You’re out in the wilds of Scotland here and in some stunning countryside with jaw dropping views. It’s pretty remote so there won’t be crowds of other riders to ruin your wilderness experience.

Dunadd Fort was involved with th ecrowning of Scottish kings. Image by Allan Henderson via Flickr.

You’d probably struggle to get more than a day’s worth of riding from the way-marked trail but there’s plenty of other great riding nearby and, as a scenic stop-off on the way to or from another riding venue, it’s well worth popping in. Intermediate and advanced riders will probably get the most out of the trail.

How to get there

You’ve got a choice of three car parks to access the trail from.

The most popular is Achnabreac. Take the A82 north from Glasgow, turning onto the A83 at Tarbet, following signs for Campbeltown.

Just under 50 miles later, go through Lochgilphead and turn north onto the A816.

Bear right when the road forks and then immediately turn right onto a forest road. The car park is on your right just after the buildings.

Details of the other two car parks can be found on the Forestry Commission link below.

Sat Nav: PA31 8SJ

Facilities

Just parking but there are toilets and local services and shops in Lochgilphead.

Trails

There’s just the one main loop but with various extensions and options mean it offers rides of blue, red and black grades. The total distance is in the 19 km ball park with about 7.5km of singletrack.

Standing stones at Lochgilphead. Image by Allan Henderson via Flickr.

Almost all aspects of your riding will be tested and an amazing amount is packed into a relatively short distance. The loop is well signed and there’s no excuse for biting off more than you can chew.

Highlights include the lofty and technical black Twisted Fire Starter loop, the red singletrack after the steep, but rollable Quarry Drop and the challenge to legs and lungs of Murder Hill.

Cool down at the end with the water splash but, if theres been a lot of rain, this can be a wade rather than a ride. Unfortunately the north shore section is currently closed due to storm damage.

Nearest bike shop

Crinan Cycles, Loghgilphead

Other info

Argyle is seafood central and, if you’re a fan, time your visit to coincide with the Loch Fyne Food Fair held in the second weekend in May.

The West Coast of Scotland gets chilly in the winter – but spectacularly beautiful. Image by MikeCooperMCC via Flickr

Useful links

Forestry Commission Guide to the Fire Tower Trail
Guide to Lochgilphead

Location map

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The complete Bikemagic Trail Guide index