Looking for a route in or around Inverclyde

bill_gates

Hi all,

I'm looking forward to an upcoming West Coast of Scotland staycation and will likely take my bike, Wemyss Bay is the destination.

Can someone provide some circular route ideas around 50mile distance which is fairly leisurely and safe.

• Light to moderate climbing is fine and some routes I found with a quick web search seem to be around 2500ft for 45-50miles.
• I've read that the A78 is not great for sole rider
• I've read that Loch Thom is worth a visit
• I'm not that fussed about taking ferries across to the islands this time and happy to stay on the mainland.

Cheers in advance.

bobones

bill_gates said:

Hi all,

I'm looking forward to an upcoming West Coast of Scotland staycation and will likely take my bike, Wemyss Bay is the destination.

Can someone provide some circular route ideas around 50mile distance which is fairly leisurely and safe.

• Light to moderate climbing is fine and some routes I found with a quick web search seem to be around 2500ft for 45-50miles.
• I've read that the A78 is not great for sole rider
• I've read that Loch Thom is worth a visit
• I'm not that fussed about taking ferries across to the islands this time and happy to stay on the mainland.

Cheers in advance.

You need to do a bit of climbing to get the best of that area and avoid the busier roads. I think the views from the top of Fairlie Moor are worth the effort in getting there. 2 options come to mind:
Big loop with climb from easier Dalry side. Great views at Loch Thom and Port Glasgow: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36149968

Out and back with climb from Hunterston side (steep): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36149943

Cafe stop at Nardini's Moorings in Largs will break it up.

Rewarded with this view!

bill_gates

Thanks for this. Appreciated.

navrig2

Take the ferry across to Dunoon and cycle there. Not so many road choices but you can guarantee they will be quiet(er) and the scenery much, much nicer.

You might get some climbing in too.

Ride with off road tyres and you will be able to do a lot more.

navrig2

Or if you want a full day adventure then try the 5 ferries route. It is about 100 miles but you will see the best of scenery.

Some details here but use Google and you'll find more.

https://www.routeyou.com/en-gb/route/view/5365286/cycle-route/five-ferries

Not sure what Covid has done to the timetables so check first.

The 100 miles includes connecting between the mainland ferry ports. More details in Fiona's blog

https://www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk/2020/06/five-ferries-cycle-tour-on-scotlands-west-coast-islands.html