The roads around Kyles Bank provide a great network for cyclists but there are also some good off road gravel tracks which are better for younger children. If you have not been able to bring your own bicycles this is not a problem as they can be hired at Portavadie Marina, but if would be wise to book these in advance. www.portavadie.com or telephone 01700 811 705

  1. The road past Kyles Bank which leads to Caladh is a good cycling track from the boatyard to Caladh, although only the first mile along the coast is flat. After that there are some steep hills to negotiate but fine for those who are fit!

 

  1. Perhaps the best road cycle is the loop around Ardlamont Point. Turn right out of Kyles Bank gates and go through Tighnabruaich village along the coast past the Shinty Ground and up the hill to Kames Post Office. Then take the road round to the right up the steep golf course hill and up the crossroads at Millhouse. Turn left at Millhouse and you are on the coast road which loops round the west of Ardlamont point and comes back on the east side of the point to Kames and your starting point at Kames Post Office, from there it is downhill past the Shinty ground and home, approximately 12 miles.

 

  1. Another variation of 2. above is to go to Millhouse and at the cross roads go straight on following the sign to Portavadie. You cycle for just over a mile and pass the entrance to Stillaig Farm on your left, climb up a small hill and you will see a metal gate on the left hand side. The track, on which motor vehicles are not permitted, runs down to the Scout hut and a very good sheltered beach and swimming spot and is an excellent bike track for children. Or keep going along the road and you will reach Portavadie Marina. (6 miles)

 

  1. Our favourite off road cycle track is the one behind The Kyles of Bute Golf Club, see photo above. Go to Golf Club and there is a forestry road that runs past the Club House. Keep following this track and bearing right at each opportunity and you will climb up and up until you have good views, firstly across the Kyles of Bute and when you go over the top of the ridge some outstanding views of Loch Fyne. If you follow this forestry road to the south for a couple of miles the road leads to one of the best view points in the area where the forestry has recently been clear felled. You will have the Island of Bute, Inchmarnock Island, the Ayr Coast and Arran all laid out before you and it makes the climb worthwhile we assure you!

 

  1. Further afield the Island of Bute has really good cycling as the terrain is less challenging, though it has to be said far from flat, and there are a number of circular routes round the island. In 2015 Roman Abramovich’s cycle round Bute hit the headlines http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11716200/Roman-Abramovich-takes-Scottish-seaside-break-on-Isle-of-Bute.html and you too can anchor your super yacht in Rothesay Bay! Alternatively drive to Colintraive and leave the car at the ferry terminal and just take your bicycle across. mapmyride.com>isle-of-bute-sct shows a variety of routes and there are many places to eat and some interesting places to visit.
  2. The cycle from Dunoon to Portavadie is a challenging route across some roads with some very steep climbs, the website says it is over 28 miles and there are three very long climbs, good luck on this one!  http://www.mapmyride.com/gb/dunoon-sct/dunoon-to-portavadie-route-18435344