Cycling on Mull

Cycling on Mull

The Isle of Mull is a large island and is an excellent place to cycle for all ages. The roads are nearly all single-track with amazing scenery almost all of the time.
There is a 10 mile stretch of double track road from Craignure to Salen and another 4 mile section leading into Tobermory.

The main roads to Tobermory and Fionnphort are busy when ferry traffic arrives and the south of the island (The Ross of Mull) has many buses and coaches at times, on route to Fionnphort for Iona, so keep your eyes and ears open!

Tobarmory from Aros park cycle route

Tobermory Area Cycling

When the two main roads to Tobermory and the Iona ferry are avoided, the roads are relatively quiet.  The only problem is that they are quite hilly, with some quit steep climbs between Ulva Ferry, Calgary and Dervaig.

The best area for off road cycling is in the Tobermory surrounds.  There are cycle trails through Ardmore and Glengorm Castle, linking through to Dervaig. A very nice coffee shop at Glengorm and a good meeting up point with other cyclists.

From Ardmore it is also possible to cycle down Loch Frisa almost to Salen without the need for going on the roads.  A new forest road has been driven through from the Dervaig to Calgary road almost to Salen.

With a bit of local knowledge and planning, circular cycling can be undertaken.  There are shorter cycles routes from Tobermory to Aros Park.

Forest cycle tracks

Forestry and Cycling

Throughout Mull, there has been a large amount of forestry activity, with the accompanying roads.

A lot of the roads are not circular, or, end up linking areas together, but they do now expose some spectacular views.

Please take care to take notice of forestry operation signs.  The machines often don’t the the rapid approach of cyclists.

Simon Bartle cycle leader

Simon Bartle

For those who would like a guided cycling tour, British Cycling Qualified Mountain Bike Leader, Simon Bartle can take individuals and groups on tailored half, full and multi day mountain bike and cyclocross tours of the Isle of Mull and the Morvern peninsula. For more info, call 01680 300242. Simon is also a professional bike mechanic and can offer advice if you are looking to purchase a new bike for riding on Mull.

Riders need to have their own bikes and be fairly competent mountain bike riders. It’s aimed at people who want to see as much of the island by bike in a day as they can but want someone to take them on the best routes that might not be obvious on a map.

Mull Cyclo Sportive cycling event

Mull Cycle Sportive

Mull also has 2 large cycling events.  In June, the Isle of Mull Cycle Sportive www.mullcyclosportive.co.uk is a  44 miles or 87 miles – go flat out or just take in the views with support at hand.  Click here to view the route maps

The start and finish for both courses is in Tobermory on a Sunday in June; the long course normally starts at 8am and the short course at 9.00am.

The ride is fully supported by marshals, with feed and drink stops. At the end you will be given a finisher’s meal at Hebridean Lodge, right beside the finish line.

The route will be well signposted and marshalled (though to be honest, the number of junctions you’ll come to is pretty low!), with well located and well stocked feed stations.

 

Cross at the castle Glengorm

Cross at the Castle

This event is part of the Scottish National Cyclocross series and points gained on the Saturday count in the rankings. On the Sunday however, the event turns to a social race, with most riders dressing up in Christmas gear.  If you don’t like mud, or falling off your bike, then this event is not quite for you.  If, on the other hand, you are fit and want to race in a first class, challenging cyclocross event, then this is certainly for you.

The race is organised by David Graham, a local member of our Isle of Mull Cycling Club and helped by local people to ‘marshal’.  The event takes place around Glengorm Castle and the refreshments are provided by the Castle cafe.  Recording of times is by ankle tag.

 

Cycling video