Road · From the map · United Kingdom
Oban to Lochgilphead
- 78 km
- 718 m
- Hard
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 718 m
- 78 km
Route overview
Suitable for intermediate riders able to cover moderate distance with some sustained climbs.
Stage 1 of 2 of the Caledonia Way: 77.5 km from Oban to Lochgilphead with 718 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting from Oban, the route heads south passing through Taynuilt at 14.6 km, then Achmacraobh and Kilchrenan around km 24. The first notable climb begins just after km 18, lasting 3.1 km with an 81 m gain at an average gradient of 2.7%. Following that, the route continues, reaching Inverinan at 32 km and then Dalavich at 38.1 km, where the longest stretch without a café, shop or water (23.5 km) begins from km 14.6 to 38.1. The road surface is mostly paved (94%) with minor patches of gravel (6%).
Highlights
- Climb starting at 31.9 km, 3.1 km long, 105 m gain
- Passing beneath Tom an t-Saighdeir at 35.5 km
- Climb starting at 39.2 km, 3.7 km long, 140 m gain
- Final stretch to Lochgilphead with cafés and shop near km 75.5
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 18.7 km | 3.1 km | 81 m | 2.7 % | 4.8 % | 152 m |
| — | 31.9 km | 3.1 km | 105 m | 3.4 % | 6.5 % | 153 m |
| — | 39.2 km | 3.7 km | 140 m | 3.8 % | 8.5 % | 191 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 58% minor road · 27% main road · 8% cycle path · 4% track
- Main roads
- 21.4 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 39.2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 5.8 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- C30 (16 km), C32 (15 km), C29 (10 km), B845 (10 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 24% climbing · 23% descending · 53% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.2 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 7.5% at 41.9 km
- Longest descent
- 3 km from 11.9 km, dropping 88 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 24 km, from 15 km to 38 km.
Food, water and shops
- 14.6 kmThe Robin's Nest · restaurant · 150 m off route
- 14.6 kmGrahams the Grocer · convenience store · 130 m off route
- 14.6 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 38.1 kmWild Rowan Cafe · café · 90 m off route
- 38.1 kmVillage Shop & Post Office · convenience store · 100 m off route
- 60.8 kmThe Glen Bistro · café · 290 m off route
- 70.8 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 70.9 kmPolly’s Coffee Stop · café · 40 m off route
- 75.5 kmSalty Dog Cafe · café · 90 m off route
- 75.7 kmSpar · convenience store · 120 m off route
- 75.7 kmRiverside Filling Station · petrol station · 130 m off route
- 76.1 kmArgyll Pharmacies Ltd · pharmacy · 540 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 14.6 km — Taynuilt (station), 230 m off route
Worth a stop
- 2.6 km — Clach na Carraig (Diarmaid's Pillar) (archaeological site)
- 8.7 km — Duntanachan, dun site (archaeological site)
- 24.6 km — Robert MacIntyre Monument (monument)
- 31.7 km — Carn Dubh, Crannog (archaeological site)
- 52.8 km — Ford Cist (archaeological site)
- 58.2 km — Carnasserie Cottage, dun (archaeological site)
At the finish
- Riverside Café · café · 510 m
- Salty Dog Cafe · café · 580 m
- Spar · convenience store · 500 m
- Argyll Pharmacies Ltd · pharmacy · 540 m
- Truhealth Pharmacy · pharmacy · 550 m
Stay after this ride
- Lochgilphead Caravan Park · campsite · 230 m from the finish
- The Corran · guest house · 240 m from the finish
- Stag Hotel · hotel · 500 m from the finish
- Kilmory · guest house · 870 m from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 5 h 32 min
- Jul to Aug — daily highs of 16 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 23.5 km longest stretch without café, shop or water after Taynuilt
- 21.4 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 39.2 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limits
- 0.1 km with gradient over 10%