Brodick to Corrie via the String Road

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 59.5 km and 596 m of climbing concentrated in two distinct sections.

A 59.5 km point-to-point crossing of Arran from Brodick over the String Road to the west coast, then north to Lochranza and back over to Corrie.

The ride starts in Brodick, at the low point of the route, and turns inland almost at once. The String Road climb begins at 1.7 km and runs 3.6 km at 6.4%, with a maximum of 11.4%, topping out at 243 m — the highest point of the day at 5.3 km. Just beyond, the road passes beneath Cnoc Dubh (425 m) and An Tunna (361 m) before dropping the length of Glen to Ballymichael at 13.2 km, then Pien, Shedog and Shiskine. From Blackwaterfoot at 18 km the route turns north and follows the west coast through Torbeg, Machrie, Dougarie, Imachar and Whitefarland, reaching Pirnmill at 35.9 km. It stays close to sea level as far as Catacol, passing beneath Choc Leacainn Duibhe (230 m), then Lochranza at 45.9 km. The last third holds the second half of the climbing. From 46.8 km a 1.8 km rise at 3.8% leads to 102 m, and from 48.7 km a further 2.5 km at 5% reaches 228 m, passing beneath Torr Nead an Eoin (325 m) and Clachan (311 m). The descent runs down past Cnocan Donna and An Cnap to Sannox at 57.1 km and finishes in Corrie.

Highlights

• The String Road: 3.6 km at 6.4%, topping out at 243 m
• West coast run from Blackwaterfoot to Pirnmill and Catacol
• Second climb over to Sannox, 2.5 km at 5% to 228 m
• Peaks Cnoc Dubh (425 m) and An Tunna (361 m) above the road

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

2½–4 hours riding

Know before you go

• The String Road hits 11.4% in its steepest section
• No café or water listed between Machrie (24.5 km) and Pirnmill (35.7 km)

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.