Take an e-bike ride from Glencoe to Appin
Looking for a perfect day out on two wheels straight from Woodlands Activity Centre? This scenic bike ride from Glencoe to Appin is one of our absolute favourites as it’s more than just a bike ride, it’s a full West Highland day out, packed with wildlife, iconic views and even a delicious lunch! What’s more, it’s doable for most fitness levels so whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just fancy an easy-going adventure, this route ticks all the boxes. And yes, it’s 100% doable on eco mode!
If you fancy exploring in the opposite direction and heading south on an e-bike, why not take a look at this incredible ride too?
Route overview
Start: Woodlands Activity Centre
End: Pierhouse Hotel, Port Appin
Distance: 13.7 miles each way
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours each way (with plenty of stops!)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Optional extension: Take the ferry to Lismore for a bonus island ride!
Battery: Easily doable entirely on eco mode. We used eco all the way there (only 1 bar lost) and turbo all the way back, still finishing with over half the battery remaining!
Let’s GO!
From the get-go, the Caledonia Way makes navigation a breeze. This incredibly scenic long-distance cycle path stretches over 230 miles and winds its way through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. The section we’re focussing on runs straight through the Woodlands Estate and is particularly beautiful and well-maintained, leading cyclists along a well signposted stretch that leads from Woodlands Activity Centre down to Port Appin. The best part is that you’ll only need to cross the main road a couple of times, and each time is short and straightforward.
1 – 5 miles (30 minutes) – Wildlife watching opportunities galore
If the tide is out, keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on one of the small islands near the Woodlands Estate, and after about half an hour into your ride, you’ll stumble upon some super cute Shetland Ponies. Great for a quick photo stop or just a smile-inducing moment.
6.8 miles (40 minutes) – Highland Titles Nature Reserve
Soon after, you’ll reach the Highland Titles Nature Reserve. If you’re up for a short detour, it’s definitely worth it. When you spot a Hedgehog Hospital, you can take the track up to the right where you’ll find a herd of Highland Cows, honeybees, pigs, deer and even a bird hide to spot local wildlife.
12.4 miles (1 hour) – Castle Stalker
After an hour or so, you’ll roll up to the iconic Castle Stalker. Perched dramatically on a tidal islet, Castle Stalker is a major highlight of this route. This striking castle was built around 1320 by the MacDougalls and has a colourful past filled with clan rivalries and royal visits. Today, it’s privately owned and lovingly restored, and while you can only visit inside by prior arrangement, the view from the cycle route is nothing short of iconic. This is your moment to snap a few photos or just soak in the views before pedalling the final stretch.
The final stretch to Port Appin
To reach Port Appin, you’ll need to turn off the Caledonia Way and take the Jubilee Bridge. It’s a little narrow to cycle over, so we’d recommend walking it, but it gets you directly into the village. Alternatively, you can stay on the Caledonia Way until you reach the main road, turn right, then right again down into Port Appin. This route is slightly longer, but less fiddly.
The reward
You’ve made it! It’s time to lock up the bikes and enjoy some of the incredible food at the Pierhouse Hotel. We highly recommend ordering some of the perfectly cooked seafood, which is landed right in front of you on the pier! The setting is picture-perfect and if you’re feeling brave, there’s even a spot to take a dip so do bring your swimmers if it’s a sunny day.
If you want to turn your ride into a true island-hopping adventure, you can catch the passenger ferry to Lismore right from Port Appin and spend a few more hours cycling around this peaceful island. Just be sure to check the ferry times before you go!
Happy cycling! Don’t forget your camera.
Important: Please remember to lock your bike securely with the lock provided if you’re stopping anywhere along the route. Always choose a safe and suitable spot to leave it.
With thanks: A huge thank you to Lauren Painter for capturing all the beautiful photos of the route. You can also watch a reel of the route here.
