Welcome to Routes to Ride from Carole Nash. We have scoured the British Isles to find some of the UK and Ireland's best biking roads.
We'll keep adding new routes as soon as we find them and we're also happy for you to submit your own. If you do, we could be sending out our crew to write up your recommendation!
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this guide, Carole Nash cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that occur due to changes in road restrictions, layouts, closure of featured businesses or any other factor beyond our control. The information contained within this guide is the result of journalistic research and does not constitute any official endorsement of the routes or businesses featured within. Please ride responsibly.
The Route
Scotland’s West Coast roads are fast, twisty and sparsely populated making them ideal biking terrain. Add to that a stunning vista of craggy coastline, lakes and snow-capped mountains and paradise is no longer lost.
The route from Fort William to Oban hugs the coast like a long-lost relative, offering slider scraping bend after bend whilst the stretch between Fort William and Ballachulish in the shadow of Glencoe is fast and furious.
This is a simple route, starting in the Highland town of Fort William (the second largest settlement in the Highlands) and following the A82 south towards South Ballachulish. Once you have crossed the bridge that straddles Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, turn left at the roundabout onto the A828 and pass under the bridge that you just crossed.
The A828 will wind you through the Glen Duror Forest and provide stunning views of Loch Linnhe and Loch Creran.
Cross the Connel Bridge (close to Oban Airport) and head onto the A85 towards Oban. Watch out on the approach as it’s one hell of an incline, spiralling down into a fairly bustling tourist spot.
Where to Stop
Bikers are ‘very welcome’ at The Barn at Cologin outside Oban. Set in its own private glen, this CAMRA accredited local serves bar snacks and meals washed down with a selection of beers. There’s also regular live music on Sunday afternoons from 4pm.
Ride On?
South of Oban, you have a long ride ahead of you until the next town of Lochgilphead, but the hour-long extension isn’t to be sniffed at. Follow the A816 south along some challenging bends before arriving at the stunning Saddel Water but do expect this popular boating lake to be busy in the summer.
Why don't you reset your search or try and broaden your search to find some suitable routes? Know of a good route in this area? Then why not suggest it to us and it may get featured on this site!