Beat The Ferry

Could you Beat the Ferry for Beatson Cancer Charity?

We challenge you to cycle 52 miles over four stages through spectacular Argyll countryside while trying to catch the ferry at each stage!

Sign up by the 31st of March to guarantee your custom-made cycling top!

Starting on the stunning island of Arran, you will set off from Brodick and aim to catch the ferry at each stage of the journey, before finishing up in Rothesay with a chippy to celebrate.

Sound like the challenge for you? It's time to get on board and enjoy breathtaking scenery across islands, sea and hills whilst raising vital funds for patients and their families facing cancer.

Details:
• Saturday, 20th May
• £50 registration - Please note that Ferry tickets, the all-important chippy and cycling top are included in the registration fee
• £250 min sponsorship

Open to those aged 14+, with anyone under 18 accompanied by a responsible adult.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own bike and we recommend getting it serviced beforehand.
A helmet must be worn at all times while cycling.

• Start time meeting at Ardrossan ferry terminal 06:30 am.
• Ends at Brodick, Rothesay with the ferry back to Wemyss Bay.
• There will be a coach taking participants back to Ardrossan to collect their cars. If preferred participants can arrange to travel back from Wemyss Bay.
• Finish will be approximately 4.00 pm.

 

*This is your own personal challenge, and we will do all that we can to ensure you get the best out of your day. This is not a race and participants must cycle at their own pace. The ferry times are suggested and we may split into two groups and catch different ferries along the route.

The Route: 5 Ferries and 4 cycle stages

Ferry 1: Ardrossan to Brodick – 0700

We will meet at the Ardrossan Ferry Terminal at 0630. Once aboard the ferry, please make your way to the rear of the café where we will meet, introduce you to the support team and go over any questions you may have.

Stage 1: Brodick to Lochranza – 14 miles

Staying on the A841 which will take you along the coastal road and then on to Glen Sannox, after which there will be a long, steep hill followed by down hill most of the way until the Lochranza ferry terminal.

Ferry 2: Lochranza to Claonaig – 0930

Stage 2: Claonaig to Tarbert – 11 miles

Taking the B8001 for 4.7 miles consisting of single track uneven road and undulating hills. Turning right on to A83 where marshals will assist (very busy road) then right on to the A8015 towards the Harbour. Packed lunches will be collected from the Marine Bistro in Tarbert and can be eaten on land or on the ferry.

Ferry 3: Tarbert to Portavadie – 1115/1215

A chance to eat lunch

Stage 3:  Portavadie to Colintraive – 19 miles

A tough leg of the challenge, consisting of single track, uneven roads and extremely steep hill over Tighnabruich with all participants taking extra care. Fantastic viewing point at top of this hill and worth taking a break here for refreshments and photographs! Right turn towards Colintraive will be marshalled. Smooth, main road to see you to the last ferry.

 

Ferry 4: Colintraive to Rhuboddach – 1500*

Not much time to rest with this very only taking 5 minutes!

 

Stage 4: Rhuboddach to Rothesay – 8 miles

An easy last leg – continue on the A886 and keep to Marine Road A844 until you reach Rothesay. You will enjoy complimentary fish & chips before we get the final ferry back to the mainland.

Ferry 5: Rothesay to Wemyss Bay – 1600*

Homeward bound!

Return to Ardrossan by coach

A coach will take 1 trip back to Ardrossan, allowing participants to collect their vehicles there if required. Alternatively, you can arrange to be collected from Wemyss Bay.