Gravel Climbs

Traversing the Ayrshire Alps are a network of fantastic gravel roads, mostly supported by the Forestry Commission.   With the exception of the Carrick Forest Drive, these trails require a robust bike with thick tyres – cross bikes are ideal.

Carrick Forest Drive

• Distance: 10.3km
• Elevation: 230m (-128m)
• Max Gradient: 13.4%
• Average: 0.8%

n 2011, the organisers of the David Bell Memorial took the controversial decision to forgo the Nic O Balloch and instead send the race over the unsealed Carrick Forest Drive. Having ascended Largs Hill, the riders circumnavigated Loch Doon before hitting the ‘Strada Grigio’, the fine grey gravel of the six mile forest road. Several punctured wheels (and legs) later, 24 of the 80 strong start sheet rolled home into Straiton. The verdict: an unmitigated success!

James McCallum’s solo breakaway will be remembered as legendary, not just for the way he won the event, but also for the landscape in which he won it.

Feeling adventurous? Take a visit yourself! You access the route from Loch Doon, and come out by Stinchar Bridge on Tairlaw Summit. During summer months this route is accessible for regular 700×23 road bikes.

Glenthraig

• Distance: 3.0km
• Elevation: 92m
• Max Gradient: 11.2%
• Average: 3.7%

 

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Dunamoddie

• Distance: 4.7km
• Elevation: 137m
• Max Gradient: 12.7%
• Average: 2.5%

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High Changue

• Distance: 4.7km
• Elevation: 137m
• Max Gradient: 12.7%
• Average: 2.5%

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Black Row

• Distance: 4.7km
• Elevation: 137m
• Max Gradient: 12.7%
• Average: 2.5%

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Black Row

• Distance: 4.7km
• Elevation: 137m
• Max Gradient: 12.7%
• Average: 2.5%

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