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 visitors will appreciate an electric bike to manage the many short but steep climbs and rough tracks which takes the pain out of exploring the islands rich historical and archaeological sites, tranquillity and 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 provides superb lunches, 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 76 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 Crearan and emerges at the Airds Hotel in Port Appin village. 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, one of the nicest sandy beaches(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 76. 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. On the Cycle Track its an easy ride from here at Rosebank, and a nice afternoons run and destination for a drink or some food.

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 Glencoe for a longer day out. The very lovely, friendly and quaint 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.

 

South to Oban then North by ferry 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 seperate 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 thundering 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 which takes you down into the centre of Oban after a fine and varied 23 mile ride. 

Have some lunch from 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, the vessel docks 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 ferry leaves to Port Appin at quarter past every hour. A particularly long and worthwhile tour taking some superb parts of the mainland with a quick run back over 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 unbelieveably beautiful woodlands on the mountain sides, where you can only 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, see more and hurt less than any other way of doing it., and at half the price of a Segway. Note that many of these mountain tracks are appropriate only for stronger, more experienced riders.