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Gravel Bike recommended route Gravel Bike  · Argyll & the Isles

Dunoon to Helensburgh

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  • Argyll Flyer in the current CalMac livery, approaching Dunoon Pier.
    Argyll Flyer in the current CalMac livery, approaching Dunoon Pier.
    Photo: dave souza, CC BY-SA, creativecommons.org

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    Challenging gravel ride requiring excellent fitness. Primarily on paved roads. Accessible to riders of all experience levels.

    difficult
    Distance 91.3 km
    8:05 h
    794 m
    802 m
    324 m
    -3 m

    Dunoon is the principal town on Scotland’s Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, situated on the western shore of the upper Firth of Clyde. Historically a popular Victorian-era seaside resort, it gained strategic significance during the Cold War as a U.S. Navy submarine base at nearby Holy Loch. Today, Dunoon is revitalizing its appeal through tourism, with plans to transform it into a world-class adventure resort featuring a mountain gondola, mountaintop restaurants, and outdoor activities like mountain biking and zip-lining . The town also hosts the Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the world’s largest Highland Games, and is home to attractions such as Dunoon Castle ruins, the Victorian-era Dunoon Pier, and the Burgh Hall arts venue . (Dunoon, Sleepy Scots town to be transformed into 'world class' adventure resort with new hotel & mountaintop restaurants)

    Helensburgh, located on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde at the mouth of the Gareloch, is a refined coastal town known for its elegant, tree-lined avenues and rich architectural heritage. Established in the early 19th century, it became a fashionable seaside resort, earning the nickname "Garden City of the Clyde" due to its cherry blossom-lined streets . The town is home to Hill House, a masterpiece by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and offers a variety of independent shops, eateries, and cultural attractions. With excellent transport links, including a 40-minute train ride from Glasgow, Helensburgh serves as a gateway to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park . (Helensburgh - Wikipedia, About Helensburgh | mysite, Helensburgh: The Garden City of the Clyde, Helensburgh & Lomond District)

    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    324 m
    Lowest point
    -3 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
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    Aug
    Sep
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    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 10.22%Dirt road 16.20%Forested/wild trail 6.28%Path 2.37%Road 59.13%Unknown 5.76%
    Asphalt
    9.3 km
    Dirt road
    14.8 km
    Forested/wild trail
    5.7 km
    Path
    2.2 km
    Road
    54 km
    Unknown
    5.3 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Gravel cycling is a wonderful way to explore, but it’s not without risk. Keep safe by following these safety tips.

    • Keep your bike roadworthy – maintain it well and check it is in good working order before you set out. Carry essential tools and spares.
    • Always carry drinking water with you.
    • Ride sensibly. Limit your speed and keep your distance.
    • Start with a short trip, preferably on an official trail, so there are no surprises. Ride within your skill level and take your time. Consider your fitness levels, the terrain, the weather forecast, etc.
    • Know your navigation. Plan your route, have a mobile phone, and a charged power bank.
    • Be seen – you might not be on the roads for much of the time, but you still need to be seen to be safe. Check your lights are working, batteries are charged, and wear high-vis clothing.
    • When cycling, wear a helmet.
    • For longer journeys, pack a basic first aid and survival kit. Think self-heating hand warmers, foil blankets, high-calorie foodstuffs, tick remover, etc.
    • Pack for all weathers. This is Scotland. Pack waterproofs and sun cream.
    • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
    • Know how to summon help if you need it.
    • Carry cash. In remote areas, you may need it for that well-earned coffee or wee dram.
    • Check for felling. Argyll’s forests are working forests. If you are riding forestry tracks, always check for felling operations and other forestry maintenance works. In the summer months, be alert for fire warnings from Fire Scotland and on local news channels.
    Rest stop
    Tip
    Nearby
    Top Partner
    Waypoint
    Start point
    End point
    Low point
    High point
    Forecast
    Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
    show {x} more
    Photo
    Video
    Carrick Castle
    Helensburgh Parish Church
    Kilmun (St Munn's) Parish Church & Argyll Mausoleum
    Scottish Submarine Centre

    Coordinates

    OS Grid
    NS 17555 76386
    DD
    55.945777, -4.923178
    DMS
    55°56'44.8"N 4°55'23.4"W
    UTM
    30U 379896 6201715
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    For a short trip on a planned route, you will need a gravel bike, a helmet, high-visibility clothing, a map and compass/GPS, and plenty of water. For a longer trip, it would be useful to have a basic bicycle repair and first aid kit, sun cream, and a waterproof jacket (for the unpredictable Scottish weather!), insect repellent, and plenty to eat and drink. Always carry cash as cards may not be accepted in remote places.


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    Difficulty
    difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    91.3 km
    Duration
    8:05 h
    Ascent
    794 m
    Descent
    802 m
    Highest point
    324 m
    Linear route Scenic Refreshment stops available

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

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