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I'm researching some Scottish Gravel riding and considering a couple of days in/around Aberfoyle.
I've been inspired by a couple of YouTube vids plus associated Komoot routes.
First up, Cycling Weekly/Kerry MacPhee:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/398392153
I'm considering this route but, as recorded, it's timed at 9+ hours which is too long. Is that realistic for a reasonably fit mountain biker/road rider? If it is really that long, I'd consider skipping the opening loop and just head up Gleann Gaoithe...
FF to around 10:40...epic open views. Which section is this? Below Being Uamha and Cruachen?
This route also uses some of the infamous West Highland Way singletrack alongside Loch Lomond (between Cailness and Inversnaid, before diverting up Glen Arklet). I'm likely to be on a drop bar gravel bike (Specialized Diverge with 45mm Maxxis Rambler tyres plus dropper post FWIW), won't have panniers or a ton of other crap mounted on the bike, plus I'm a very experienced mountain biker. Any idea what sort of percentage riding versus hike-a-bike on that section of the WHW?
Second option by Road.cc/Scotty Laughland:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/221250671
A shorter route in same area. FF to 6:50. Is this Glen Finglas/a circuit of Meall Cala?
With this route, I'm just after cherry-picking the best section as I don't think I'll have time to do the route as planned. If I'm staying in Aberfoyle, I could scoot up Dukes Pass to Loch Achray then up to Glen Finglas reservoir then loop clockwise (?) around Meall Cala.
I'm open to other suggestions if any locals are around and this is likely to be early July (I'm gonna get eaten alive by the wee beasties, aren't I?)
No idea - Just ride.
And make sure you stop for ice-cream at Achray farm, by Bridge of Turk.
(featuring goats and run by a cyclist).
In the old days I used to take my touring bike from Glen Finglas down into Balquhidder.
I don't do gravel but do have a Rough Stuff Fellowship badge.
Bump!
Hmmm, I thought I had posted a reply to this one, but clearly not!
And make sure you stop for ice-cream at Achray farm, by Bridge of Turk.
(featuring goats and run by a cyclist).
https://achrayfarm.co.uk/icecream/
Not open for another few weeks - they have to wean the kids from mamma goat....
In all honesty, you won't go wrong with any route around there.
https://www.komoot.com/collection/1053719/-gravelfoyle-the-ultimate-uk-gravel-destination
I *think* the section along Lomond in that route is quite a tough section - Kerry Machphee is a rather handy and fit rider, so it probably doesn't feature much that it is 'tough'. I found it a challenge but OK - on an unloaded day bike ride...
Thanks Matt. Seems I'm spoilt for choice, which can be a bad thing! 😃
Of those 2 routes I would go with Kerry's and skip the opening loop as you suggest. I don't recall any issues on the WHW section on a mountain bike - maybe a couple of get off and push sections - but obviously different on drops. Similarly the "steep hill" is an easy skoosh on an MTB but might be interesting on drops. Easy to include a stop at the cafe at Stronachlacher which I believe has now reopened. The view at 10:40 is where you identified it. And the ice cream stall is now open. As above there are a lot of options - tho don't follow Crispin's variation into Balquhidder - it may well be a carry downhill 😀. Kerry's Komoot feed does cover a lot of options.
Scottys loop maybe shorter but there some big climbing. If you do Scotty's route I would consider doing the loop anti clockwise unless you are a super strong climber. Either way round you'll have some pretty tough climbs/hikes. And the Trossachs path - ie the bit north of L Venechar also has some very short sharp climbs. The drone footage is of the Meall Cala climb - which seriously understates how steep it is.
Oddly never been bothered by midges on the bike in that area - if you need to stop mind you ....