Can’t thank you enough for posting videos and explanations for Scotland gravel routes. We have followed your Komoot routes from Inverness to Mull. Excited to see your next update.
The scenery is epic! I have never been to Scotland, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit once things in the world get better. Your videos really help to fuel the desire to travel again.
Currently preparing a week long cycle from Arran up the west coast, over to Mull, Ardnamurchan and across to Fort William - can't wait! I've cycled half of the route in this video before and it's every bit as stunning as the video.
That's going to be a great ride. Will you get out to Islay and Colonsay? Whichever way you go will be great. I'm not sure how many campsites are allowing tents at the moment, so you might need to check that in advance.
@@alwaysanotheradventure No, unfortunately not! I wish we had more time to visit more of the islands. We're camping two nights on Mull near Salen. Could you recommend a cycle day drip from Salen and retaining to Salen? Thank you.
S Fergus Salen’s a great start point, the centre of a fig 8. Best would be across to and up the west coast past Calgary (great Art cafe) then either a) from Dervaig back down Glen Aros b) if you have a tough bike, off road down Glen Frisa c) into Tobermory and down the coast. Would be busy Saturday but quieter Sunday possibly. All could be done in either direction. Most are in this collection (not the Glen Frisa) www.komoot.com/collection/979974/-scotland-s-best-100-mile-ride
@@alwaysanotheradventure Excellent thanks very much. Think we'll go up the west coast to start and down Glen Frisa - it will be nice to ditch the panniers for a day! I also seen you coming down the east side of Loch Frisa in one of your videos, that looked like a nice quiet road.
Great video - brings back memories of last summer’s holiday. Did the route from Lochmoidart to the Ardnamurchan distillery (and back) but fancy all the way to the lighthouse when we return in August. Your videos will be the basis of our cycling
@@alwaysanotheradventure I will have a look - at the rate I'm going, I might need 2 weeks on holiday, so many places to try, especially with a gravel bike!! The loop around Loch Shiel and over Bealach Feith is a must after seeing your gravel ride video... see if it's harder than coming up from Strontian
You certainly picked a stunning day to film. As always an informative and beautifully filmed video. Road out to the lighthouse years ago when visiting a friend in Kilchoan and it sure is undulating!!! Look forward to episodes 2 and 3. 👍
I shot it during the spell of great weather last month. You're right about the road - in some ways the loop is easier than the out-and-back to the lighthouse.
Thank you - first time I've had a comment before a video went live! It's a great 70ml ride, but when slotted together with the other two rides into a 100miler, it's exceptional. Social distancing rules mean we can't go up the lighthouse as we could previously, so sadly no shots from the lamproom, but still, it's quite a spot on a good day. On a bad day, it's wild!
@@alwaysanotheradventure its very famous for a geological feature called "Ring Dykes" although sadly I haven't been back since. Am going to Skye in a couple of days though which should be good. Last weekend I set up my own UA-cam channel on camping and astronomy, with a small back catalogue of videos, but am hoping for a clear night on Skye to do one on the Milky Way.
That is one hell of a ride Simon. I can't wait to get up to the highlands for a bikepacking trip. But I have the feeling it won't be until next year now. Great video as always.
Well, I’m trying to think of an area which packs more into a century and, so far, I’ve come up empty. If gravel was permitted, I’d tout Achnashellach to Tongue via Alladale and Glen Cassley, which is a route I love. My last trip to Ardnamurchan used the ferry from Tobermory and, because of head winds, was a bit of a beasting. Finding a bunkhouse at Glenborrodale was such a relief. For a bunkhouse discovered when I was on my uppers to be so good was a bit of a miracle. I hope it has survived.
Crikey - an off-road century would be beyond me! That bunkhouse is still there, I saw it on the ride, but was closed for C19 when I shot this. I only recently learned about it, so a good find. I'm now heading to Komoot to look at that route you described...
Always Another Adventure : Let’s be clear - I’d need two days for that route if at my fittest, possibly with a night in Lairg. I have a soft spot for the campsite there.
@@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233 Ah, OK. I tend to think 'century' as a one day ride, and that route does sound amazing. There's a lovely cafe in Lairg too. It's in the centre of a cracking two-day road loop. Day one, up past Ben Hope to Durness, then day two, back down the 'main' road to Laxford Bridge and through to Lairg again. That's a great ride.
@@alwaysanotheradventure : You re absolutely right about Century rides. It's just that I'm not up to it! The bits of the Highland Trail 550 which I've looked at with my touring bike are superb and great for relaxed, camping trips. Much of the route is on estate roads and possibly more suitable for gravel bikes than for mountain bikes. The bike needs to be sorted though because the route gets into some remote locations, which is one of the reasons I like it. I have to admit, though, your choice for best Century takes a lot of beating.
I think I said the wrong issue Hugh - it's Dec 2013 issue 015. We shortened the ride on the day (as you'll hear in part 3). we also did rides in issues 019 and 023
@@alwaysanotheradventure so which would you recommend out of the NCR78 Caledonian Way or this one split over 3-4 days?? I really enjoyed the Route 78 videos but I'm leaning towards this 100 ride..?
@@Neohurricane I'd go for the Caledonia Way because it's a true one-way journey. I'd like to do it all the way from the tip of Kintyre to Inverness some time, although there could be complications getting to the start - you might need to ride there. (Train from Glasgow to Ardrossen, ferry to Arran, cycle across to Lochranza, then cycle down the east side of Kintyre to the start of the way). The 100miler can be done in two fairly easy days breaking in Tobermory - some friends just did that - but in my view doesn't have the feel of a big journey like NC78.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks, really helpful advice. One final (!) Question, would you come back North on the west side of Kintyre? I've ridden it on my motorbike and was fabulous but obviously a more busy and fast A road.
@@Neohurricane Sorry Andrew, my mistake. I hadn't studied the route of 78 on Kintyre and assumed they'd created some sort of cycle path up the 'main' road. I've cycled down and back to Gigha from that ferry terminal and it's not much fun. So probably best avoided (although it was the route of a very long Audax I filmed a few years ago). I wonder if there's a bike bus could take you all the way down to the bottom of Kintyre to save repeating that down-and-back section? Could try these - www.tickettoridehighlands.co.uk/cyclist-transport.php although Covid might have mucked things up.
Ardnamurchan - a hidden gem.
Can’t thank you enough for posting videos and explanations for Scotland gravel routes. We have followed your Komoot routes from Inverness to Mull. Excited to see your next update.
Wow that's fantastic Beke! I'm so pleased you took the time to write, thank you. (I hope they were OK too!) And thank you very much for the Kofi.
Looked like an amazing days riding and, as always, brilliantly presented.
Thanks Paul - it's a great ride and the whole loop is superb
The scenery is epic! I have never been to Scotland, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit once things in the world get better. Your videos really help to fuel the desire to travel again.
Hmmm - not entirely sure that's a good thing right now, but in time, yes.
Amazing loop. The views are priceless
Beautiful video! I love the variety of your shots. You’ve given me lots to think about my own videos.
Thanks again
Currently preparing a week long cycle from Arran up the west coast, over to Mull, Ardnamurchan and across to Fort William - can't wait! I've cycled half of the route in this video before and it's every bit as stunning as the video.
That's going to be a great ride. Will you get out to Islay and Colonsay? Whichever way you go will be great. I'm not sure how many campsites are allowing tents at the moment, so you might need to check that in advance.
@@alwaysanotheradventure No, unfortunately not! I wish we had more time to visit more of the islands. We're camping two nights on Mull near Salen. Could you recommend a cycle day drip from Salen and retaining to Salen? Thank you.
S Fergus Salen’s a great start point, the centre of a fig 8. Best would be across to and up the west coast past Calgary (great Art cafe) then either
a) from Dervaig back down Glen Aros
b) if you have a tough bike, off road down Glen Frisa
c) into Tobermory and down the coast. Would be busy Saturday but quieter Sunday possibly.
All could be done in either direction.
Most are in this collection (not the Glen Frisa) www.komoot.com/collection/979974/-scotland-s-best-100-mile-ride
@@alwaysanotheradventure Excellent thanks very much. Think we'll go up the west coast to start and down Glen Frisa - it will be nice to ditch the panniers for a day! I also seen you coming down the east side of Loch Frisa in one of your videos, that looked like a nice quiet road.
@@StevenSugref Just don't take the route North that I did - it was a heck of a struggle ua-cam.com/video/ANPyruYy1D0/v-deo.html
Great video - brings back memories of last summer’s holiday. Did the route from Lochmoidart to the Ardnamurchan distillery (and back) but fancy all the way to the lighthouse when we return in August. Your videos will be the basis of our cycling
That’s great Patrick thank you. There are a selection of other routes on Komoot too.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I will have a look - at the rate I'm going, I might need 2 weeks on holiday, so many places to try, especially with a gravel bike!! The loop around Loch Shiel and over Bealach Feith is a must after seeing your gravel ride video... see if it's harder than coming up from Strontian
@@Specialman1979 The Strontian side is easier for sure (I live on the hill that side) but there’s no shade if it’s a hot day.
You certainly picked a stunning day to film. As always an informative and beautifully filmed video. Road out to the lighthouse years ago when visiting a friend in Kilchoan and it sure is undulating!!! Look forward to episodes 2 and 3. 👍
I shot it during the spell of great weather last month. You're right about the road - in some ways the loop is easier than the out-and-back to the lighthouse.
Excellent, thanks Simon
Thanks Mike.
Looking forward to this video, looks like it will be a great ride. Always enjoy lighthouses too!
Thank you - first time I've had a comment before a video went live! It's a great 70ml ride, but when slotted together with the other two rides into a 100miler, it's exceptional. Social distancing rules mean we can't go up the lighthouse as we could previously, so sadly no shots from the lamproom, but still, it's quite a spot on a good day. On a bad day, it's wild!
Enjoyed, some fantastic scenery!!!
Crikey that took me back a bit. I did an A level geology field trip on Ardnamurchan nearly 40 years ago. Great video 🙂
Oh wow! I've seen students here doing exactly what you were doing.
@@alwaysanotheradventure its very famous for a geological feature called "Ring Dykes" although sadly I haven't been back since. Am going to Skye in a couple of days though which should be good. Last weekend I set up my own UA-cam channel on camping and astronomy, with a small back catalogue of videos, but am hoping for a clear night on Skye to do one on the Milky Way.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 I'm subscribed - will watch a few of them, thanks!
@@alwaysanotheradventure thank you for my first subscription 🙏. Next week I'm going to tell my friends about the channel 😊
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Excellent!
That is one hell of a ride Simon. I can't wait to get up to the highlands for a bikepacking trip. But I have the feeling it won't be until next year now. Great video as always.
Glad you like it.
Can't wait for Mull, spent 3 days there many years ago whilst studying at Stirling Uni
Lovely place to ride! Although this one was quite tough - ua-cam.com/video/ANPyruYy1D0/v-deo.html
Well, I’m trying to think of an area which packs more into a century and, so far, I’ve come up empty. If gravel was permitted, I’d tout Achnashellach to Tongue via Alladale and Glen Cassley, which is a route I love.
My last trip to Ardnamurchan used the ferry from Tobermory and, because of head winds, was a bit of a beasting. Finding a bunkhouse at Glenborrodale was such a relief. For a bunkhouse discovered when I was on my uppers to be so good was a bit of a miracle. I hope it has survived.
Crikey - an off-road century would be beyond me! That bunkhouse is still there, I saw it on the ride, but was closed for C19 when I shot this. I only recently learned about it, so a good find. I'm now heading to Komoot to look at that route you described...
Always Another Adventure : Let’s be clear - I’d need two days for that route if at my fittest, possibly with a night in Lairg. I have a soft spot for the campsite there.
@@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233 Ah, OK. I tend to think 'century' as a one day ride, and that route does sound amazing. There's a lovely cafe in Lairg too. It's in the centre of a cracking two-day road loop. Day one, up past Ben Hope to Durness, then day two, back down the 'main' road to Laxford Bridge and through to Lairg again. That's a great ride.
@@alwaysanotheradventure : You re absolutely right about Century rides. It's just that I'm not up to it!
The bits of the Highland Trail 550 which I've looked at with my touring bike are superb and great for relaxed, camping trips. Much of the route is on estate roads and possibly more suitable for gravel bikes than for mountain bikes. The bike needs to be sorted though because the route gets into some remote locations, which is one of the reasons I like it. I have to admit, though, your choice for best Century takes a lot of beating.
Absolutely beautiful
Thanks Ian - I can take no credit for the views 😀
Chapeau
Merci Stephen
Wonderful 👌🏼
Thanks a lot 😊
I'll need to see if I can find that edition of Cyclist!
I think I said the wrong issue Hugh - it's Dec 2013 issue 015. We shortened the ride on the day (as you'll hear in part 3). we also did rides in issues 019 and 023
Thanks Simon!
Will you please stop making awesome videos, now I'm torn which part of Scotland to make my first cycle tour in 😁
Sorry (not sorry) Andrew 😀! But very glad you like them.
@@alwaysanotheradventure so which would you recommend out of the NCR78 Caledonian Way or this one split over 3-4 days?? I really enjoyed the Route 78 videos but I'm leaning towards this 100 ride..?
@@Neohurricane I'd go for the Caledonia Way because it's a true one-way journey. I'd like to do it all the way from the tip of Kintyre to Inverness some time, although there could be complications getting to the start - you might need to ride there. (Train from Glasgow to Ardrossen, ferry to Arran, cycle across to Lochranza, then cycle down the east side of Kintyre to the start of the way). The 100miler can be done in two fairly easy days breaking in Tobermory - some friends just did that - but in my view doesn't have the feel of a big journey like NC78.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks, really helpful advice. One final (!) Question, would you come back North on the west side of Kintyre? I've ridden it on my motorbike and was fabulous but obviously a more busy and fast A road.
@@Neohurricane Sorry Andrew, my mistake. I hadn't studied the route of 78 on Kintyre and assumed they'd created some sort of cycle path up the 'main' road. I've cycled down and back to Gigha from that ferry terminal and it's not much fun. So probably best avoided (although it was the route of a very long Audax I filmed a few years ago). I wonder if there's a bike bus could take you all the way down to the bottom of Kintyre to save repeating that down-and-back section? Could try these - www.tickettoridehighlands.co.uk/cyclist-transport.php although Covid might have mucked things up.
Gods country
Your link in komoot not available
Thanks Paul - hopefully that's fixed now.