Craignure to Mallaig
Another tough day cycling but once again the scenery is spectacular. The day starts with a quick cycle from Craignure to Lochaline in order to get the ferry across the Sound of Mull. Then it is up a large hill heading back into the mainland. The road descends to Strontian then follows the banks of Loch Sunart. Most of the way is along a good single track road passing through a number of attractive woodlands and also passing by Loch Sheil, Loch Moidart, Loch Ailort, Loch Nan Uamh, Loch Non Ceall and Loch Morar before reaching Mallaig. (Description based on route notes from Peak Tours).
Route from Craignure to Mallaig (75 miles):
We had breakfast with views back to Craignure in the early morning haze – it was going to be a glorious day! A brief early cycle to Lachaline and we waited in the early morning sunshine for the ferry. Once we were across at Lochaline we let the rush of vehicles leave first i.e. the two Peak Tours vans and the four cars! The roads were single lane with passing places so that added to the challenge on the legs as we had to stop & start, to let vehicles by, as well as climb the hills. I can’t do justice to the scenery and even the photos and videos below don’t capture the numerous fantastic views we had along the day’s route. Apologies that there are so many video clips but I got carried away and hopefully each ones captures a bit of what we saw. Lunch at Ardshealach Lodge, Acaricle, was filling & tasty – macaroni cheese or shepherd’s pie then a large scone, cream & jam (all homemade). We did have a bit off a head wind throughout the day and the last five miles were a struggle but other than that this was a perfect day’s cycling. In Mallaig we saw ‘The Jacobite’ steam locomotive and a few of us went out to a great seafood restaurant and, like the B&B, it had views over the harbour.
Some videos
Cycling from Craignure to Fishnish
Andrew David Mike cycling
Arriving at Fishnish ferry terminal
Peak Tours group on Fishnish Lochaline ferry
Glen on Fishnish Lochaline ferry
Mass exodus from ferry
Descent towards Loch Sunart
End of descent towards Loch Sunart
Fraser cycling along beside Loch Sunart
Fraser cycling along the northside Loch Sunart
Cycling round the end of Loch Shiel after lunch
Rising away from Loch Shiel with views of mountains
On the tour we have cycled up through wooded areas too!
Glorious views along Loch Moidart
Cycling down towards Glenuig
Loch Ailort with Eigg & Rum in distance (looking back)
Another fantastic view of Loch Ailort
And a third! Andrew & Anjanette ahead
Cycling along end of Loch Nan Uamh
Cycling towards beaches near Potnaluchaig
Cycling round beach at Traigh just before Mallaig
Next: Day 11 – Mallaig to Kinlochewe
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Page last edited on the 4th June 2016.