The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin has teamed up with one of the country's leading adventure cyclists, Markus Stitz, to put Argyll on the map with a new cycling retreat.

From 18th to 20th October, cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Markus as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths by day. Markus will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests on the Saturday evening.

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 Markus 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.

Markus 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.

Markus Stitz, said:

“When arriving back from a 34,000km world tour by singlespeed 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 at destination management organisation, 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 Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel in partnership with navigation and route planning app, Komoot.

The two-night cycling weekend at The Pierhouse is based on single occupancy and includes bed and breakfast, guided cycling with Markus 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 Markus each day and the hosted dinner on Saturday. The cost without accommodation is £475. There are only 8 spaces so early booking is advised.

The Pierhousel was recently crowned 'National Restaurant of the Year' at the Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards 2023-24. The restaurant also has two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2024.

Firm favourites on the Pierhouse menu include the freshest langoustines, mussels and lobsters harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine handpicked oysters from the oyster beds of Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel. 

The Pierhouse is part of The Wee Hotel Company, which was founded by international hotelier, Gordon Campbell Gray, and includes the world-famous Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye. 

For details on autumn cycling breaks and the cycling weekend at The Pierhouse Hotel go to pierhousehotel.co.uk/offers/cycling-with-markus-stitz

To make a booking, call 01631 730302 or email reservations@pierhousehotel.co.uk

People can also follow The Pierhouse on social media, including Facebook facebook.com/PierhouseHotel, Instagram instagram.com/thepierhousehotel and X twitter.com/pierhousehotel. 

To discover more about the cycling route network around Argyll, visit wildaboutargyll.co.uk/see-and-do/cycling.These routes were created in partnership Wild About Argyll and Markus Stitz. The trails allow visitors to plan a wild cycling adventure break in Argyll.

To find out more about Bikepacking Scotland visit bikepackingscotland.com. You can follow Markus at youtube.com/reizkultur and instagram.com/reizkultur.

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