The ‘Road – Ullapool to Ledmore Junction’ route is suited more for the tarmac addicts! This route is aimed at intermediate level who enjoy various terrain from nice flat roads to long steady inclines, the time for this route would be 3-4 hours with stops.
Length: Approx. 18.1 miles – 29 km (one – way )
Duration: 3 – 4 hr
Ascent: 1400 ft. – 430 m
Terrain: Tarmac (Main road – A835)
Difficulty: Blue
Highlights
- Stunning Ardmair Bay always worth for a breather, break or sunset (Campsite has a shop in summer).
- The visitor centre of Knockan Crags is super interesting for Geology and the hills around you.
- Brilliant views of Ullapool, Ardmair, Knockan, Stac Pollaidh and Suilven while cycling or having breaks.
- With a small extension (2 miles return) you can have lunch and a coffee at this lovely motel with Loch right in front.
Description
Your first task is an accent up Morefield Brae where you get a cracking view over Ullapool and along Lochbroom. You then are greeted with a fast decline down the other side towards Ardmair.
With stunning views over the bay and a long pebble beach this could be your first stop to get you breath and get a picture, this is also a good spot to fish of the rocks just below the road. You now have a quick steep climb out of Ardmair and you’re off towards Strathkaniard, you need to get your speed up for the climb up this next hill.
When you reach the top you can grab a drink and have a look through the glen or you can hold off and keep going for another mile to the viewpoint from the road to Stac Pollaidh. Then comes the steady climb towards Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre (Public Toilets available).
At the Reserve, you can go on trails, explore and learn more about this landscape.
You’re nearly there, it’s pretty smooth sailing here on to Ledmore junction. If you feel you still have gas in the tank you can go left and on to Inchnadamph for 5-6 miles where you can see the ruin of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt.
Now you have to do it all over again to make your way home, it’s a bit easier this time around as you get to freewheel all the way down from Knockan to Drumrunie. A few more hills to go until you reach the top of Morefield brae, you get to cruise down looking over Ullapool and decide where to go for a well-earned scoff.
This route is best to be done with a road bike or hybrid.
