The best gravel rides around Loch Con

The terrain around Loch Con is diverse, featuring unpaved estate and forestry trails. You'll encounter bog, heather grassland, and montane habitats. While some paths are wide and fairly easy, others can be challenging, especially given the remote and sometimes windy conditions of the Scottish Highlands.

While the immediate area around Loch Con is quite remote, the wider Perth and Kinross region offers a variety of trails. For a moderate option that might suit families looking for scenic views, consider the Loch Garry loop from Allt Coire Luidhearnaidh, which is 11.0 miles (17.7 km) long and offers beautiful lochside scenery.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Pass of Drumochter Summit – Loch Ossian Gravel Road loop from Kinloch Rannoch is a difficult, long-distance route covering 80.2 miles (129.1 km). It explores high-altitude gravel roads and remote lochside tracks, demanding significant endurance.

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Loch Rannoch – Kinloch Rannoch Village loop from Layby 66, which is 31.3 miles (50.3 km) and leads through varied terrain around Loch Rannoch.

The best time for gravel biking around Loch Con is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically late spring to early autumn. The area can be wild and windy, and winter conditions can make trails more challenging due to boggy sections and potential snow.

You'll encounter stunning Scottish Highland scenery, including views of Loch Con itself, the larger Loch Errochty, and the vast lochs and glens of the Perth and Kinross region. The landscape features beautifully weathered trees, heather grassland, and montane habitats, offering a truly remote and peaceful atmosphere.

Access to the remote areas around Loch Con by public transport can be limited. While some larger towns in Perth and Kinross have bus or train services, reaching specific trailheads often requires personal transport. It's advisable to plan your journey carefully and check local transport schedules in advance.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For routes starting from villages like Kinloch Rannoch, there are often designated laybys or village parking areas. For more remote starting points, informal parking might be available, but always ensure you park responsibly and do not obstruct access.

Due to the remote nature of Loch Con, amenities like cafes and pubs are not directly on the trails. You'll find options in nearby villages such as Kinloch Rannoch. It's recommended to carry sufficient food and water for your ride, especially on longer routes.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking in Loch Con, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the remote setting, the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, and the adventure of exploring unpaved estate and forestry trails away from crowds.

Beyond the natural beauty of the loch and surrounding glens, a unique point of interest is the basic mountain shelter known as the Loch Con bothy. This rustic hut adds to the remote charm and provides a glimpse into the area's wilderness appeal. Recreational fishing for northern pike is also popular in the loch.

There are several gravel bike trails available in the Loch Con region, offering a range of distances and difficulties. The komoot community has explored over 60 routes in the area, with options from moderate loops to challenging, long-distance adventures.