By Tim Francis
Published: Jan 09, 2017More by Tim
Winding coastal roads sweep along under the auspicious eye of the peaks above.
One of the largest Inner Hebridean islands, Mull offers some of the wildest coastal scenery in the UK. This Mull cycling route takes us from the South Western tip along its edge and up north through the island via Salen to Dervaig.
Route: Fionnphort to Dervaig (via Salen), Isle of Mull
Cycle Route Stats
Cycle Route GPX File
After a brief storming of Iona and with lunch in the belly, our cycle followed the undulating A849 along the shores of Loch Scridain on the South West of Mull. The weather provided a backdrop to dream of. Ancient volcanic heights reflecting beautifully in the mirrored surface of the loch. But it wasn’t this or even the tea and scones of The Smithy House that made this a ride to remember.
The Smithy House knows how to cater for cyclists.
It was the treat in store after turning left on to the B8035. The sign heralding the Scenic Route to Salen is a clue here. After a steady 5 km climb (and I like climbs) the route transports you to a different country altogether.
Immediately I had been transported to Iceland and yet here I was in Scotland. Stunned, I wondered why the other cyclists had stopped their journey at the bottom of the descent. Until then I too joined the onlookers. We stood watching a group of Sea Eagles float effortlessly on the thermals. And the road just kept on going, inviting you to just pedal. And just to top it off, I decided to cycle the extra 15 miles on to the hotel for the night. OK so I had noticed a nice looking Strava segment to Salen. By then my legs were starting to ache when a wildcat crossed the road just in front of me, pouncing towards the forest behind. The aches just dropped away.
This route was part of the Wilderness Scotland Road Cycling; Skye and The Inner Hebrides trip.
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