Take in the stunning Loch Lomond on two wheels with these routes.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable cycling adventure in the south of Scotland, Loch Lomond should be high up on your list. With its stunning natural beauty and charming villages, it’s easy to see why Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most beloved places. From challenging mountain bike trails to leisurely road rides, the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park offers some of the best cycling routes in the entire country. In this blog, we’ve handpicked 10 of the most scenic and exhilarating cycling routes in the area, each with its unique charm and stunning views. So, grab your bike and let’s explore the beauty of Loch Lomond on two wheels.
Aberfoyle to Callander
The Aberfoyle to Callander route around Loch Lomond is one of the best cycling routes in the area. Despite tough competition, this route stands out due to its incredible scenery and isolation from busy roads. Though it’s only 13 miles long, it offers a challenging uphill climb followed by an exhilarating descent. While cycling along the shore of Loch Venachar, take your time to sample the stunning views. This route is a must-try for any cyclist looking for a scenic and challenging ride in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Tour of the Trossachs
The Tour of the Trossachs around Loch Lomond is a classic roadie circuit that promises both challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery. It’s best to bring a road bike, but a hybrid will also do. This 31-mile route features several points of interest, including stunning views of Loch Katrine, Loch Ard, Loch Arklet, and Loch Con. Cyclists can stop off at Go Ape in Queen Elizabeth Forest for some tree-top fun, or take a break in one of the dedicated picnic areas for a relaxing bite to eat. With so much to see and do along the way, the Tour of the Trossachs is an ideal cycling route for anyone seeking a mix of adventure and natural beauty in the UK.
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Aberfoyle Mountain Bike Trail
The Aberfoyle Mountain Bike Trail is a must-visit for experienced mountain bike riders seeking a challenging yet rewarding cycling adventure. This trail offers a mix of technical and easy cycling with thrilling sections along the way, making it a great option for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience. The stunning Trossachs scenery adds to the overall experience, making it an unforgettable ride. You can opt to ride alone or with a group, making it a great choice for individuals or friends looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience. So, get your bikes and helmets ready to explore this beautiful trail!
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Cat Craig Loop
Discover the natural wonders along the Cat Craig Loop around Argyll Forest Park, an 8.9km circular trail near Arrochar, Argyll and Bute. Established in 1935, Argyll Forest Park is Britain’s oldest Forest Park and offers a land of craggy peaks and hidden glens, peaceful sea lochs, and rushing rivers. The trail takes its name from the Scottish wildcat, and it winds along five miles of forest path before opening up to reveal stunning views over Loch Long. On clear days you can even see Ben Lomond! Whilst the return trip rewards you with spectacular views over Glen Croe and the Cobbler. Although generally considered a moderately challenging route, care is needed as some sections of the trail are steeper and rougher and the route is used by both mountain bikers and walkers, so please take care. You could even extend your day and take in the scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs by enjoying a picnic along the way. With the breathtaking views and tranquil beauty of the Cat Craig Loop, it’s a must-visit for any cyclist seeking an adventure in the UK’s oldest Forest Park.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Loch Lomond Circular
The Loch Lomond Circular is a challenging and strenuous 54-mile cycle route that’s perfect for experienced cyclists seeking an adventurous ride. Starting from Craigendoran in the small town of Helensburgh, the route takes you by the awe-inspiring Glen Douglas and Glen Fruin, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. As you cycle along, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Loch Lomond at Firkin Point. With a completion time of roughly about five hours, it’s crucial that you bring water and snacks to break up the journey. This route is not for the faint-hearted, but the exhilarating experience is well worth it for those up to the challenge.
Difficulty: For experienced cyclists
Glasgow to Loch Lomond
Cycle from the bustling city of Glasgow up to the beautiful Loch Lomond and spend a day surrounded by stunning scenery. This 21-mile route follows a mostly traffic-free section of National Cycle Route 7, running parallel to the River Clyde and the former Lanarkshire Dunbartonshire railway line. You’ll cycle close to the railway line for the majority of this route so if it becomes too strenuous, you can always hop on the train for part of the journey. The ride takes you through the Forth and Clyde Canal and finally through the picturesque Vale of Leven. It’s a relatively flat route, making it accessible for all skill levels, and takes an average of two hours to complete. Once you reach the village of Balloch in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, take a moment to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the loch.
Difficulty: Moderately difficult
West Loch Lomond Cycle Path
The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is a fantastic cycling route for all cyclists, especially beginners and families with children. This 17-mile path takes you from the southern tip of Loch Lomond in Balloch up to the village of Tarbet and is almost completely flat and traffic-free. With just two short stretches on minor roads, the path is suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchair users, and horse riders. Plus, you’ll find a range of eateries in both Balloch and Tarbet, perfect if you want to relax and grab a bite to eat after your ride. Both the starting and ending points are conveniently located near railway stations, so you can choose to travel the whole route or just part of it and return the way you came.
Difficulty: For all abilities
Glen Finglas Loop
There’s no denying that the Glen Finglas Loop cycle route is a challenging ride, not one for beginner cyclists. However, the views of the Loch and the peaceful ride are well worth the effort. The loop takes you through rough terrain, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents, adding a further testing two miles if you’re up for it. Once you leave the Glen Finglas Reservoir Road onto the loop proper, you’ll be surrounded by only cattle, sheep, and the occasional hillwalker as you use some land rover tracks to circumnavigate Meall Cala. Although the route is not technical, good stamina will be required as there are almost 3,000 ft of climbing before the end. You’ll enjoy some peaceful solitude as you grind up the gorgeous Glen Meann before surfing down loose rocks on the land rover track down Glen Finglas.
Difficulty: For experienced cyclists
Ben Lomond Loop
For experienced and adventurous cyclists, the 55-mile Ben Lomond Loop is an exciting challenge. The route takes you on narrow country roads and dirt tracks, providing an out-in-the-wild feel as you cycle through the shore of Loch Lomond. While some steep climbs make this a difficult route, there are plenty of opportunities for refreshment along the way. This long-distance route could take up to 5-6 hours to complete, so it’s ideal for those with the stamina and experience for this type of ride. With its stunning scenery and challenging terrain, this route is sure to provide an unforgettable cycling adventure in Scotland.
Difficulty: For experienced cyclists
Loch Katrine
Loch Katrine is an ideal place to explore Loch Lomond and its surrounding areas by bike, with bike hire available for the whole family. You can rent a bike for a couple of hours or a full day and cycle the straightforward route that starts at the Trossachs Pier complex. Follow the track anti-clockwise around the loch along the east and north shoreline until it reaches the pier at Stronachlachar. This is a great opportunity to see some exciting wildlife including deer, eagles and even the rare wildcat.
Difficulty: For all abilities
We hope this guide has given you some inspiration to jump on your bike and discover the beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, there’s a route for everyone. From the gentle West Loch Lomond Cycle Path to the challenging Ben Lomond Loop, the stunning scenery and fresh air will leave you wanting more. So, pack your bags, grab your bike, and GO Outdoors!
