Ferry hopping from the Bothy in Inverclyde

The Bothy, based in Gourock, is a unique partnership project run by Cycling UK to encourage people in Inverclyde to cycle and walk for everyday journeys. This route has been submitted by the Bothy team to highlight some of the many fantastic cycling routes in the local area.

This route is guaranteed to make you smile and has a little bit of everything! Setting out from the Inverclyde Bothy at Gourock Train Station you make you way along National Cycle Network 75, past the heated outdoor swimming pool (ideal for a dip after your ride) with stunning views across the water to Argyll.  You reach your ferry crossing after 3km which takes you to Argyll (keep your eyes peeled for porpoises!).  Following the flat coastal path along Holy Loch and Loch Long, this brings you to Ardentinny.  The beach here is an ideal place for a rest and a snack.  This prepares you for the one hill climb of the route, up the tranquil Glen Finart which takes you to the side of Loch Eck.  Ensure you take a look behind you as you climb so you don’t miss the view!  From Loch Eck it’s a very easy lochside journey back to the ferry.  A superb day out with a little bit of everything and for those not wanting a hill, simply turn around at Ardentinny beach and retrace the route back to the ferry.

What to bring: A camera and some snacks for a stop at Ardentinny beach, and some money for the ferry crossing. It’s also worth bringing a towel and a swimming costume in case you want to visit the outdoor pool in Gourock after your ride.

Places along the route to stop: There are countless places to stop along the route to take in the lovely views.  The most obvious of these is the small detour to the beach at Ardentinny.  Benmore Botanical Garden also has a lovely café and on your arrival back in Gourock there are several excellent independent cafes to choose from.