The route starts by following the Crinan Canal and its series of picturesque locks westward. Here the road is tight and technical, almost requiring walking speed. Don't ride all the way to Tayvallich straight away. Instead, ignore the turn-off and follow the little road down to Crinan. It's free to take the lift to the top floor of the village's hotel, where awesome panoramic views of the Crinan Estuary can be fully taken advantage of. Loop back to the Tayvallich turning and take the twisting road south up the hill. This section has recently been re-paved and provides excellent knee-scraping grip – if you have the view for the speed, that is.