all on the doorstep of Loch Melfort.
Fire Tower Mountain Trail
The famous Fire Tower Mountain Trail winds though the forest near Lochgilphead, right in the heart of Argyll. With amazing single-track sections, big climbs, thrilling descents, hairy drop-offs, and spectacular views thrown in for good measure; this is the perfect location to test your bike handling skills. It is a whole network of fun and although it is sometimes technically tough, there are amazing mountain biking trails to discover.
The Trail has a little bit of something for everyone, including gentle tracks and radical free-riding. The descents have been described as ‘awesome’, with spectacular views across over to Jura, Scarba and Corryvreckan. There is around 7.4km of single track and depending on where you start from, you can do a 19km long loop starting at Achnabreac. Achnabreac car park is only around a thirty minute drive from Loch Melfort.
The Trail is graded red, with a couple of optional – and very challenging – black graded sections. The optional sections of black trail at the top of the Twisted Firestarter track have increased slippery surface conditions on the large slabs of rock. It’s been advised that these rocks should be by-passed on foot for your own safety. The gnarly red and black graded trails has all you could wish for on a mountain bike trail. The route is a network of single track sections linked by forest roads, so you can plan your own route, covering as much or as little of the track as you like.
Island Bike Rides
Exploring an island by bike is the perfect holiday activity. Luing, which is only miles long and is great for walking, is also great for cycling round. Along with the bikes, you can hire trailers and tag alongs, for parents with children. Helmets are provided free of charge with the hire. Pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment, and you can collect your bikes from the Sunnybreac Caravan Park.
Mull also has a bike hire scheme, but this time for electrical bikes. Power assisted bikes help you when you are pedalling, making it easier it get up hills (Mull has a lot of hills!), or when you’re cycling into a headwind. Trailers are also available, making it easy to bring wee ones along with you. Booking is again advisable, and an island-wide drop off and collection service is available on request.
