Island hopping in South West Scotland is amazing. Easily accessible, cheap, great trails, roads and views!

A much-toured route, the 5 Ferries can be tackled in a number of ways. For the die-hard roadie, you can complete the 5 ferries in a day (if you are super quick) road touring the islands and mainland or like we did hitting a bit of every terrain over 4 days of fun.

Crossing Number 1 – Ardrossan to Brodick

We arrived at Brodick on the island of Arran and set off on a loop of the island heading south towards Lamlash through ‘Roots Of Arran Community Woodland’ with great view of Holy Isle.

Leaving Lamlash we headed inland and up into the hills of Dyemill Forest, this is an amazing forest track with great riding taking you south of the island with some incredible views of Ailsa Craig and Pladda. We hit the south of the island and make our way around to the beautiful West coast of Arran, amazing views, wildlife and distilleries! Make sure you enjoy this stretch and the views on offer.

We made our way up to Catacol Bay and camped on the beach with the most spectacular morning views.

Crossing Number 2 – Lochranza to Claonaig

We had a short cycle up to Lochranza ferry on the second day to begin our next section of the trip. With all intentions to get to the Colintraive that evening, we quickly realised that we had bitten off more than we could chew! 

The first section of the route is a beautiful ride down the coast to Skipness taking in the sights of Skipness Castle. A left turn between the cottages reveals a wall of a climb in the distance, where if you have a bike as heavy as mine you will want to get off and push!

This is an amazing route taking in some great gravel roads and forest tracks heading North towards Tarbet, it’s not far in terms of distance but really tough in places, big climbs and bits of hiker biking but you are rewarded with some great descents into Tarbert.

Crossing Number 3 – Tarbert to Portavadie

The ferry that never happened for us! We managed to get a fisherman to take us over. Check the ferries are running as they are renowned to be cancelled or moved. 

Arriving in Portavadie there is a great marina and leisure centre where you can grab a quick bite, although it isn’t too far to get to Tighnabruaich and the amazing cafe Five West. Heading down the coast the road quickly turns to a gravel track down the side of  the Kyles of Bute, it’s a great route but it really goes to a dead end and a lot of hiker biking some quite steep paths and traversing waterfalls. If you want an easier route then stick to the A8003 going North of Tighnabruaich but make sure to stop at Loch Ruel Viewpoint for the most spectacular view on the trip.

Then descend on the best descent of the trip, a long smooth road running down the side of the Loch to Ormidale, where on the side of the road you will find the Viking grave of Meckan.

Double back towards Colintraive again some great roads and views before getting some incredible food at the Colintraive Hotel. Check their opening times.

Crossing Number 4 – Colintraive to Rhubodach

It’s the shortest crossing onto the isle of Bute, barely on the ferry for 3 mins.

For us this was the disappointing part, we had run out of time and so had to head straight to Rothsay to get the next ferry. All the signs were that Bute was going to be the most beautiful part of the trip. We had a great route planned and wanted to stay overnight but due to the delays in Tarbert our plans were scuppered.

I have included our planned route in the GPX files.

Crossing Number 5 – Rothesay to Wemyss Bay

the trip to Wemyss Bay gave us chance to have a bit of a rest before our journey back to Ardrossan.

The ride down the A78 seems to go on forever! Its busy and the only real rest bite is Largs, good for a quick stop and re-fuel the promenade is nice with loads of places to eat.

The next stretch to Ardrossan is mainly a cycleway running alongside the sea. It was a stretch and for us the bad weather was coming in so a race against time! 

In Summary

The 5 Ferries bike-packing route had it all, so many different terrains, incredible views, great food and friendly people.

We were really lucky with the weather as it was warm and sunny all weekend. It’s defiantly one that I will do again, but this time checking ferries and making sure I make a bit more time for Bute.

I would defiantly recommend to anyone as the routhe can be easily adapted for all levels and you can decide wether to wild camp or stay in some of the many hotels or caravan sites on route.