The best traffic-free bike rides around Loch Achray

There are over 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Loch Achray. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy spins to more challenging rides, all designed to keep you away from vehicle traffic.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Loch Achray cater to all levels. Approximately 10 routes are rated easy, 30 are moderate, and 20 are considered difficult, ensuring there's a suitable option for every cyclist.

You'll find a mix of terrain on the no-traffic routes. Many follow quiet woodland tracks and forest roads, particularly on the south side of Loch Achray and within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Some segments, like parts of the National Cycle Route 7, are well-maintained paths, while others, such as the Loch Katrine & Loch Ard gravel loop from Aberfoyle, involve gravel surfaces suitable for touring or mountain bikes.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes around Loch Achray are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the North Shore Road, Loch Katrine – Loch Katrine loop from Achray Water offers a scenic circular ride, as does the Lochan Spling Fish Sculpture – View of Loch Ard loop from Aberfoyle.

Absolutely. The area features several easy and moderate no-traffic routes perfect for families and beginners. The woodland tracks and forest roads, like those found along the Three Lochs Forest Drive, are generally quiet and offer gentle gradients, making them ideal for a relaxed family outing.

The routes offer stunning natural beauty. You'll cycle past serene lochs like Loch Katrine and Loch Ard, with views of prominent peaks such as Ben A'an and Ben Venue. The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park provides lush woodlands, and you might spot wildlife like red squirrels. Historic landmarks like Tigh Mor and the picturesque Trossachs Church are also visible from some routes.

Parking is available at various points around Loch Achray and the wider Trossachs area, often near trailheads or visitor centers. The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park Visitor Centre (The Lodge) near Aberfoyle is a good starting point with facilities and parking for many routes. Other car parks are situated near popular lochs and villages, providing access to the no-traffic network.

Many of the no-traffic forest roads and tracks are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially due to the presence of wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly within nature reserves or protected areas, and ensure your dog is comfortable with the distance and terrain.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for cycling around Loch Achray. The weather is generally milder, and the scenery is spectacular with spring blossoms or autumn colors. Summer can also be excellent, though routes may be busier. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder, potentially wetter conditions, and shorter daylight hours.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the stunning reflections on the lochs, the well-maintained forest tracks that keep them away from traffic, and the opportunities to spot local wildlife like red squirrels and deer.

Yes, you'll find amenities in nearby villages and at key points along some routes. Aberfoyle, for instance, offers cafes and pubs. The Trossachs Pier on Loch Katrine, accessible via routes like the Loch Katrine Aqueduct – Loch Katrine Pier Cafe loop from Aberfoyle, also has a cafe. It's always a good idea to check opening times, especially outside of peak season.