The best cycling routes around Loch Calder

There are over a dozen touring cycling routes around Loch Calder, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You can find options ranging from easy to difficult.

The routes around Loch Calder cater to various abilities. You'll find 3 easy routes, 7 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

Yes, many routes around Loch Calder are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Loch Calder & Loch Watten loop from Thurso is a popular moderate option, and the Off-Road Trail – Thurso Millennium Milepost loop from Thurso offers an easier, shorter circular ride.

The terrain around Loch Calder is varied, featuring a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. You'll encounter routes that include forestry and estate roads, with gentle hills characteristic of the Caithness landscape. This provides a diverse cycling experience, from smooth stretches to more rugged paths.

For families or those new to touring cycling, the area offers easier routes. The Off-Road Trail – Thurso Millennium Milepost loop from Thurso is an easy 7-mile trail that can be completed in under an hour, making it a good choice for a relaxed family outing.

Yes, you can explore routes that feature natural attractions like waterfalls. The Forss Waterfall – View of Loch Calder loop from Crosskirk, Broch is a moderate 22.5-mile route that includes views of the loch and a waterfall.

Loch Calder itself is a significant natural feature, offering tranquil waters and a picturesque backdrop. The area is also a Scottish Natural Heritage Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), important for wintering birds like Greenland white-fronted geese and Whooper swans. You'll also experience expansive open skies and unobstructed views of the surrounding environment.

The vicinity of Loch Calder is rich in history. Cyclists can discover several archaeological remains, including the well-preserved chambered cairn of Tulach an t'Sionnaich at the northern end of the loch, the site of an ancient broch on the eastern shore, and the Aultan Broubster Stone Circle a short distance to the west.

The touring cycling routes around Loch Calder are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene inland lochs, the varied terrain, and the opportunity to explore both natural beauty and historical sites.

For those seeking longer rides, the Loch Calder & Loch Watten loop from Thurso is a substantial 37.4-mile route that explores the serene inland lochs, providing a rewarding experience for touring cyclists looking for distance.

While Loch Calder is an inland loch, some routes in the wider area extend towards the coast. The Dunnet Bay Beach – Dunnet Bay Beach loop from Thurso is a moderate 28.2-mile route that will take you towards the coast, offering a different scenic experience.