Argyll to Aberdeen by Mark Beaumont

Coast to coast rides don’t come more stunning nor gritty than this. Argyll to Aberdeen 240 miler. Mark Beaumont has ridden it non-stop, but it is perhaps enjoyed better over multiple days. Starting at the ferry terminal from the Island if Gigha - or 17 miles further south at Campbeltown if you can’t find a way to get dropped off at Tayinloan.  Along the way you are crossing through the Loch Lomond National Park and the Cairngorms, long the banks of Loch Lomond and Loch Tay.  It’s worth keeping some energy in resource for the punchy climb over Glenshee ski centre, but then the final third follows Deeside, past Balmoral Castle for a fairly flat cruise into Aberdeen, where you can finish at the golf course overlooking the city in on direction, over the North Sea to the other.  Along the way you are spoilt for wilderness but also small communities to resupply, including Tarbert, Killin, Kenmore, Kirkmichael and Braemar.  

This route is definitely one for the road bike and for the very experienced rider if being attempted non-stop - but if tackled over a week, it would be the prefect first bike-packing adventure.

This was Mark's final 240 mile training ride before his world record in 2017.