Approximate Duration: 5 Hours 6 Minutes
Approximate Distance: 206 miles (331 km)
Download the route files for your device:
The Dickie Bow is a classic motorcycle route which is suitable for 125cc motorcycles.
Starting off from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, the route heads North along the shore road, passing Luss, the site of the popular TV drama sires Take the high Road, through Arrochar and up the glen to the rest and be thankful.
From the junction at the rest, the route heads South-West towards Lochgoilhead before heading North and re-joining the A83 passing through Inveraray heading South to Lochgilphead.
At Lochgilphead, the route turns North onto the A816 and handrails the Argyle coast all the way to Oban before joining the A85, heading East passed Tyndrum and Crianlarich before joining the A84 South at Lochearnhead.
The route continues South to Calender and breaks East onto the A821 to the Trossachs before swinging South, up and over the Dukes Pass to Aberfoil. From Aberfoil, the route continues South on the A81 before heading back to the start at Loch Lomond along the A811.
There are numerous sights to take in on this classic route and plenty of fuel stations along the route. Although the route is only 206 miles, it's probably a good idea to fill up in Oban to avoid and low fuel worries on the route back to Loch Lomond.
(Icons on the map)
Route Notes & Highlights
- Luss – A picturesque conservation village set along the banks of Loch Lomond. It is known for being the location for the TV Drama series called “Take the High Road”.
- Loch Lomond – Is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area, has many islands within it and is simply beautiful.
- Rest and be thankful – “Rest and be thankful” are the words inscribed on a stone near the junction and lay-by of the A83 and the B828, placed there by soldiers who built the original military road in 1753. Aptly named by travellers due to the steep climb to get to it.
- Loch Fyne Oyster Bar – The home of the popular seafood restaurant chain “Loch Fyne Restaurants” with upwards of 35 establishments in the UK.
- Inveraray Jail – An award-winning attraction of a restored prison from the 19th century.
- Kilmartin Glen – Kilmartin Glen is a wide valley renowned for it's archaeological heritage. Within six miles of Kilmartin, there are over eight hundred ancient monuments including burial cairns, rock carvings, and standing stones, as well as the remains of the fortress of the Scots at Dunadd.
- Oban – It's name means ‘the Little Bay’ in Scottish Gaelic. It is regarded as the seafood capital of Scotland and is also seen as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ with its busy ferry port.
- Falls of Lora – Spanned by the Connel Bridge the falls provide excitement for kayakers and divers as well as a stunning sight for tourists and photographers.
- Green Welly Stop – This spot in Tyndrum has quite simply become one of those places everyone going North takes a pit stop at.
- Dukes Pass – Magic in the Trossachs, regarded as one of Britain’s most scenic roads, you’ll simply love it!
Route courtesy of Motorcycle Scotland.
