By Car
From Glasgow, follow signs for Loch Lomond on the A82. About 37 miles out from Glasgow, you come to the village of Tarbet, not to be confused with Tarbert which is another 62 miles further on. From Tarbet onwards, follow signs for the A83 to Campbeltown.
Travelling times from Glasgow: Tarbert 2½ hours, Tayinloan 3 hours, Campbeltown 3½ hours.
By Car, with Ferries, via Dunoon
From Glasgow, take the M8 to Greenock and continue to Gourock, where you have a choice of two different ferry services to Dunoon: either CalMac (hourly) leaving from Gourock Pier, or Western Ferries (3 or 4 per hour) leaving from McInroy’s Point, about 2 miles beyond the centre of Gourock. From Dunoon, follow minor roads (map advisable) to Tighnabruaich and then on to Portavadie on Loch Fyne, where you catch a ferry (hourly) to Tarbert. Note that last ferry on 9th May is at 18:45
By Car, via Arran
This is probably the most interesting route, but the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick is at intervals of 2¾ hours and is often fully booked well in advance. Last ferry from Lochranza to Claonaig on 9th May is at 18:25.
By Bike (yes, why not?)
The main road route (A82/A83) is not advisable. However, the two ferry routes above are much more pleasant, and less mileage. For the Glasgow-Gourock section, take the Sustrans cycle route 75 via Paisley and Kilmacolm, or take a train from Glasgow Central to Gourock. From Dunoon to Portavadie is a continuation of Route 75. For Arran, take a train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan, ferry to Brodick, cycle on Route 73 to Lochranza, ferry to Claonaig, and cycle on Route 78 to Tarbert. Click here for train timetables
By Coach
From Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, the Citylink service 926 takes you to Tarbert, Tayinloan and Campbeltown (and all points in between). Booking is advisable, especially for the Friday evening service, and also gets you a discounted fare. Book online or ring 08705 505050. The Friday evening service gets you to Tarbert just in time for the race check-in if you walk briskly from the bus stop to the Templars Arts & Leisure Centre.
By Train
From London, the Scotrail Sleeper (see page 18 in web link) takes you to Arrochar & Tarbet station, arriving 07:06 am. Walk along towards Arrochar village (10-15 mins) for breakfast, and then catch the Citylink coach (as above) at 10:10 to Tarbert, etc. Again, don’t confuse Tarbet and Tarbert.
By Plane
Daily flights (but only Monday to Friday) by BA from Glasgow, leaving 09:00 and 16:40, to Campbeltown. |
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