Kintyre Way cycling route for gravel bike

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I've been asked about return routes. Probably the best is to ride the Caledonia Way up the East Coast back to Tarbert which takes one day. We have a video about the full Caledonia Way coming in a couple of weeks. However, in summer you can use ferries from the mainland to make a rather special loop. Either get the train to Ardrossen, or park a vehicle there, and take the CalMac ferry over to Arran. Ride across Arran, then catch the Lochranza-Claonaig ferry. You'd have to skip the first half of our first day and pick up the route at Claonaig. Then ride our three day route to Machrihanish, and back to Campbeltown where you can catch a summer ferry back to Ardrossen. _Just a little disclaimer: we safely followed the route given here but that does not guarantee it is safe for you or a Right of Way. Please use your own common sense and cycle safely._

[@RossFinnie]

Or my daft idea was to get the train from Glasgow to Ardrossan, boat from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, ride south to north, then from Tarbert, take the Five Ferries route to Wemyss Bay via Portavadie & Bute, and then back to Glasgow from Wemyss Bay!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@RossFinnie Great to have so many options!

[@pendodave4661]

The east coast road up kintyre is really nice. Great views to arran and not much traffic. Youve then got 3 ways back to glasgow: via arran, via tarbert & bute or via tarbert & dunoon. Argyll is a wonderful place to cycle.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@pendodave4661 We made a video about the east coast route when we came up the Caledonia Way. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n56TomyJa7GNf5o

[@bgate1984]

This has turned into one of my favourite YT channels

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

And that's one of my favourite comments 😁

[@eliterunning]

Mine too sir

[@stephenbrown5844]

What a typical Scottish Island rugged beautiful wet n windy but just takes your breath away, would love to do that one🇬🇧💪😁❤️👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It’s a great place Stephen and feels rather like an island too.

[@Jb7515.]

Great find started by watching the great glen way route, now I am watching all your adventures 🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️😎

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

That’s great John - pleased to have you with us.

[@OllyKilo]

Really polished final cut. Very good watching. Thanks for producing it.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you enjoyed it Olly!

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

I’m playing catch up with saved videos that I forgot about. Having done Kintyre on my road bike it’s now time to hit the gravel. As I live near the Ardrossan ferry I’ve been intending crossing Arran and the from Lochranza to Claonaig but I’ll now try Claonaig to Taynloan and over to Gigha and the old mill. Might squeeze Jura and Islay in for a wee local adventure. Thanks for another great video and hope your ribs weren’t too bad. Done mine in a few times, ouch!

[@eliterunning]

Excited to watch. Ur videos are amazing sir.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you like them!

[@smoore5540]

Nice one, well done👍🚴‍♀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Stephen

[@jumarikrajan7823]

Thanks Your video i'm happy and enjoy watching

[@dardoux]

Hi Simon, great video. I really enjoyed watching it, thank you. Rich

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Rich - hope you find some more stuff you like on the channel.

[@PaulGreenVlog]

Great video and filming in those conditions!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thank you very much - it helped there were two of us shooting

[@monistefmontesdeleon5238]

thank you for this excellent video! I found your channel looking for videos about gravel and bikepacking in Scotland and have been binge watching your videos; they are professionally done and very informative. We did the Kintyre walk 8 years ago. I was delighted to see all the places we passed on our way. Actually, we got in love with Kintyre and also the region around Kilmartin and went back there every year until the pandemic. We will definitely do the Kintyre Gravel Way as soon as we can 😉

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

I’m delighted you’re enjoying the videos!

[@thekintyreway]

Interesting watch. Thanks

[@Piercybach]

This video is perfectly timed. Me and my family are planning our first road trip with our camper van, with the bikes (road) strapped to the back. Everyone is doing the NC500, so we've decided to explore Argyll and Bute. Not too bad then if something goes wrong. The in laws live in Gourock. so not far to go back. This vid (even though for gravel) has given me a better insight. Thanks.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

That's a great idea Robyn. The sheer volume of cars and badly driven rental motorhomes on the NC500 make it a huge pain. In about 3 weeks or so we'll be releasing a video about the Caledonia Way which runs through Argyll and Bute that you might like. There's also the Dunoon Dash video which shows a different corner of this huge county. Have a great trip!

[@Piercybach]

@@alwaysanotheradventure I'm looking forward to it. My "obsession" with the Highlands and Argyll and Bute started with your "Best 100 mile ride." When I saw Mull on that video I just knew I had to visit sometime with my bike. My research of the whole area started from that. 😂 Also, even though not in Argyll and Bute, Ardnamurchan also looks fantastic. Thanks for all the videos.

[@Piercybach]

Also I know all to well about busy small roads being blocked. I'm from Snowdonia.

[@ImranWorldCyclist]

I really enjoy watching your videos, I’ve got a few bikepacking tips off them which I hope to do next year so many thanks. This Kintyre route looks interesting!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you like them Imran

[@arfankhan10]

You're a tough cookie Simon! Great video, one of your best. What an adventure!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

(I moaned a lot) 😁

[@jameshallworth8053]

Good to see a video/channel with shows honestly that riding isn't always easy/painless and in good weather. Rain and pain are also someimes part of the game, thanks for sharing that. Great ride, by the looks of it.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It was James. I like to think the limitations imposed by self-filming our rides add to the authenticity. (Ribs healing nicely)

[@eliterunning]

Beautiful.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thank you!

[@92redferrari]

Looks a great multi day gravel ride in Scotland. Another great adventure. Well done. I've completed a couple of cycles around Isle of Whithorn in Galloway recently . Great cycling and nice and quiet.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Lovely part of the world.

[@LagunaRider1961]

Love your channel!! Cheers from California!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Great to have you with us Rob - hope you're doing OK in the heat out there right now. I saw your unedited comments, and you can find out more about my Sonder Camino Ti in earlier videos, plus why I chose it (you might not have found this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJzCm36qftCgnK8). But gravel bikes have changed a lot in two years. There are now fast, light and strong carbon offerings, like the Orbea which Sean took on this ride. Tonight I'm driving down to England to try one such bike - why is it SO hard to try bikes - and if I like it, I might buy it. No doubt there'll be more on that if I do!

[@LagunaRider1961]

@@alwaysanotheradventure I did find your video on the Sonder Camino that’s why I had edited my comment. I’m 60 years young and have always ridden a steel frame touring bike however I’d like to purchase something a bit lighter as a second bike for gravel and road. I’ll be interested to see your new acquisition if you get it! Cheers again from warm Laguna Beach California!!!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

@@LagunaRider1961 Ah, I see. I'm looking at a Vielo, but I'd also been advised (by someone far more knowledgeable than me) to look at the Cervelo Aspero. I was in Laguna Beach in the late 1980's - bought a fleece from the Patagonia store which is still going strong. Lovely place.

[@LagunaRider1961]

@@alwaysanotheradventure I’ll be interested to hear your impressions if you get the bike! Getting a new bike is always exciting! Come to Laguna Beach and we’ll go for a ride! Cheers!!

[@therealdelboy]

I was home (Campbeltown) a few weeks ago, and am feeling homesick already. Great effort by all, especially Simon with bruised ribs (been there, done that, not pleasant). The leer side of the mull (Glenramskill to Southend) is a brutal climb with quite a few switchbacks but very rewarding.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

We avoided the really steep climb from the lighthouse though Del. I'm glad a local enjoyed it.

[@marathonger]

Great gravel route and fabulous commentary and footage. Looking forward to doing this in the coming weeks.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you enjoyed it Gerry

[@midlandgeordie]

Great information and guidance 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks a lot Ian

[@GravelFilmsDivision]

Really helpful having all the info/routes in the description, thanks.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Great - I hoped that would be useful.

[@HughDWallace]

Super video. That route is now added to my bucket list! Thanks guys.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Our pleasure Hugh!

[@ian_wiltshire]

Great stuff 👍 really inspiring

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Ian

[@grahampotts6773]

Cracking adventure as per normal, always a great resource for future capers 👍😃

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Graham

[@gcsScotland]

Certainly lived up to expectations- another video that just makes you want to get out and ride the route. Hope the ribs are healing nicely - sometimes you have to suffer for your art😉 Look forward to seeing your next adventure 👍

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Still bloody sore Graham - four weeks to the day. Still, it's meant to take 6. Glad you like the video.

[@jonathangreen7111]

Absolutely EXCELLENT as usual. Thanks chaps. we'll certainly be doing this.

[@gwynwrex]

Another one on my tick list

[@m__r1100]

Great stuff - good to have a properly local-informed riding option.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Sean knew lots of the first two days, but James' local knowledge was really, really helpful.

[@ianfranklin9482]

Fantastic looking ride! :)

[@davidmurray2910]

Really useful vid. We’re going to do Mull to the Cape (first half) later this year. Gravel trail into ‘Hanish is a goer thanks to you guys!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Have a great ride David - and call in on James in C'Town if you need extra local advice.

[@A_AAA232]

great video and a great route , cheers

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Glad you like it

[@charliewright4405]

Thanks for producing such an informative yet entertaining video. You have inspired a group of us to travel over from Northern Ireland to do this next month, May 2022. We would however like to make this into a loop starting and finishing in Campbeltown. Any advice you can offer would be appreciated

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Hi Charlie - Glad you enjoyed it. You could head back down the Caledonia Way (there are videos on this) or if you have time turn it into a big loop by heading from Tarbert by ferry over to Portavadie and joining what’s known as the ‘five ferries’ ride. Around the top then ferry onto Bute, down to Rothesay and then across by ferry to the mainland. Or another - from Claonaig over to Arran and across to Brodick for the ferry to the mainland. Three options there😁

[@charliewright4405]

@@alwaysanotheradventure thank you Simon, top man. Very informative as always. Keep up the good work!

[@georgealty]

Enjoyed this, only ever walked the Carradale - Campbeltown leg and the spur to saddell but it feels so remote. Wondered about taking my bike but looks a little severe. Stay at Torrisdale and there's no way I could do that climb on a bike. Back up in June how brave will I be?

[@ripvanmarlowe]

Really, really professionally put together vids. I feel like you may even have a past in broadcast tv?! Great stuff and definitely inspired me to get back on the bike. Cheers!

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

You guessed correctly - a few decades at the BBC. Glad it inspired you, and you might find our 'Stuff cyclists don't tell you' playlist useful if you get back on the bike. You'll know most but it might be helpful. kzbin.info/aero/PLi_RyC9IgDU3Ik0lHr04pFC1IbZ1BVwNL

[@gregschramm8180]

Very good i hope your ok

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Four weeks on and I can now sleep on that side - take ages to heal Greg, but thanks for asking.

[@gcsScotland]

Looks excellent👍

[@montylikesbeer]

Fantastic, it’s on the list

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks Mark - it's worth the place.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Excellent again, thank you. Super information professionally presented. I'm now wondering if my hybrid Claud Butler urban counts as a gravel bike, but I suspect not. :-) Hope your ribs were not badly done in. ATB.

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Mighty be pushing it (both meanings) there Terry 😁 Four weeks on, ribs still sore but running and swimming again so that's an improvement thanks.

[@ianclark9649]

Who else can have a tea outside a public toilet looking over the scottish sea. People pay good money for a hotel restaurant overlooking a city scape. You can buy that but having a tea in Kintyre is priceless

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

It was great! We've often referred to the loo-block moment.

[@grahammacraild595]

what transport options are available to return to the start?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Probably the best way is to ride the Caledonia Way up the East Coast back to Tarbert (we have a video on that in a couple of weeks). However, there's a summer ferry Campbeltown-Ardrossen, and Ardrossen is also where the Arran ferry leaves. So you could do a loop Ardrossen-Arran ferry, ride across Arran, Lochranza-Claonaig ferry, (skip first half or first day of our ride), then head down to Campbeltown, Campbeltown-Ardrossen ferry at end.

[@everywherelocal]

great clip 🔥

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Thanks

[@matthewharold8404]

This looks like a great ride. Do you know if it's possible to link up with the Atlantic way cycle route? Many thanks

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Sadly the ferry to Ireland no longer runs, and it was a big loss to Campbeltown. There is a ferry to Ardrossen or there are links to Arran. I'll post suggested return routes in a pinned tweet.

[@Chief_Brody]

Late to the party on this. Nice video 🙂 How did you get back to Tarbet/civilisation? Is it just simple road biking?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Yes - ish, David, but better than “just” a road ride. Don’t use the A85. We came up the Caledonia Way to Oban. We had a bit of a car issue but this video tells that story and it’s part of 3 on the Cal Way all the way to Inverness Caledonia Way 1, Sustrans cycle route 78 Campbeltown to Oban bikepacking touring kzbin.info/www/bejne/n56TomyJa7GNf5o

[@jumarikrajan7823]

👌💯

[@ryeyhb]

How did you wangle access to the backpackers hostel with just the two of you?

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

Because we were making this video, and we knew accommodation might be tricky at the time we shot it, we had the support of the tourist associations Explore Kintyre and Gigha - and Wild About Argyll. They organised and provided our accommodation for this video and the return along the Caledonia Way - that video coming soon.

[@ryeyhb]

@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks Simon. Tried to book hostel and was told by owner it wasn't covid compliant so was just trying to square that circle but it's worth it for the advertising and promotion your videos give the area

[@alwaysanotheradventure]

​@@ryeyhb I was concerned we were showing something people couldn't do right now. But we shot this a month ago and hoped it would be open by now. Also, the video will have a long lifespan, so I felt that, in time, it will be able to reopen just as the Argyll Backpackers north of Tarbert has managed to reopen. I hope you manage to find somewhere.

[@jumarikrajan7823]

I Love You Sir*U hot and Rock life style

[@ianclark9649]

Who else can have a tea outside a public toilet looking over the scottish sea. People pay good money for a hotel restaurant overlooking a city scape. You can buy that but having a tea in Kintyre is priceless