Dyemill Forest Cycle Route

Route Description

1. After exiting the Dyemill Forest Car Park, turn to the right on to a forest road and follow it for approximately six kilometres as it winds and turns, ascends, and dips, and ultimately brings you to a crossroads with signposts directing you to either Whiting Bay or Glenashdale Falls.

2. At the intersection, go left towards Whiting Bay and keep an eye out for a right turn down the singletrack after a few hundred metres.

3. Continue down the challenging singletrack as it descends abruptly and then ascends steeply back up the hill until you reach a wooden bridge at the top of Glenashdale Falls, spanning over the water. Continue to descend on the very steep track as it passes the “viewing platform” at the Falls. From here follow the river down to Whiting Bay.

Take it easy on this section being very cautious as you make your way down. There are areas with large, exposed drops on the left side.

The trail will eventually flatten and level off just before you get to Whiting Bay; at this point, you should search for a right turn just before the barrier that is placed across the track to begin the steep ascent ‘Giant’s Graves’. A sign post marks the way.

4. If you need supplies at Whiting Bay, continue through the barrier and down into the village turn left at the road intersection, and then retrace your route back to the singletrack up to Giant’s Graves. This is a traditional ascent in the slalom style, work your way up to the top, and you will be rewarded with some amazing Arran vistas. The Graves are a fantastic place to take a well deserved rest.

Continue beyond the Graves and you will eventually reach the main woodland road. There has in recent times been extensive forestry works in this area so, apologies if the woodland walk looks more like a pine tree graveyard!

5. Take the first right into the woodland road, which will lead you back to the intersection at no. 2

6. Continue down the main woodland road in the direction of Lamlash for about two kilometres. Once you have ridden past the golf course, keep an eye out for a vast gravel patch that is located at the foot of a steep hill to the right. Stop in the trough of the road just before entering the gravel section.

7. Enter the single track may be accessed from the forest road via a brief but steep gravel slope on the right. As you make your way through the forest, keep an eye out for painted yellow dots that have been marked on numerous rocks and trees which guide you as to which route to take.

After passing over a farm track in the middle of the forest, go in a direct line until you come out at a tiny water treatment facility that is located at the end of the track. Carry on along the trail for approximately one hundred meters, and then halt at the summit of a short, steep ascent.

8. Take the right turn and descend the extremely steep singletrack that leads into the woodland, continuing to follow the yellow dots.

WARNING: This section of the trail is difficult with drops, roots, and mud, and it culminates in a crossing over a small river. After passing a ruinous building, take the first left into a track, and continue down this route until you reach the forest road.

9. After traveling a few meters on the forest road to the right, turn left at a post to access a further track. Follow this as it winds its way down the slope of the burn, passing by a water pond on the way, and ultimately you will find yourself back in the Dyemill Forest Car Park where this enjoyable ride finishes.