This cycle is a loop and so can be done any way round and I honestly don’t know which one I prefer. The one I’m giving directions for is the way we first explored and rode it. It got its name from a big pile of pipes that are beside part of the track where we always stopped for a snack. The cycle gives you great views over Loch Fyne, Portavadi and even Loch Ascog near the middle with the Kyles at the start and end.

Directions

Take the road to Portavadie till you get to a longish flat section with a right turn off where there’s a load of bins. Take this and then the first left as well. Staying on this track you should pass a quarry. Up past this sticking left you’ll get to the pipe pile. After your obligatory rest here keep following the track before turning right at a junction uphill. After turning right again you’ll come across a tarred section which is really odd but it is still forestry track. Staying on this track and not taking the left through a gate you’ll get put onto the road. Turning left then right again will take you out onto the powder dams track. Turn in here and follow that track taking the 3rd left which takes you to the forest loop.

Want to switch it up a bit? Here’s some detours:

Pipes plus

With Pipes route being one of my all time favourites there’s a good few different ways we’ve found to go. This is one of the best adding a wee bit of distance on for those feeling up for it. It is also very doable from both directions, one having the hill on the road and the other on tracks, it also gives you great views over Glennan wood.

Directions

After the tarred hill take the left turn through a gate. Follow this track always taking the right till you go past a junk yard back onto the road through another gate. Turn right on the road back up to the Powder dams, rejoining the original route.

Minus pipes

This route is what I usually do if I’m doing the route anticlockwise as it gives a continuous downhill right into Portavadie by the ferry which can be useful. However it doesn’t actually go past the pipes so is it really a pipes detour?

Directions

When coming down the tarred hill keep going straight, not turning off to the pipes, where you’d normally turn off. This great downhill takes you past the Glennan orchard and old woodchip shop before putting you out on the road. Turn left here then left again at the junction to rejoin the original, or right to the ferry.

Pipes hill pass

If you want to experience pipes but with even more hilltop views then this is for you! This track takes you through the peaks along the way, by cutting out some semi boring bits, giving the same views and even more!! There’s a couple of tough climbs but it’s well worth it.

Directions

After turning onto the forestry track after coming out past the powder dams, take the first left. This track will end where you take the first small path going steeply uphill. don’t take the 1st or 2nd but the 3rd left which will take you to a track where you go right back to the main route.

Click here to download a gpx file of the route, or Click here to download or view the route on an interactive map