5 Hours 6 Minutes

Approximate Distance:

206 miles (331 km)

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The Dickie Bow

Central Scotland

[ PLANNING: For places to Stay | Eat | Shop | Visit | Refuel on and around this route view the Central Scotland Page on a new tab here – Link ]

Route at a Glance

This route should be on everyone’s bucket list. This is one of the greats and will become one of the memorable(s). The word awesome is almost inadequate, it’s got everything!

Not long after leaving Glasgow and you are quickly in the Trossachs. Even though you have started out, pop into Luss for a cuppa. This is a gorgeous little village right on the banks of Loch Lomond. From here it just gets better and better (and I have got to say it again – and better). Through Lochgilphead and up the A816 takes you along some of Scotland’s Glorious West coast. It is something to savour and not be rushed. If history is your cup of tea then Kilmartin Glen is just the place for you. With over eight hundred ancient monuments including burial cairns, rock carvings, standing stones, as well as the remains of the fortress all within 6 miles of Kilmartin, archaeological history abounds. The Kilmartin Museum and Café (www.kilmartin.org) provide the perfect opportunity to refresh and discover more of this area steeped in mystery. At the point you reach Oban you can decide if you want this to be a two day leisure/ pleasure trip or a one day pleasure, but harder ride route. Oban does make a great stopover with lots of choice of accommodation and places to eat and find other motorcyclists company.

The journey back to the start point does not get any less pleasure intense. Compulsory coffee at the Green Welly and then on towards Killin (you can merely zip up the road to Killin) and then down the A84 and A821 along the lesser known but beautiful Lochs Lubnaig, Venachar and Achray.
Do have a cup of coffee in Aberfoyle after riding over Dukes Pass. If you have company this is a great place to stop talk about the trip.

Route Notes & Highlights

(Icons on the map)

Luss – A picturesque conservation village set along the banks of Loch Lomand. It is known for being the location for the TV Drama series called “Take the High Road”.
Loch Lomand – We all know the popular song “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomand”, this is it! It is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area, has many islands within it and is simply beautiful.
Rest and be thankful – “Rest and be thankful” are the words inscribed on a stone near the junction and layby of the A83 and the B828, placed there by soldiers who built the original military road in 1753. Aptly named by travellers due to the steep climb to get to it.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar – The home of the popular seafood restaurant chain “Loch Fyne Restaurants” with upwards of 35 establishments in the UK.
Inveraray Jail – An award winning attraction of a restored prison from the 19th century.
Kilmartin Glen – Kilmartin Glen is a wide valley renowned for it’s archeological heritage. Within six miles of Kilmartin there are over eight hundred ancient monuments including burial cairns, rock carvings, and standing stones, as well as the remains of the fortress of the Scots at Dunadd and more recent castles. Pop into the Kilmartin Museum & Café (www.kilmartin.org) for the perfect pit-stop and learn more about the surrounding area.
Oban – It’s name means ‘the Little Bay’ in Scottish Gaelic. It is regarded as the seafood capital of Scotland and is also seen as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ with its busy ferry port. Warning – it’s easy to get lost in it’s network of one- ways and it becomes quite a busy hotspot in summer with tourists.
Falls of Lora – Spanned by the Connel Bridge the falls provide excitement for kayakers and divers as well as a stunning sight for tourists and photographers. The falls are tidal though check their website if you’re planning to seem them in all their glory.
The Green Welly Stop – This spot in Tyndrum has quite simply become one of those places everyone going north takes a pit stop at. Fuel, grub and a few trinkety things on offer.
Dukes Pass – Magic in the Trossachs, regarded as one of Britain’s most scenic roads, you’ll simply love it!