The best cycling routes around Appin

Appin offers a selection of 16 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 3 easy, 11 moderate, and 2 difficult options available for exploration.

The touring cycling routes in Appin feature diverse terrain. Many sections utilize the beds of old railway lines, providing mostly flat and traffic-free riding. You'll also find loch-side paths, coastal stretches, and routes winding through woodlands and open fields, often with views of sea lochs like Loch Creran and Loch Linnhe. While many surfaces are well-paved, some segments may be unpaved or have occasional gravel, particularly on quieter country roads.

Yes, Appin offers family-friendly options. The Port Appin Loop, for example, is particularly suitable for families due to its low gradient and manageable distance, often following the old railway line. Portions of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 78 (Caledonia Way) through Appin are also traffic-free, making them ideal for a relaxed family ride.

Appin's touring cycling routes offer views of several notable landmarks and natural features. You can often spot the iconic Castle Stalker dramatically perched on an island in Loch Laich. Other points of interest include the Glencoe Lochan, Signal Rock, and the impressive Glen Coe. The Loch Creran – Creagan Bridge loop from Stob Coire Raineach passes by the notable Creagan Bridge itself.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Appin are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Stone Archway on NCN 78 Trail – Loch Creran loop from Appin and the View of Castle Stalker – Loch Linnhe loop from Loch Creran. The Port Appin Loop and the Loch Creran Loop are also popular circular options.

The touring cycling routes in Appin are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning loch-side and coastal scenery, the use of old railway lines for traffic-free sections, and the breathtaking views of mountains and islands like Mull and Lismore.

Yes, you can encounter waterfalls in the broader Appin area. The Bealach Dearg Waterfalls are a notable natural feature that can be viewed in the region, offering a scenic stop during your cycling adventures.

Appin is a significant part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 78, also known as the Caledonia Way, which is a long-distance route stretching from Campbeltown to Inverness. The section passing through Appin offers both on-road and traffic-free options. For a challenging long-distance loop within the area, consider the View of Castle Stalker – Loch Linnhe loop from Loch Creran, which covers 100 km.

For a quieter experience, consider routes that venture slightly off the main NCN 78 path or explore the smaller loops. The Tirefour Broch – Kilchoan Post Office and Shop loop from Appin offers a moderate ride through varied landscapes. Additionally, the Stone Archway on NCN 78 Trail – Loch Creran loop from Stob Coire Raineach provides a scenic alternative around Loch Creran.

The best time for touring cycling in Appin is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the days are longer, allowing for more comfortable and extended rides. The scenery is particularly vibrant in spring and autumn, though summer offers the warmest temperatures.

Yes, many routes along Loch Linnhe and the Appin coastline will offer views of the Island of Lismore. The View of Castle Stalker – Loch Linnhe loop from Loch Creran, for instance, provides expansive coastal and loch-side views where you can often spot Lismore and other islands.