The best cycling routes around Loch Mullardoch

Loch Mullardoch offers a mix of cycling experiences. The nine-mile single-track road leading to the Mullardoch Dam provides a scenic and low-traffic route suitable for touring. Beyond the dam, cycling around the loch itself becomes significantly more challenging, with narrow, rough, and often boggy paths better suited for experienced mountain bikers or hillwalkers.

While the immediate area around Loch Mullardoch is quite remote and rugged, the single-track road leading to the Mullardoch Dam offers a relatively quiet and scenic out-and-back ride. For more structured family-friendly options, consider routes in nearby Glen Affric, such as the moderate Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin – River Affric loop from Glen Affric, which is 22.9 km long.

Cycling around the entire Loch Mullardoch is not generally recommended for touring cyclists. The paths along the loch are often narrow, undulating, rough, and boggy, resembling old stalkers' paths or ATV tracks. There are also no bridges over certain burns, which can become impassable after heavy rain, making a full circuit very challenging and potentially unsafe for touring bikes.

The region is renowned for its dramatic scenery, high mountains, and wild remoteness. You'll encounter the impressive Mullardoch Dam, the largest dam in Scotland, at the eastern end of the loch. The area is also encircled by twelve Munro peaks, offering stunning vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and wild goats, which are often seen in Glen Cannich.

Yes, some routes in the broader Glen Cannich area feature impressive waterfalls. For example, the difficult 54.3 km Plodda Falls & Dog Falls loop from Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin and the 39.7 km Dog Falls – Plodda Falls loop from Badger Fall both pass by significant waterfalls.

The best time to cycle around Loch Mullardoch is generally during the drier months, typically late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is more stable, and the paths are less likely to be boggy or impassable due to heavy rain or snowmelt. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the Highlands.

Yes, there is a car park located at the southern end of the Mullardoch Dam, which serves as the terminus of the public road. This provides a convenient starting point for cycling the access road or for further exploration on foot or by mountain bike.

The touring cycling routes in Loch Mullardoch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the remote glens, high mountains, and the scenic, low-traffic single-track road leading to the dam for its peaceful and dramatic views.

While the road to Mullardoch Dam is an out-and-back route, true circular routes suitable for touring bikes directly around Loch Mullardoch are not feasible due to the rugged, unmaintained terrain. However, there are circular options in the wider Glen Affric area, such as the moderate Plodda Falls loop from Allt na Sìdean, which is 12.8 km long.

Loch Mullardoch is located in a very remote part of the Scottish Highlands, and direct public transport options are extremely limited or non-existent. Access is primarily by private vehicle to the car park at Mullardoch Dam. Cyclists typically drive to the starting point or cycle from more accessible towns, which would involve significant distances on public roads.

While there are no specific restrictions against dogs on the public access road to Mullardoch Dam, the area is wild and remote with abundant wildlife, including deer and wild goats. If you plan to venture onto the rougher paths beyond the dam, be aware of livestock and ground-nesting birds, and always keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect wildlife and ensure their safety in challenging terrain.