Lismore

 A popular expedition in Appin is taking your ebike over on the wee passenger ferry from the pier at Port Appin on a short crossing to the magical island of Lismore. Though not a high island, most will appreciate an electric bike to manage the short but steep climbs and rough tracks which facilitates  exploring the islands rich historical and archaeological sites, the tranquillity and the views. Hire an ebike from us for a really thorough days expedition.  The Cafe and splendid visitors centre less than half way down the island is a great place to eat, or take a picnic and enjoy the views up the Sound of Mull. In fair weather it is easy to spend 8 hours touring the island.

The wild Island folk will tolerate tourists if treated with caution and respect.

 

The Appin Loop

 A route about 15 miles long, comprising 5 or so miles of Route 78 cycle track alongside the stretch of main road (A828) before crossing over the main road and continuing around the Shian peninsula on a very quiet 'B' road. The road follows the north side of Loch Creran and emerges at the Airds Hotel in Port Appin. It is a pleasant ride and especially handy for Appin Holiday Homes and The Creagan Inn which has a great menu and lochside decking area.

To The North 

Head north (following the Cycle Track) passing stunning Castle Stalker towards Cuil Bay, a lovely quiet sandy beach (6 miles) by the village of Duror and on along the shore of Loch Linnhe to Ballachulish and Glencoe (15m)on the fantastic cycle route 78. Plenty of facilities up there with several fine pubs, a museum, supermarket and the village of Glencoe. The Clachaig Inn is a fine mountaineers pub ( good food) at the beginning of Glencoe proper.

 The Hollytree Inn is another fine pub and restaurant overlooking the old harbour of Kentallen.  It is an easy ride from here at Rosebank on the cycle track and a nice afternoons run and destination for a drink or a good lunch.

So there are several possible expeditions to the north. Cuil Bay or The Holly Tree being an easy hours ride north for a picnic or meal, or on to Glencoe for a longer day out. The very friendly and traditional Old Inn is right on our doorstep and a great place to finish the day with brilliant views over Castle Stalker and the sun setting over the grand old mountains of Morvern.

 

Oban and back by way of Lismore

Head south on the cycle track past The Creagan Inn, over the road bridge and take a left at Sutherlands Grove or Barcaldine which will take you up and over the beautiful ridge that separate the two Great Lochs. Great panoramic views and a fine wee icecream shop/farm on the way up. Once your over the ridge you have a spectacular descent down into Glen Etive and Ardchattan Priory. Follow the shore of Loch Etive and head south over the bridge and the Falls of Lora. Take the quiet back road, first on the left and under the railway bridge to the scenic Glen Lonan, and a lovely shortcut taking you down into the centre of Oban after a fine and varied 23 mile ride. 

Have some lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking Oban Bay and make sure you catch the 2pm ferry to Achnacroish, Lismore. A longer crossing affording you excellent views up the Sound of Mull and Duart Castle standing guard over the islands East coast. Disembark at Achnacroish where you can explore some more, or just ride the few miles up past the cafe and visitors centre to Point in the far north where the Port Appin ferry leaves at quarter past the hour. A particularly long and worthwhile tour taking some superb parts of the mainland with a good run back by way of Lismore.

 

Elevated expeditions 

We have a couple of top of the range full suspension E- mountain bikes for exploring the many forestry tracks that take you up through delightful woodlands on the mountain slopes, where you can properly see 360 degree panoramas of this awesome part of the world. From the northern extent of Loch Linnhe at Fort William, Ben Nevis is the largest of a bevvy of Munroe's that sweep down past Glen Coe to our own Ben Sguiliard and Glen Creran. You cannot begin to appreciate this vista from the back seat of a car. Get out there on an E-bike and you will get further and see so much more of this vast wilderness. Note that many of these mountain tracks are appropriate only for stronger, more experienced riders.