Cycling Oban, Lorn & the Isles
Scotland's Adventure CoastOban is very fortunate to have many great places to cycle, suitable for both mountain and road bikes. Mountain bikes are well served with forest tracks and paths, and there are single-track tarmac roads suitable for all bikes, so you can ride from Oban to Connel or Oban to Taynuilt, for example, along beautiful, quiet glens, with plenty of opportunities for whizzing down the hills.... once you have climbed up them!
The Caledonia Way, National Route 78 of the National Cycle Network, runs from Campbeltown to Inverness, along 235 miles of outstanding scenery. The 122-mile, mainly on-road leg between Oban and Campbeltown offers the chance to discover Lorn, Knapdale and the Kintyre peninsula, with incredible views of the islands of Jura and Arran, as well as charming harbours, castles, abbeys and ancient stones. Adventurous riders will love the extensive network of forest trails that branch off this route.
Bike Hire in Oban
Good to Know / Planning TipsHiring Bikes to explore Oban and the surrounding area is a great way to enjoy your holiday. Why hire bikes? It allows you to have a car-free day out with your family!
- Style: car-free travel, eco-friendly, chance to enjoy nature.
- What to pack: Good footwear, waterproofs, rucksack.
- Oban Cycles offers the hire of Touring bikes (suitable for road riding), Mountain Bikes, E-Bikes, and seasonal e-MTBs. Please note that bike hire is available for 8 years+
Ready-Made Argyll Komoot Routes
We have over 70 tours mapped out and ready for you to download via Komoot for your next cycling adventure.
Bike Routes in Oban
Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just looking for something to do with the kids, here are some of the best cycling routes around Oban:
- Isle of Kerrera: Take a trip across to the island of Kerrera for the day. This is a car-free island, so there is limited traffic and clear roads – making it more suitable for families cycling. This can be reached by foot and bike ferry from Oban. There is a simple route from the ferry slipway to the Kerrera Teagardens and the Castle.
- Ganavan Sands: Cycle down to Ganavan Sands beach or Wee Ganavan beach from the Centre of town to enjoy a car-free day at the beach. Drive to other areas around Oban, then explore by bike, such as on the Isle of Seil.
- Isle of Luing: Take a day trip to the Isle of Luing and leave your car at the ferry slipway.
The Caledonia Way
Running 120 miles from Campbeltown to Oban (National Cycle Route 78), the route can be ridden in one go or split up into smaller stretches. With beautiful coastal stretches and views across to the islands and sea lochs, you’ll see ancient castles, stone circles, and incredible wildlife.
Oban to Fort William
Most of this 48-mile route is on a wonderful, traffic-free path, with a few sections on minor roads. Much of the path between Oban and Ballachulish is built along the former railway line, which ran from Connel to the slate quarries near Ballachulish.
Be inspired by our blogs below
A Cycling Adventure to Oban with Robin McKelvie
Join travel writer Robin McKelvie on his cycling adventure to Oban. Starting with his train journey up to island hopping in and around Oban.
Head to Oban for the Ultimate Scotland Staycation
Looking for the ultimate Scotland staycation destination? Visit Oban. Travel writer Robin McKelvie takes you along his trip to Scotland's Seafood Capital.
Whether it’s seafood, whisky, chocolate or ice cream, our larder is overflowing with delectable edibles.
From modern luxury in the heart of Oban to family-friendly self-catering, we have just the place.
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