In a cottage for a week at the end of the month, staying a little bit north west of the Kyles of Bute. Will take a bike for early morning hour or two rides before wife gets up, thinking road as most mtb trails seem to be to the north.

Any thoughts? Also – any suggestions for good places to visit/walk etc?

Some great road cycling there. Roads are quiet, some challenging climbs, great scenery and also large sections of really good quality tarmac….there are a few gravel / haul roads but those might be a bit boring on a mountain bike, not much flow to them.

One of the best 25 mile loops in Scotland sounds close to where you will be staying- basically if you were to start Tighnabruich then head north up and over that climb, then take a left at the road end go along a mile or so and take another left over the C11 road (easy to miss the turn for this – i think the name of the climb is Bealach Maim) over that climb to Otter Ferry then head south over rolling roads.

Brilliant – that sounds spot on (maybe a little more than a couple of hours…). Thanks.

Lovely area. You can go north of Tignabruich past Kame’s to Otter Ferry and in to Strachur. Head South again over Glendaurel back home.

Another one is go north then hang a right heading to Dunoon over past Loch Tarzan. If you are tight for time turn back for home when you have reached half your planned ride time. If not keep going to the end of the road turn left at the coast then right to Ardentinny. Over the climb to the Whistlefield then right to Strachur. Then left over Glendaurel home.
The other classic not to miss is the climb between The Glendaurel road and Otter Ferry as mentioned above. It’s a cracker.
Great quiet roads down there.

Looking forward to it!