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Fancy a road ride over a couple of days, train up to Perth early Friday morning with the aim of ending back up in Edinburgh on Saturday eve.
Plotted the following route but would appreciate any suggestions: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44314567
Day 1: Perth to Lochearnhead (approx. 145km).
Follow NCN Route 77 via Almondbank, Bankfoot, through Dunkeld to Logierait, then onto NCN Route 7 to Pitlochry.
From Pitlochry head out via north side of Loch Tummel to Tummel Bridge, then south almost to Kenmore but turning west up Glen Lyon to Bridge of Balgie. From there head south to Loch Tay and on to Killin then Lochearnhead via NCN Route 7.
Day 2: Lochearnhead to Edinburgh (approx 125km).
This is the bit I'm less sure of, at least the start of it.
Lochearnhead to Balquhidder, then continue south along NCN Route 7 along the western side of Loch Lubnaig to Callander. Anyone ridden this part before? Can't find loads on it but assuming it'll be fine for v lightly loaded bikes with 32mm tyres.
From Callander keep south of the River Teith to Doune along the B8032, then join NCN Route 765 to Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Causewayhead, before joining NCN Route 76 along the north side of the Forth through Kincardine, Culross, then over the bridge and through the Dalmeny Estate back to Edinburgh.
Think the paths should all be decent, just not sure if I've missed a gem along that route that would be worthwhile amending for.
Minor points really
- Glen Lyon is a tremendous idea right now, rode it for the first time in a decade or so at the weekend, beautiful scenery, reasonably fresh new tarmac, cafe at Bridge of Balgie doing a roaring trade and great food 😎
- The NCN out of Killin was a tiny bit 'gravelly' in places last I recall, but if you're climbing and on 32s I don't think it will present any issue, I was all up for doing it last weekend but companion was struggling so we opted for A85 to get climb out of the way by path of least resistance!
- NCN back down is very gradual and spectacular, then a quick section of hairpins. All fine on 32s but take it easy on hairpins!
- NCN from Lochearnhead to Killin is great but definitely a tiny bit rougher, if only because of the additional foot traffic etc. maybe compacting and exposing some smaller rocks on trail. Plus I think there was a section had been washed out by a small stream although hopefully repaired by now. Again though, if you're taking it easy on the bumpy bits with 32s it would still be infinitely preferrable to the road.
- From Callander you could go up and over to Thornhill on the B822. It's a bigger (2-lane) road but traffic is never bad and it's quite a nice view across the Forth Valley from the top of the descent, which is also quite fun. Easy to rejoin your route just outside of Doune.
- Check out Back Causeway in Culross if you want a short, sharp cobbly challenge! 😎
- Maybe worth sticking to the coast from South Queensferry to Cramond, it starts as 'good' gravel (i.e. a well made track but with loose gravel surface) onto a tarmac road through a private estate. The coastal bit is lovely with some nice beaches just down through the trees and some interesting Roman artefacts etc. ('Eagle Rock').
Enjoy!
Looks like a nice tour!
Day 1 is a route that I would choose happily, assuming you're pretty fit. A really satisfying journey.
Day 2 - NCN 7 by Loch Lubnaig is class. The surface is gravel path that I'd happily ride on 32mm tyres (although I'd take it quite easy). I seem to remember there's a couple of short, sharp steep bits that could defeat tired legs / heavy bike / wrong gears but they probably won't ruin your day.
Day 2 -
Please pick up the off-road/gravel NCN near the main road - that section and Glen Ogle has seen at least 4 cyclist deaths over the years. 🙁
There is a lovely railway then backroad for 90% of the Callander to Doune ride - to the North of the A84 - with one short section from Buchany to Doune on the main road, but a section which is mainly 40mph restriction. Alternatively take the 'Braes road' which is south of the river and A84 from Callander to Doune.
From Doune pick up the cycle route as you suggest, then from just after Stirling you can thread the cycle routes and Fife way all the way to the Fourth bridges.
Definately do the South Queensferry to Cramond, then pick up the old railways. I found I was within 5 mins of Princess Street gardens when I had to ride on city centre/busy roads.
From Callander you basically end up on old railway lines for maybe 75% of the ride to Edinburgh.
see pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/albums/72177720308657660
Route: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/18510848/lochearnhead-to-edinburgh?lat=56.185061&lon=-3.974611&zoom=9.4614&style=Aerial&type=2d
– Glen Lyon is a tremendous idea right now, rode it for the first time in a decade or so at the weekend, beautiful scenery, reasonably fresh new tarmac, cafe at Bridge of Balgie doing a roaring trade and great food 😎
One of my favourite places in Scotland.
That and Loch Rannoch circuit is a must in the Autumn in our house...
This is excellent stuff, thanks all.
I live N. Edinburgh, about 500m off the cycle path, so the route to/from South Queensferry is a well ridden one. I think coming back in from South Queensferry it's nice to go along the front on the gravel route, especially as it misses the climb out, though whenever I head out of town I usually stick to the tarmac through the estate as I quite like seeing the topiary heads and you get some great elevated views of the Forth.
Couldn't remember whether the north side or south side of Loch Tummel was more pleasant / quieter.
Thanks for the recommendation on the NCN to avoid the main road, and I'll check out the alternative between Callander and Doune!
There is a lovely railway then backroad for 90% of the Callander to Doune ride – to the North of the A84 – with one short section from Buchany to Doune on the main road, but a section which is mainly 40mph restriction.
Yeah that section is lovely, Drumloist Road via Drummond? Unfortunately it seems to be 50% perfect new tarmac on the climb up from Kelty Bridge, but the whole descent is knackered old tarmac covered in gravel and windblown leaf litter etc! Last time we went down it we met someone with double punctures walking down it as he had no spares 🙄 I'll only ride it south to north now so you're climbing the knackered section and descending the nice section.
Again though, probably fine on 32s just take it easy on descent.
Day 1 looks good to me. The part of the NC77 that runs south of the Dunkeld House Hotel is gravel - it's only a short section, but probably wouldn't be much fun on 25 tyres.
The part of the NC77 that runs south of the Dunkeld House Hotel is gravel – it’s only a short section, but probably wouldn’t be much fun on 25 tyres.
I think that's now paved all the way to the Tay Crossing isn't it? I seem to remember there was a project to improve it as I know it was a bit sketchy before.
I think that’s now paved all the way to the Tay Crossing isn’t it? I seem to remember there was a project to improve it as I know it was a bit sketchy before.
You're right. I've just checked on Street View 👍
Looking at the route again - rather than heading up Glen Lyon as far Bridge of Balgie then turning south, it appears you can continue up Glen Lyon to Loch Lyon, then head south to Kenknock and on to Killin following the River Lochay. Anyone done that route? Streetview from Loch Lyon goes all but the final km into Kenknock, surface looks paved but questionable condition. Adds about 12km on.
Or is the original plan as far as Bridge of Balgie then via Lochan na Lairige a better idea?
continue up Glen Lyon to Loch Lyon, then head south to Kenknock and on to Killin following the River Lochay.
An absolutely superb route.
It's rough on the descent down to Glen Lochay but doable on a road bike with care
Just before Glen Lyon look for a memorial, on a pile of rubble just to the north of the road, to a local man that opened up NW Canada.
Ooh - and Bridge of Balgie tearooms (closed Wed/Thurs) is a must-do stop.
The memorial plaque in Glen Lyon at Pubil:
then from just after Stirling you can thread the cycle routes and Fife way all the way to the Fourth bridges.
Last time I was there, I only saw three...
Hmm... a tricky decision!
The upper, wilder reaches of Glen Lyon, or a bigger, more scenic climb (from memory, a while since I've done the Pubil climb).
I'm going to vote for your original route, especially if the weather is good, the climb is a beautiful road and some of the views on the way up are spectacular (especially when faced with the wall of the Tarmachan ridge and wondering how on earth the road gets through it 😂). The descent is fast, entertaining and great visibility for racing lines or just enjoying scenery.
I'd argue the Pubil route, whilst beautiful and great riding, trades the big signature climb for a smaller climb and 'more of the same' roads through the glen.
You wouldn't regret either I imagine 😎
that section and Glen Ogle has seen at least 4 cyclist deaths over the years
Jesus, just speeding traffic or overtakes gone wrong?
I argued to avoid the main road on our Audax at the weekend but got over-ruled, had I known I might have stood my ground!
Jesus, just speeding traffic or overtakes gone wrong?
One on Killin side of Glen Ogle they have no idea - she was found run over in the road on the bottom bend by Lix - speculation was she maybe stopped on left side to then make the right turn to Killin and maybe a car just came round that bend blind at speed.
One going up from Lochearnhead was a tourist car coming other way on wrong side of the road rubbernecking the view (the week after two motorbikes did a head on at same bend).
Last two no idea but both were somewhere by the Golden Latches / campsite bends.
It's a bad piece of road in a car, horrendous on a motor or pedal bike IMO.
<p style="text-align: right;">Both routes from Bridge of Balgie are great. You have rolling glen all the way to Pubil then the climb over then a nice glen ride back into Killin. There will be less traffic this way and there are a few pot holes and a gate on the decent. The other route has a really nice climb and fast decent then a short bit on main road. Remember and take cash for the tea room at Bridge of Balgie as they have no signal for the card machine.</p>
Remember and take cash for the tea room at Bridge of Balgie as they have no signal for the card machine
They had card machines working when we passed through on Saturday, the 21st Century has reached Glen Lyon! 😎
Thanks all, given I'll be heading north to south I'm minded to stick with the original route and head south from Bridge of Balgie rather than all the way to Pubil as it sounds like a better descent. I'll have to plan another one from south to north that I can take on the longer one
Enjoy.
And pics please...
Well, that was rather pleasant.
Day 1: Perth to Lochearnhead (approx. 145km).
Early start to get the bikes and stuff sorted. Mate had flown in the night before so rather than sort anything out then we just cracked on with a curry and a few beers. After a quick coffee we packed the bags then after a liberal application of sun cream we span along the cycle paths up to Haymarket just in time to grab some breakfast pastries before the 07:39 to Perth.
From Perth we headed out long Route 77 along the Tay before turning west to Almondbank and then on to Bankfoot and Dunkeld. Weather was already glorious and the roads nice and quiet. The rolling Perthshire countryside offered a perfect start to the day.
Into Dunkeld and in search of a bacon roll which Palmerstones delivered in spades. Onwards along Route 77 through Dunkeld House Hotel, the paved path a definite improvement on what was there previously.
Over the Tay and northwards through Dalguise to Logierait. Really pleasant route again and hardly a car in sight.
Dropped down into Pitlochry where had a quick stop to refill our bottles and grab a couple of cans of coke. Continued up to to Faskally Forest and then onwards over the River Garry along the north side of Loch Tummel.
To be continued...
River Garry
Loch Tummel
Glad of the sun cream
From Tummel Bridge we then headed back over the river and south. This was a nice climb, nothing too steep but some cracking views on the descent.
We then turned west up the River Lyon and I can see why it's got such a great reputation. It's absolutely stunning. The gradient is gentle and the surfaces excellent.
TBC...
Didn't get bored of the views heading up the glen to the cafe at Bridge of Balgie which exceeded expectations. 
Cracking lunch matched with sunning views. Though definitely ate too much, particularly given what was around the corner, but I'm absolutely powerless when faced with a pastrami, swiss and pickle panini.
Onwards and upwards, the next climb was really nice. Whilst at the time I'd been very tempted by the eclair on offer in the cafe, I think that would have definitely tipped me over edge as the gradients increased. It was so still too, barely a breath of wind which meant you really felt the temp.
The dam at Ben Lawers was really impressive and the descent off the top was great.
TBC...
From Killin we then picked up the National Cycle Network again, this time taking us off road up and over to Lochearnhead. Another absolutely cracking route. The gentle winding downhill through Glen Ogle was great, a route that I've wanted to do for ages.
Day 1 done, time for beers and to watch the opening match of the rugby world cup (which also turned out to be excellent). Thanks all for suggestions on the route, it worked a dream. Absolutely fine with narrow tyres in case anyone reading is wondering.
Day 2 write up and pics to follow.
Blimey.
I am so lucky to have lived, walked, ridden and paddled in this area for 15 years now.
Ace ride.
Bravo! I live nearby and rode most of this just a couple of weekends ago, and I'm still obscenely jealous 😂
Yep, everything just aligned. Not a dull stretch along the whole of day 1. Even the bit along the A827 into Killin wasn't too bad, not particularly busy and pretty quick to ride along.
All other parts of that day were perfect, hats off to the national cycle network. I've ridden a few parts of it before and just love rural Perthshire.
From Killin we then picked up the National Cycle Network again, this time taking us off road up and over to Lochearnhead
Actually just for future reference, what is the track like from Killin to the top of Glen Ogle? We descended it on gravel bikes a few years ago and I seemed to remember thinking I wouldn't want to take a road bike up it. Better now?
It was fine, I had 32mm gravel king slicks and my mate was using my commuter which has 28mm marathon pluses. It's a bit lumpier in parts than elsewhere on the route but nothing bad at all. The start bit is the bumpiest, then it's pretty smooth. Plus you're going a bit slower anyway because you're climbing but I'd not hesitate to do it up or down on a road bike.
So, on to Day 2...
Day 2: Lochearnhead to Edinburgh (approx 125km)
Pleasant start to the morning, during the week the forecast had said it would be misty, instead we woke up to another sunny, still day. I sat and had a coffee outside the hotel whilst my mate went for a swim before breakfast.
Setting off from Lochearnhead, our route took us back on to National Cycle Route 7 then out west to Balquidder. Great off road section to start with followed by really quiet country lanes. This was a great detour, didn't add much on at all but some stunning views.
From here we then continued south along Loch Lubnaig. Surface along here was absolutely fine, another great off-road section and my mate quite randomly bumped into three of his old classmates cycling from Glasgow to Inverness.
TBC...
Popping out at Callander, we thought it was probably about time for second breakfast and grabbed a table outside Mhor. A few thousand calories later we were on our way. We decided to head south of the river to Doune so once off the A81 (which wasn't too busy), we turned east along the B8032 and meandered our way along yet another quiet country lane. Clouds were looking rather ominous but we were heading in the right direction and it was still nice and warm.
From Doune we continued along the cycle route into Dunblane, then on to Bridge of Allan.
The next bit from Stirling to just past Kincardine was probably my least favourite stretch of the route, mainly because following the cycle route felt fairly slow going as you wound round the housing estates and to be honest we'd been spoilt with such great views until then. Not sure what a decent alternative would be along that stretch, it's not a part of the country I'm familiar enough with.
Arriving into Culross we dived off and took on some sandwiches and scones at Bessie's (which were excellent).
From Culross we continued on the cycle routes along Forth.
Then up and over the bridge, through the Dalmeny estate and north through Cramond to then potter along the prom in the sun.
Absolutely cracking couple of days. Would highly recommend this route to anyone, and thanks again to those who helped with suggestions above.
The next bit from Stirling to just past Kincardine was probably my least favourite stretch of the route, mainly because following the cycle route felt fairly slow going as you wound round the housing estates and to be honest we’d been spoilt with such great views until then. Not sure what a decent alternative would be along that stretch, it’s not a part of the country I’m familiar enough with.
There is not much alternative really....all the routes through Clacks seem to have 'and now through the middle of a 1970's housing estate' or 'behind National Tyres on the old railway, complete with rubbish' sections...
Stirling to just past Kincardine
Maybe this?
https://www.strava.com/routes/3136657498812407002
Wrong side of the water but it's quiet farm roads or cycle tracks, pass Cambuskenneth Abbey en route. Very flat and 'Belgian' feeling (to me, who has never actually visited Belgium). There's a tiny wee insubstantial road just before the south approach road roundabout at the Kincardine Bridge which is absolutely great, very twisty and narrow and scenic.
If I ever get round to re-arranging my Edinburgh-Stirling-Edinburgh cobbled classic ride it'll take this route