RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve – View of Scolpaig Tower loop from Ardheisker

Bike touring routes & trails

RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve – View of Scolpaig Tower loop from Ardheisker

Moderate

4.5

(16)

152

riders

RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve – View of Scolpaig Tower loop from Ardheisker

04:24

73.1km

410m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.73 km

Ruins

9.38 km

RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

Not only bird and animal watchers get their money's worth, the tour of the reserve is beautiful.
There is a small caravan bistro with delicious cake and a family campsite. The atmosphere is right, it's worth staying here longer than planned.

Translated by Google •

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15.2 km

View of Scolpaig Tower

Highlight • Monument

Built around 1830, Scolpaig Tower is a unique stone pillar towering on an Iron Age dun on an islet in Loch Scolpaig. It was built by Dr Alexander MacLeod to provide employment and help reduce famine. Today, the tower provides a nesting home for birds and is one of the most well-known monuments in this area of Scotland.

Tip by

18.6 km

Loch na Gearrachun

Lake

20.8 km

Tràigh Bhàlaigh Beach

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful view

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22.4 km

The Wee Cottage Kitchen

Highlight • Cafe

A well needed hot drink and bacon butty is available from this little roadside stop. the cakes look incredible and on a rainy day like ours we were very grateful of the hot chocolate.
The only hot drink/food stop on this leg of the journey.

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32.4 km

Òban Trumaisgearraidh

Lake

42.5 km

Seal Viewing Point Bayhead

Highlight • Viewpoint

You can watch seals, otters and other sea creatures.

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45.3 km

Berneray Causeway

Highlight • Bridge

52.3 km

Red Telephone Box Kiosk

Highlight • Structure

In this beautiful old telephone booth you can buy drinks, treats, books or plants and take a nice rest on the bench next to it.

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70.6 km

Scenic Route to Lochmaddy

Highlight • Cycleway

I took the "shortcut" through the island to Lochmaddy. It had beautiful scenery and the road was great! It's broad enough to have the few cars passing by you, give you enough space.
The scenery is stunning!
It's not too bad in elevation. But mind you, it's still an up and down situation.
With the wind in my back most of the way and the sun on me, I enjoyed this very much!

Tip by

73.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

35.4 km

33.5 km

3.87 km

377 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

61.7 km

7.21 km

3.87 km

415 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (60 m)

Lowest point (undefined)

Weather

Monday 12 October

15°C

10°C

16 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 38.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 4, 2024,Cairnish to Berneray ferry

The first part of today involved a cycle into strong headwinds for the most part. Gusts up to 65km/h due to Arctic winds. Even had to pedal downhill at one point. Plus some rain and hail showers. We also had to pull over quite often to let faster vehicles pass on the single track roads.
We did have a few …