Scotland - SWC300 & Argyll Coastal Route Itinerary
The SWC300 is a small circular route that hugs the Scottish South West coastline. I’d say this is like the little sister of the NC500. Still plenty to see but with her very own personality. Where the Argyle Coastal Route is a route through the Highlands hugging the lochs and western shorelines Experience the drastic diverse landscape - from coastal shore to rugged mountains.
Travel Days
The easiest way to start off the SWC300 is from Dumfries. So whether you are flying into a major city near-by or making your way there on your own set of wheels. This is where I would properly start your adventure.
Where to Stay
The wonderful thing about Scotland is that it is legal to wild camp. Depending on weather or time of year this is a fantastic option. If not, here are a few options that were lovely and give you a break from the elements. I did the SWC300 in April so I decided against camping but it is totally an option!
Day 1 - Carlisle to Portpatric
I began with a stop at Caerlaverock Castle, really fascinating spot if you do the route. For a castle it’s a interestingly unique design primarily for its triangular shape complete with a moat. I got there early and was the first one which let me enjoy walking around the grounds on my own.
Sweetheart Abbey is only a short ride away. Still a beautiful abbey if you are interested in architecture though sadly it was under going some updates and partially covered in scaffolding when I was there.
📍Caerlaverock Castle
📍Sotherness Lighthouse
Next on to Sotherness Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland. The town was a bit of a drab but the lighthouse and coastal view were lovely. I spent a bit of time here just enjoying the views.
Kirkcudbright is a lovely little town and the perfect spot to stop for lunch. Being known also as “The Artists’ Town, Kirkcudbright is home to many flourishing painter and craftworkers.
If you are looking for a cute harbour town Isle of Whithorn is perfect. If you love seafood this is also a fantastic stop as you have The Steam Packet Inn right at the harbour front. A nice little coastal pub.
If you are staying at the Portpatrick Hotel quickly check-in and drop off your luggage. Then continue on down to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, the most southern point in Scotland. I made it here for golden hour and the views were amazing. I stayed here for ages just roaming around the lighthouse enjoying the views before finally making my way back to Portpatrick.
📍 Isle of Whitorn Harbour
Points of Interest
Map of Route
Day 2 - Portpatrick to Acharossan House
📍 Weymyss Bay Ferry to Isle of Bute
Of course, being in Scotland it was almost a day of pure rain from my route of Portpatrick to Acharossan House but hey ho off we went. Riding along the coastline heading north, my first quick stop was Electric Brae. A curious little spot with an outlet along the side of the road. Electric Brae is a gravity hill in Ayrshire, Scotland, where a freewheeling vehicle will appear to be drawn uphill by some mysterious attraction. The phenomenon is an optical illusion. I waited for a car to drive by to witness this but sadly no one came so I continued on my way. Just a small ride away was Dunure Castle, a castle in ruins that overlooks the small harbour of Dunure. Can you really go to Scotland without seeing a castle? Continuing to follow the coast line I decided to take a slightly longer route to include a small tour of the Isle of Bute before crossing over to Tighnabruaich. Do not ask me to pronounce any places in Scotland or Wales unless you want to hear me epically fail. Taking the ferry from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute and then doing a small tour of the island which really doesn’t take long. From there taking a second ferry from Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute to Colintraive on the mainland. I ended up meeting up with some mates at Acharossan House for a few days who had the cottage for the week. Just bimbling around, enjoying some easy days, good food and company.
Map of Route
Points of Interest
Day 3-4 - Touring the Area
I used Acharossan House as a basepoint while I toured around the area spending time with mates who were non bikers. It’s lovely spot if there is a group of you and well situated if you want to do some isle hopping and just take it easy. As much as I love touring Scotland it is also a beautiful place for walks and just enjoying the landscape. Take a ferry to the cute town of Tarbert to pickup some fresh seafood at Prentice Seafood. The oysters are amazing and you won’t get them fresher. Or journey over to the Isle of Arran for a tour of the island and of course a tour of the Lagg or Lochranza Distillery. A bit further you also have the Isle of Islay and the Isle of Jura. Both worth a visit and both with their own whiskey distilleries. Islay with the famous Lagavulin Distillery for those peat lovers and then Jura’s own single malt scotch. Possibilities are endless if you just want a few days in the area.
Day 5 - A82 in the Glen Coe Valley
📍 Loch Tulla Viewpoint
The A82 is one of my favourite roads. You pass through the surreal Glen Coe Valley. Riding through amidst the incredible Scottish mountains. I literally fall in love with this place every time I pass through. To the point I almost can’t go to Scotland now without somehow working the A82 into my route. When entering into valley you’ll understand what I mean. You feel so small amongst the mountains and you just become so focused on taking it all in. This road to me is perfect and the place I fully fell in love with riding. There are plenty of viewpoints to stop at along the way to enjoy the sights. Just pass the Glen Coe Valley Viewpoint there is a one lane road that takes you to one of the filming locations in James Bond Skyfall. Whether or not you are a James Bond fan this road is amazing. There are some fun twisty roads along lochs, waterfalls, and heavily forested areas and through the Glen Coe Valley. Take your time and enjoy the surreal landscape.
Points of Interest
Map or Route
Day 6 - Argyle Coastal Route
The Argyle Coastal route starts from Fort William and follow’s Scotland’s West Coast finishing in the south banks of Loch Lomond. This day I started from Glen Coe, just south of Fort William and headed back to Acharossan House for a night before heading back home. The route takes you through brilliant coastal landscapes. Stop at a viewpoint to seek Castle Stalker across the Loch Laich inlet. Castle Stalker, is a four storey tower and one of the best preserved medieval towers in Scotland built by the MacDougall clan around 1320. Continue on to Oban where you can stop for some food and a tour of one of my favourite whiskey distilleries, Oban Distillery. Continue following the scenic route until reaching Acharossan House. If I’m honest I didn’t take many photos this day. The rain was relentless. I normally don’t mind a bit of rain but it was a bit excessive and just made the ride a bit miserable. Though the views are defiantly worth it if you get the chance.
📍 Castle Stalker