Most people will have to travel to get to Glasgow, so we will meet up in the evening for dinner, and be ready to start cycling the next morning
We will cycle through many of Glasgow's parks and some of the nicest areas of Glasgow including the leafy streets of Dumbreck. This is really an orientation day and leisurely ride around Glasgow. It is especially good for anyone who has not spent time in Glasgow.
Leaving Glasgow city centre mainly on cycle paths and then minor roads from Milngavie into the countryside. We cross the Campsies via the Crow Road with fantastic views from the top. Then on to Fintry for a coffee, before continuing to Callander.
This is intended as a day to relax and enjoy the scenery. We are planning on returning early afternoon, and there is an optional afternoon open water swim at Loch Lubnaig.
We cycle alongside 7 lochs. The route is quite varied starting with hopefully quiet main roads in the morning, then minor roads, single track roads, private roads along Loch Katrine, then back along the forest trais of NCN route 7 on the south shore of Loch Venachar. Most importantly there are several options for cafe stops.
We start on cycle paths up to Killin and then on the quiet south shore we cycle the full length of Loch Tay. We continue following the river Tay to Aberfeldy and then on to Pitlochry. It is a big day of cycling, so we will leave early and just take our time.
This circular ride out to Blair Athol and over the hill at Trinafour before continuing along the south of Loch Tummell back to Pitlochry. There is the option of having a more relaxing day, and possibly visiting the distillery in Blair Athol, and then returning by the same route.
We ride south and then east to Blairgowrie before turning north again and returning via Bridge of Cally. The last time I rode this route there were loads of highland cattle after Bridge of Cally. The alternative tourist option today is to ride to Dunkeld as an out and back ride.
Starting with the Queen's view (see photograph) with looking along the length of Loch Tummel, then cycling via Schiehallion, and continuing west along the beautiful Glen Lyon. The next day is a moving on one to Stirling so you have options of doing the first section and then omitting the ride up Glen Lyon and thus reducing the ride by up to 48km.
This is a lovely day of cycling through some very quiet countryside. You will see from the map that the ride to Comrie adds a bit on to the day. If you have the energy then I would recommend that you make the extra effort, because Comrie is very pretty.
This is a recovery and tourist attraction day. The route around Stirling is exceptionally flat, and both the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel are well worth a visit. We will visit Stirling Castle on our return later in the afternoon.
Once we leave Stirling we quickly get into some pretty countryside and quiet roads. On a clear day you can see for miles across the central belt of Scotland. Finishing with a relaxed easy cycle along the canal into Glasgow.
This National Park of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is just north of Glasgow. Lomond more to the west and the Trossachs to the east. This is more of a multi-centre tour with 3 nights in Callander and four in Pitlochry. The other nights are two in each of Glasgow and Stirling. The moving on days are quite strenuous, but there is plenty of time in between them. We have run many day rides in these areas and also a club weekend, so we would like to share them with you.
Modest Hotel accomodation with dinner and breakfast included.
Shared accomodation in double rooms and twins, sorry no availability for single occupancy.
We will explore the beautiful remote rural central Scotland, staying in both Callander, Pitlochry and Stirling.
There will be longer moving on days followed by a shorter day. Some days will include visits to a tourist attraction e.g. Stirling Castle and the Kelpies. There is always the option of having a rest day, or doing a shorter cycle (except for the moving on days).
Almost exclusively tarmac roads, and cycle paths. Almost all minor roads, including some single track roads on most of the days.
I will providea GPX file for each day.
Most of my tours have had mainly individual bookings to share a twin room, and a few couples.
We have often been very lucky with dry sunny weather, but please do pack waterproofs and sunscreen, as you could end up using both in the same day.
Cycles can be road bikes, touring bikes / cyclocross, or hybrids. Mountain bikes might be a bit slow on longer days. Please pack sufficient spares and tools to deal with minor repairs. We will provide a track pump for use when at the hotel.
I will provide GPX files, but if you don't use these then, I recommend that you download google maps to your phone, in case of poor phone signal, or if you prefer bring the relevant pages from your road atlas.