Loch Tarsan Dam – View of the Kyles of Bute loop from Gourock

Bike touring routes & trails

Loch Tarsan Dam – View of the Kyles of Bute loop from Gourock

Hard

4.7

(3)

riders

Loch Tarsan Dam – View of the Kyles of Bute loop from Gourock

06:10

96.4km

1,310m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The route includes a crossing by ferry. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

This route includes a ferry crossing

Tips

Includes ferry crossings

Check ferry timetable.

After 3.19 km for 4.26 km

After 89.1 km for 4.26 km

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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21.7 km

Loch Tarsan Dam

Highlight • Structure

39.0 km

View of the Kyles of Bute from Tighnabruaich

Highlight • Climb

Take your time with this climb, which ever way you choose to approach it - its quite a climb if you're fully loaded. A little easier from Tighnabruaich, the views out and across the Kyles of Bute are fabulous.

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45.1 km

View of Loch Fyne

Highlight • Viewpoint

Not far to finish.

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45.3 km

View of Tighnabruaich

Highlight • Lake

This was a great circular route with the first half on the roag. Beautiful views around Ardlamont heading towards Portavadie Marina. Great facilities there to break up the route with coffee and cake. From there it is over the hill on Forestry roads towards the powder dams. Some short steep sections but nothing to taxing. Views are great. After a few miles you rejoin tarmac just for a few hundred yards as you head off road at the powder dams and head back to Tighnabruich via Forestry road. You go onto a good cycle track just before Tighnabruich reservoir, then its a short 2 miles down to Kames. Very nice mixed cycle.

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48.8 km

View of the Kyles of Bute

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Kyles of Bute is a narrow sea channel that separates Bute from Argyll. It is often referred to as the ‘Secret Coast’ as it is not en route to many places. You find much wildlife along the stretch of water, including feral goats and many species of bird.

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50.5 km

Kames Village

Highlight • Beach

Kames is a charming coastal village located on the Cowal peninsula in Scotland, on the Kyles of Bute. It's a picturesque area featuring a harbour, quaint cottages, and stunning views over the water.

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