Cycling in Isle of Arran

Cycling guide to Isle of Arran

Brodick and neighbouring Cladach and North Corriegills sit at the start of both routes on the Isle of Arran, and the riding splits into two clear options. The 89.9 km Round Arran loop follows the coast the whole way, heading south through Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Kildonan, Lagg and Sliddery to Blackwaterfoot, then north past Machrie, Dougarie, Pirnmill and Catacol to Lochranza before returning via Sannox and Corrie. Total climbing is 850 m, spread in short coastal rises rather than one long ascent. The 59.5 km point-to-point option cuts inland over the String Road, climbing from Ballymichael and Shedog to Shiskine and Blackwaterfoot, then joining the same west and north coast through Whitefarland, Pirnmill, Lochranza and Sannox to finish at Corrie. It gains 596 m in the shorter distance, with most of that taken in the first few kilometres out of Brodick.

Best time to ride

Both routes were recorded in August, with temperatures of 18-21°C.

Terrain

Coastal sections are rolling, with the Round Arran loop's largest climb 4 km at 4.5% (maximum 8%) topping out at 129 m and a high point of 133 m. The String Road crossing is steeper: 3.6 km at 6.4% from 1.7 km, with a maximum of 11.4% and a summit of 243 m, the highest point recorded on either route.