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  • The start of this (which I did this summer) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31552965?
    ?
    gives you a pretty good road/'gravel' loop of Arran covering best part of the island. But it'd be pretty hard to take more than a day over it.

    Personally I'd do that loop of Arran, get ferry across from Lochranza, then cycle to Tarbert (bit rougher offroad but road option too), ferry over to Portavadie from Tarbert, then various nice options for touring round that peninusla (some amazing camping spots at Southern end), then maybe back via Isle of Bute via Rhubodach ferry and on to mainland from there.

    But depends where you want to start/finish/how far you want to ride, etc.

    Highly reccommend that whole area for cycling though. Much more accessible than further North in Scotland, but still with great scenery.

  • That's really helpful and more comprehensive than I expected, cheers. I think I'll try a road loop. Like the idea of doing it in a day on unloaded bike and getting a return ferry. The ferry said something like £8 which seemed suspiciously cheap! Maybe it's right.

  • That sounds right for ferry - Calmac fares are capped at something reasonable as they're a lifeline for the islands. Plus taking bikes on generally very easy.

    Could easily go into more detail - it's one of my favourite areas to cycle. There's a cycle cafe half way round Arran + lots of other good food options. If you detour down to Blackwaterfoot there's an amazing bakery (check it's open). Unloaded bike would be fun. Though there are also a load of great camping spots and it might be more pleasant to camp on Arran, leave your stuff and come back in the evening.

    Alternately for a day ride there's the 5 ferry loop, which I haven't done, but would imagine is great based on having ridden lots of it https://www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk/2020/06/five-ferries-cycle-tour-on-scotlands-west-coast-islands.html

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