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Had plotted a nice loop that I wanted to show some friends at the weekend, but getting from the city centre/Castleview P&R out to Dobbies/Chalmerston Road seems fraught with peril, or at least two big old roundabouts with motorway slips which whilst technically still the A84, don't really look like a place for a group of cyclists. Alternative looks to be a poorly maintained thin strip of pavement between Drip Road and Dobbies?
Personally I'd just brace myself and take on the roundabouts but in a group I think this will raise questions about my route planning!
Ta
Yes.
There is a route under the motorway - but I think it is currently closed (and has been for years) while under-cutting is dealt with.
I'd take them on the narrow pavement on A84 overpass.
The roundabouts are actually ok, but they can be very busy. From memory, the path at side of the road is wide enough to ride, but isn't used much so wasn't smooth or litter-free - that would allow you to get round the both roundabouts but keep you on the Dobbies side of the road. If that path isn't suitable, there is a path that takes you down through the Truck checking site (is it VOSA???) then along the river and underneath the motorway - again, few years since I've used it but a road bike could get along there but it was a bit bumpy.
Is there an option out the Dumbarton road and then north?
Ha. 8 seconds...
Aha, excellent, that Dumbarton Road link cuts out all the unpleasantness, means we can park at Dobbies as well.
Is it all tarmac? I know my audience, muddy or gravel won't cut it.
It might not be there for much longer - that site is meant to be getting developed which is likely to mean a lot of demolition...
Not all tarmac - about 300 yards are tarmac, 500 yards of farm track, 100 yards of field track (but it is firm) and then about 200 yards of unmetalled road to join the bottom end of the car park.
"Is it all tarmac? "
You'll get them to the gate at the end of Kersebonny Rd OK.
Then turn right - Google Maps shows a track round the southern edge of the Craigforth Campus with a tarmac'd road up the east side.
Are you then continuing up the A84? That is a pretty horrid road to cycle on IMO. Again, can we suggest 'nicer' routes at all?
No, I just wanted to get to Chalmerston Road by the old bridge, we drove it recently to visit friends and I thought it would be a great way to connect with the cycle friendly roads between Thornhill and the Smiddy, we'd then head back to Kippen/Top of the Road climb.
We'd be returning via Callander and Bridge of Allan but would nip up to see the castle via Broad St. so coming back via Millennium Way.
I think I'll just prepare them for 1km of busy traffic before the blissful quite farm roads 😎
Sounds good.