Dallachulish
Caravan site overlooking Loch Creran in the West Highlands
Visit Dallachulish Lodge.
Self Catering for up to 6 guests.
www.dallachulish.uk
Cycling from Dallachulish
Please Note: These suggested routes are provided courtesy of John and Dorothy. You try these at your own risk and no liability is accepted for injury or annoyance caused by falling off your bike, brake failure heading downhill, being eaten by midges whilst having your lunch or for any other reason.
Appin Loop
Turn left from the house and once at the roundabout stay on the pavement up to and crossing Creagan Bridge and follow the cycle route past Creagan Inn. Our favourite direction is to cross the road up through the Sustrans grey cycle ‘gates’ towards Appin. Take the cycle track across Jubilee Bridge towards Port Appin. As a short diversion, you can pass this turnoff to the view close to Castle Stalker for a photo opportunity and then back to cross Jubilee Bridge.
TEA AND SCONE opportunity at The Pierhouse Restaurant in Port Appin while looking over the Loch and the Lismore Ferry, this is just past the tight bend at The Airds Hotel which carries you on the cycle route (with no tea & scone). Single track road and the first steep hill is not far along this section, you will see a ‘weak wall’ warning sign so listen for any cars coming down the hill and wait until they have passed – there is not much room at the edges if you have to stop – it is a tough hill to start up again but well worth it. There is a garden worth viewing on the crest of the hill. Steep downhill after and then a nice section passing a few houses and soon having been surrounded by forest areas you will see the loch again and then Creagan Bridge way in the distance. You will come out at North Shian road-end and the cycle lane is tantalisingly close on your right BUT it is safer to cross the road and then re-cross as it is a fast downhill section of main road.
Loch Crerean Loop
Loop around Loch Creran : 6 miles. If you want to get the hardest bit done first, then turn left from the house and join the cycle track at the roundabout cycling over Creagan Bridge. Cross the main road at the next roundabout – carefully! and go up the Invercreran road – the incline is on this first section. This is a quiet road but nonetheless has local traffic so care must be taken. It makes for a very nice cycle and can be done in reverse also. Take care on the bridge in very windy weather.
Through Port Appin to Lismore Island
Turn left from the house and once at the roundabout stay on the pavement crossing the bridge and follow the cycle route to Appin (journey to here and back around 13.5 miles). Take the cycle track across Jubilee Bridge towards Port Appin where the ferry crosses to Lismore. Cycles can be taken across the passenger ferry. The island is 10 miles long so you can go as far as you want, or deviate and visit Port Ramsay. The island has walks also and the road is fairly quiet and single track. Return the same way, making sure not to miss the last ferry! Aprrox: 30 miles (on this particular trip).
Over the hill towards Bonawe
This is a tough cycle with a steep climb – but also a fast descent, so care is needed. If you and your bike can handle it, it is worth the effort, all on tarmac. Left from the house and cross the road at the roundabout onto cycle route 78. Stay on the pavement and go through Sutherland’s Grove (take care for walkers/horses and other cycles). Keep on route 78 and at B845 – Glensallach – instead of turning down right, go up left – and here comes the climb (around 500 feet). This gives a view over Loch Etive, (optional via Bonawe where the road ends, at bottom right of map) and passes Ardchattan Priory, North Ledaig, Benderloch and Barcaldine and back through Sutherland’s Grove and home. Approx: 21.5 miles. With extra Bonawe loop 26.2 miles).
Forestry track above Sutherland's Grove - MTB recommended
Left from the house and cross the road at the roundabout onto cycle route 78. Stay on the pavement and at the start of Sutherland’s Grove keep left and go through the gate and then follow the track up and round the hill (there are off-shoots available) and back down into the Sutherland’s Grove carpark and then back as at the start of the route home to Dallachulish. Approx: 9 miles but a steep climb in forest.
Towards Bonawe & forestry track MTB
This is a tough cycle with a steep climb – but also a fast decline, so care is needed. If you and your bike can handle it – it is worth the effort. Left from the house and cross the road at the roundabout onto cycle route 78. Stay on the pavement and go through Sutherland’s Grove (take care for walkers/horses and other cycles). Keep on route 78 and at B845 – Glensallach – instead of turning down right, go up left and here comes the climb (around 500 feet).
On this route stopping at the top, at the cattle grid beside the stream, go through the forestry gate and climb up (steep at start). The route flattens out at the top but then it is quite a fast downhill ride on stones in parts so take care if not experienced on this type of surface. Nice viewpoint over the main part of Loch Creran back into Sutherland’s Grove and then home. Approx: 10.2 miles.
Single loch side to Fasnacloich
This is an easy cycle and instead of doing the loch loop, at the head of the loch take the road to Fasnacloich and cycle along to the carpark at elleric. This is the start of nice walks and to the left is a forestry track (MTB only). They have recently regraded the surface here and the stones are quite large until packed in so may not be suitable for inexperienced mountain bikers. Return the same way or opt to come back the other side of the loch. 12 miles.
Useful Links
Ross MacPherson
Dallachulish Farm
Barcaldine
PA37 1SQ
Phone number: 07881 934224
Email: info@dallachulish.co.uk