tour from adrossan in may anyone done this route

karnali

we will be touring with our nearly 3 year old our plan is

ardrossan - lochranza stay ay yha hostel

cross kintyre to Gigha stay i hostel on gigha independant

gigha to islay stay in hostel at port charlotte

islay to jura stay B&B

jura to colonsay stay in hostel

colonsay to bute via kintyre hostel in bute

back to ardrossan

any obvious flaws???

thanks

chasctc

I think I read Lochranza is closed for refurbishment throughout 2009 (nothing on the website for any hostel after March).

Calmac run from Islay (not Jura) to Colonsay only on Wednesdays. It then goes to Oban and returns the same day. So you cant stay on Colonsay but you do have 6 hours. Otherwise Colonsay ferries are to/from Oban (apologies if there's another operator!).

I hope you're strong on the hills - there's plenty between Portavadie and Bute.

johny c

karnali,

The only obvious flaw I can see is cycling those routes with a child, but I've only ever cycled there on my own. If you aren't familiar with the area at all, there are a few hills which even a fit solo rider will have some bother with. Getting to Lochranza from Brodick there are a couple of crackers, out of Port Askaig is another. I've only been as far as Craighouse on Jura, I found the road very narrow and I just seemed to be in everyone's way.

a couple of links which might help you

http://www.islayinfo.com/jura-ferry.html

http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables.html

mikebcycling

Agree with the comments on ferry connections and, to an extent, with those on the hills. Mrs B and I did the Ardrossan, Arran, Kintyre, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Oban tour, using trains at both ends, over a relaxed 8 days in May a few years ago and had a most enjoyable trip. 6+ days of sunshine in the 8 days, which isn't a bad average for the area. We didn't stay on Arran, just cycled up to Lochranza via Glen Sannox, which is fairly hard work, as is the crossing of Kintyre. We crossed from Kennacraig to Port Ellen on Islay, so weren't faced with the hill out of Port Askaig on arrival. On Islay, taste the whiskies, visit Ardnave beach and the Mull of Oa. If you're planning to go to Jura (visit the gardens at Jura House), you have to return to Port Askaig, though you could always time it to leave from there for Colonsay and avoid the climb. Colonsay was a carpet of wild flowers when we were there and the walk over the sand bar to Oronsay is a must, as is Killoran Bay. We used small hotels and B&Bs (limited on Colonsay, though we were offered a self-catering cottage for the 2 nights).

Go, and have a wonderful time.

DHawes

Sounds great! I have done a similar tour, and would just like to reinforce the info that the climb over Glen Sannox to Lochranza from Broddick can be a bit tough... Especially on a fully laden tourer, in to a gale as I did it! Took more than 90 minutes and missed the ferry.
Also it would seem a shame to me to miss out on the complete circuit of Arran. Its a cracker, 58-ish miles with wonderful scenery, stiff climbs, ancient/historic landmarks and a few good refreshment stops.

Gigha is lovely, but very small. You would'nt need long to see it all. Perhaps staying in or aound Tarbet would give a few more options? Anyone else think so?

Good luck with the tour.

zonc

sounds great.

cannot see how you will get from Colonsay to Bute without going to the mainland or back via Islay

lots of good advice but if you need anymore - i live on islay. come and ride with us - vc ardbeg and do not forget to go to debbies for coffee.

more info have a look at

www.thewashingmachinepost.net
www.islaywildernessguide.co.uk
www.u2needyourheadsfixed.info

or pm me.

zonc

crossborderreiver

Is there an independent hostel on Gigha?

johny c

karnali

A bit late in the day to be dragging your thread up to the top I suppose, but thought you'd be interested in this anyway.

Josie Dew. I've been a fan of hers since I first saw her on a bbc 40mts documentary in 1987, 'The Cyclists'. I really admire the way she puts her fears where they belong and just gets on with riding.

she is now a mother, taking her wee girl Molly with her on her tours:

http://www.josiedew.co.uk/news.htm

All the best with your tour anyway, maybe I'll see you on the road.

regards, johny. Ayr.

karnali

thanks for all the advice

yes i remeber the hill to lochranza from previous trips ot arran. We have ahd a re think and are now going to lochranza day one
then over the kintyre and on to islay day 2 and staying htere an extra day then onto jura and an extra day there and then getting the ferry back to islay and straight out again back to kintyre and over the lochranza again.

Due to hostels being booked it will be camping.

1 rigid mtb and kiddie trailer
1 rigid mtb and cargo trailer and poss light panniers

out every sat at present for a couple of hour ride and i like in the north lakes so its fairly hilly. I reckon when we have beaten whinlatter pass we should cope with the climbs, hopefully.

thanks