Joshua Meissner
Bikepacking Scotland – An 8bar Adventure
The Argyll area and the islands west of Glasgow are thinly populated and are known as “Scotland’s Adventure Coast”. It was planned to explore parts of the 655 km long Wild About Argyll Trail on a four-day Bikepacking Scotland trip. This diverse bikepacking route across the wild, western peninsulas of Scotland leads along crystal clear lakes and wild coastlines, over high, green peaks and adventurous trails. After the successful participation at the Grinduro Scotland on the Isle of Arran, the two 8bar team members Manuel Porzner and Stefan Schott accompanied by photographer Joshua Meissner set off for the Scottish West coast in mid July 2019. The three riders covered a total of almost 300 km during their four-day Bikepacking Scotland tour.
The team not only experienced a lot, but also survived the nasty, famous midges. For the small beasts, who love humidity and warmth, it was high season at that time. When the three of them spent their time at the windy sea, the little mosquitoes didn’t attract much attention. Because the 2 mm small midges don’t like wind any more than brightness. But latest when they went with the gravelbikes into the mountains, there was no escape anymore. So they had to stay in motion, because the midges can’t keep up anymore at 10 km/h wind speed.
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8bar-bikes.com/blog/bikepacking-scotland-an-8bar-adventureThe Scottish landscape is legendary. Known for its breathtaking nature, the lush green mountains and the vast, secluded landscapes, but also for the difficult weather conditions. Nevertheless, Scotland captivates many travelers, on foot and by bike - and rightly so! Perfect conditions for a new 8bar adventure .: Bikepacking Scotland! It started on the first day in Lamlash from the base camp of Grinduro. Always along the east coast to the northernmost point of the Isle of Arran. And if you're ever in Scotland, the lunch break may also like to take place in a whiskey distillery ... Shortly thereafter, the 8bar team took the first ferry over to Claonaig on the rugged, Scottish peninsula of Kintyre. From now on, they were in the Council Area Argyll and Bute, which borders in the north directly to the Scottish Highlands. Easterners along the West Loch Tarbert drove the three to Tarbert to take the next ferry to the mainland. The day's destination for the first leg was a deserted, beautiful sandy beach south of Portavadie - the Ostel Bay.
On the second day it became clear how lonely the area of the Cowal Peninsula really is, on which the 8bar team was on the way. On this longest leg of their Bikepacking Scotland trip, the three barely passed settlements. They finally decided during a longer lunch break on a mountain to unpack the stove and prepare their own food. No problem, if you have the right equipment with you!
From Ostel Bay the route led west along the Kyle of Bute to the north. There were some altitude on the program: 1800 hm to almost 105 km.
About Dreamy Trails on the Wild About Argyll Route: The day was marked by epic trails and breathtaking views. The varied route ran zigzagging along Loch Long and Loch Goil, through Lochgoilhead to the Ardgartan Peninsula and to the night camp at Loch Lomond.
Departure to Glasgow:
So far, the weather had held and was ideal for cycling. But on the last day of their journey, the 8bar team finally got to know the negative aspects of the Scottish weather. It has been raining the whole day. So it was at least a bit easier for them to arrive in Glasgow, pack the wheels and start their journey home.
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Collection Stats
- Tours4
- Distance202 mi
- Duration30:23 h
- Elevation11,850 ft
