Oban to Campbeltown
From Oban, the route climbs past the golf course along Glencruitten Road towards delightful Glen Lonan with impressive views of Ben Cruachan to the east. Continue on to Taynault where you have the option to ride an extra 1.5 miles to the pier just north of the town for excellent views of Loch Etive.
The route turns south on the B845 and up through the scenic delights of Glen Nant, before descending to Kilchrenan and spectacular views of Loch Awe. At this point it follows a rollercoaster minor road through Inverliever Forest, along the west side of the loch, before dropping down to the shoreline and joining the B840 at Ford.
From Ford, a short stretch along the A816 leads to Kilmartin with its enigmatic ancient stones. A long flat section follows, over Moine Mhor onto the splendid towpath of the Crinan Canal which continues past Lochgilphead to Ardrishaig. After a short stretch along the A83, the route climbs steeply to cross to the western shores of Knapdale with fine views across to the islands of Islay and Jura. Enjoy the views past Ormsary and on to Kilberry.
A couple of miles south of Kilberry the route turns east and then northeast to the fishing and yachting centre of Tarbet. From here, the A83 is rejoined for a few miles on the eastern shores of Loch Tarbet, passing the ferry terminal to Islay at Kennacraig. From Kennacraig, a steady climb on the B8001 leads to a great viewpoint of Arran and a descent to Claonaig. The road to Carradale has many tough climbs and sweeping descents but offers magnificent views of Kilbrannan Sound.
From Carradale, the route continues its undulating journey along the eastern side of the Kintyre Peninsula with many fine views across the Sound towards Arran and Ailsa Craig. Cresting the final hill, Campbeltown comes into view, set in a sweeping arc around Campbeltown Loch and with a good variety of refreshment stops to celebrate the end of a great journey.
Natural attractions:
- Sound of Kerrera
- Glen Nant
- Inverliever Forest
- Loch Awe
- Crianan Canal
- Loch Gilp
- Knapdale Hills
- Loch Tarbet
- Kilbrannan Sound
- Campbeltown Loch
Visitor attractions:
- Mccaig’s Tower
- Bonawe Furnace
- Carnassarie Castle
- Kilmory Castle
- Carradle Visitor Centre
- Campbeltown Heritage Centre
- Campbeltown Museum
National Cycle Network (NCN) Online Mapping
View 25,000 miles of cycle routes, including 13,000 miles of NCN, using Sustrans online mapping. You can also:
- Draw, measure and share routes
- Find local amenities such as bike hire and shops
- Find bus stops, train stations and timetables
Visit www.sustrans.org.uk/map
The Complete National Cycle Network App
You can also access Sustrans online mapping with the Complete National Cycle Network app. The app includes all of our online features as well as:
- GPS tracking – record and share routes
- Storage of map backgrounds for areas without mobile signal
To download the app, visit the Sustrans website
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
View Oban to Campbeltown in a larger map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Central Scotland
- Distance:
120 miles
- Time needed:
2-4days
- Classification:
Challenge
- Traffic:
On road
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 78
- Start:
Oban Station
- Finish:
Campbeltown Torist Information Centre
- Access:
Train stations at Oban and Taynuilt
- Maps and guides
-
- Guides & publications:
- Links with:
NCN 75 and NCN 73 (via ferry)
- Weather:
-
Sat
max: 9°C min: 5°C
-
Sun
max: 8°C min: 5°C
-
Mon
max: 7°C min: 4°C
-
Tue
max: 7°C min: 4°C
Choose another route
05/09/10, at 10:59 AM
Impressive ride. A detour to Crinan along the Crinan Canal brings you to a wonderful pub for a well deserved lunch break.
Half way along the western shores of Loch Awe is Dalavich where there is an excellent cafe within the Post Office. Be prepared to be staggered by the scenery along this route.