Road · United Kingdom
Around Isle of Arran
- 90 km
- 827 m
- Hard
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 827 m
- 90 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders comfortable with 90 km distance and moderate climbing of 884 m.
90 km loop around the Isle of Arran, Scotland, with 884 m climbing, starting at Cladach.
This 90.1 km loop on the Isle of Arran starts and finishes near Cladach. It passes through numerous settlements including Brodick, Lamlash, Whiting Bay, Kilmory, Blackwaterfoot and Lochranza, cycling mostly on minor roads (54%) and main roads (38%). There is a 34.7 km section on the A841 road, with 38.3 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or more, all without cycle lanes. Cycle lanes and paths cover 1.8 km total. The route features six climbs, the longest is 4.6 km with an average gradient of 4.2% and a maximum of 7.4%, reaching 200 m at about 80 km. The steepest 500 m section has a 7.2% gradient. Elevation varies from 2 m to 200 m. The ascent is mostly in the first half, which accounts for 58% of climbing. Surface is 98% paved with 2% gravel or unpaved. Food and drink options are available mainly near the start, Brodick, and at various points such as Machrie (53.3 km) and Pirnmill (64.7 km). The longest stretch without café, shop or water is 11.4 km between 53.3 km and 64.7 km. Toilets are present at 13 locations including Brodick and Blackwaterfoot. Bike hire and repair stands can be found at three points. Mountain peaks near the road include Cnocan Donn at 42.3 km and Tòrr na Làir Brice at 82.5 km.
Highlights
- Climbs up to 200 m elevation
- Longest climb 4.6 km at 4.2% average gradient
- Peak Cnocan Donn near 42 km
- Route passes near Lochranza Castle
Along the route
Places passed
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 54% minor road · 38% main road · 3% quiet street · 1% road with cycle lane
- Main roads
- 33.5 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 38.3 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 1.8 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- A841 (35 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 23% climbing · 22% descending · 55% flat
- Steep sections
- 3.2 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 7.2% at 80.5 km
- Longest descent
- 3.1 km from 82.2 km, dropping 157 m
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 8 kmCafé Rosaburn · café · on the route
- 8 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 9.5 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 70 m off route
- 9.5 kmTop Up Tap · drinking water · 30 m off route
- 15.2 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 15.6 kmThe Co-operative Food · convenience store · 40 m off route
- 21 kmThe Bay · convenience store · on the route
- 21.9 kmCoast · café · on the route
- 21.9 kmDrinking water · 40 m off route
- 21.9 kmRepair stand · on the route
- 35.6 kmA Wee Bite Cafe Kilmory Haven · café · 60 m off route
- 46.8 kmBlackwater Bakehouse · bakery · 30 m off route
- 53.3 kmMachrie Tearoom · café · 40 m off route
- 64.7 kmThe Lighthouse · restaurant · on the route
- 64.7 kmWater tap · 30 m off route
- 74.4 kmThe Sandwich Station · café · 60 m off route
- 74.4 kmWater tap · 60 m off route
- 85.4 kmThe Tearoom · café · 50 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 9.8 km — Brodick Ferry Terminal (ferry), 90 m off route
- 74.4 km — Lochranza Ferry Terminal (ferry), on the route
Worth a stop
- 8 km — Cheese Press (attraction)
- 15.4 km — Duchess Ann's Harbour (ruins)
- 36.6 km — Lagg Distillery (attraction)
- 75.1 km — Lochranza Castle (castle)
- 84.9 km — An Cnap (peak, 53 m)
At the start and finish
- Mara Fish Bar & Deli · fast food · 90 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 4–5½ hours riding
- August and September with temperatures from 15°C to 20°C.
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 16–17 °C in those months
Know before you go
- Longest stretch without café, shop or water: 11.4 km (53.3-64.7 km)
- 33.5 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 38.3 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limit
- 2% gravel or unpaved surface