We rented a cottage in the town of Oban for a week. It's an excellent base to use for long day trips by bike. Our house (bothy) was very pleasant and in a great location....up a hill overlooking the CalMac ferry terminal in Oban Harbour. It was an easy walk to town, and more importantly, to the Wetherspoons for ales and beers and a couple of meals.
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View from the B & B in front of our bothy |
On some of our rides we used this two-bike wide tarred national bike trail. The trail is not yet complete but it was being worked on in several places we passed.
Sustrans Scotland
Sunday, 28 June - Isle of Seil - 39 miles
Our first full day began as drizzly, but became mostly sunny around noon. We've been to Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil many times, mainly for trips on Seafari boats. Lovely ride.
Cycling often feels like freedom to me. It's even better on our electric bikes as we can go very long distances on hilly routes with much less work than on a regular bike.
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Bridge over the Atlantic |
Monday, 29 June - Ardchattan Priory - Connel Bridge - 34 miles
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Cover on grave - looks like she died in childbirth |
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Connel Bridge which we cycled across |
Tuesday, 30 June - Isle of Lismore- 46 miles
Beautiful island. Very un-touristy. There is a cafe with delicious homemade food, and a heritage centre on the grounds. Most of the ride on the way to the Lismore ferry was on the national cycle trail.
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Castle Stalker near Port Appin and ferry to Lismore |
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A happy cyclist |
Wednesday, 1 July - Isle of Mull - Salen - 35 miles
Isle of Mull
Trips to Mull entails taking a 45 minute ferry trip from Oban to Craignure.
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Looks like a holiday cottage |
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Macquarie Mausoleum - Father of Australia |
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Bike hit 400 miles in about 3 weeks |
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A welcome bike ride break - scone and coffee or tea - Salen tea room |
Thursday, 2 July - Isle of Tiree - (oops, flat tire Weds. night) - walking instead
The ferry to Tiree takes 4 hours. We were surprised at how much traffic was on the island and were actually glad we were walking instead of riding our bikes. Stunning beaches and countryside.
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Lismore lighthouse taken from the Tiree to Oban ferry |
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One of many beautiful beaches on Tiree |
Friday, 3 July - rest day - bus to Tobermory on Isle of Mull
We took a hike to a lighthouse even though a sign said it was closed. Very muddy but otherwise walkable. Tobermory is very colourful!
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Taken with my phone camera! |
Twice we went past the village of Benderloch on the national bike trail so stopped at this cafe which has gorgeous homemade scones, other goodies, meals, and cappuccinos.