The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclist Markus Stitz to host a new cycling retreat from 18-20 October 2024. Cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Stitz as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths. He will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests.
The retreat is part of a wider campaign to attract more cyclists to the hotel and the wider Argyll region over the quieter autumn and winter months. In partnership with Stitz and Bikepacking Scotland, The Pierhouse has created a variety of cycling routes to suit guests with different abilities. Special packed lunches to help fuel hungry cyclists, as well as bike storage and cleaning facilities for people who bring their own bikes are also being provided.
Stitz has previously developed cycle trails around Argyll in partnership with destination management organisation, Wild About Argyll. He is the founder of Bikepacking Scotland and the author of ‘Bikepacking Scotland’ and ‘Great British Gravel Rides’. In 2016, he became the first person to cycle around the world on a single speed bike.
He said: “When arriving back from a 34,000km world tour by single speed bike, a journey that took me to 26 countries, Argyll was the first destination on my final leg through Scotland. When stopping at Loch Linnhe to admire Castle Stalker, the idea to promote cycling in Scotland through Bikepacking Scotland was born. I was delighted when Wild About Argyll encouraged me to develop the first gravel bike trail here, and being back in this part of Scotland to share my knowledge and stories to inspire others to cycle further is very special for me.”
Tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, The Pierhouse is one of Argyll’s most idyllic and romantic destinations, offering breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull.
Fiona McLean, manager of The Pierhouse Hotel, said: “We’re really excited to be teaming up with Markus Stitz to kick start our autumn cycling breaks campaign and our inaugural cycling retreat weekend in October. With miles of spectacular coastal, countryside and island cycle trails, we want to do our bit to put Argyll on the map as one of the UK’s top cycling destinations this autumn and beyond.”
Cathy Craig, CEO of Wild About Argyll, added: “Argyll and the Isles is an outstanding natural playground with an abundance of cycling routes and terrains to suit all cycling types and abilities, all year round. With excellent public transport, opportunities for island-hopping adventures, fabulous places to eat and drink, including the award-winning Pierhouse Hotel, and local cycling groups who are passionate about developing more routes to explore, it really is a cyclist’s dream. It’s fantastic to see that The Pierhouse is offering this incredible opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to experience a taster of cycling with Markus Stitz – the man who created Scotland’s first-ever long-distance gravel bike trail in 2017, the Wild About Argyll Trail.”
The new Argyll cycling routes have been developed by Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel in partnership with navigation and route planning app, Komoot.
How to book
The two-night cycling weekend at The Pierhouse Hotel is based on single occupancy and includes bed and breakfast, guided cycling with Markus Stitz on Saturday and Sunday, a hosted dinner on the Saturday evening and a dinner allowance on the Friday evening. Prices start from £1,135 for a Sea View Room or £975 for a Cliff Facing Room. Rooms are also available for double occupancy. Local cyclists are welcome to join the guided cycle with Stitz each day and the hosted dinner on Saturday. The cost without accommodation is £475. There are only eight spaces so early booking is advised.
See more at pierhousehotel.co.uk