The best road cycling routes in Loch Lomond And The Trossachs

Embark on a moderate racebike journey through the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park with the Loch Katrine & Loch Ard loop from Callander. This 44.8-mile (72.2 km) route, typically taking 3 hours and 15 minutes, offers a scenic ride with 2127 feet (648 metres) of elevation gain. You will cycle on mostly well-paved surfaces, enjoying views often described as 'Highlands in miniature'. As you ride, you will pass through richly forested lochs, hills, and glens, with picturesque views across Loch Ard extending towards distant mountains like Ben Lomond. The tranquil lochside paths wind through rolling hills and dense woodlands, providing a serene cycling experience.

This loop is primarily a road ride, generally well-surfaced and easy to navigate. While the route is considered moderate, requiring a good level of fitness, you should be prepared for potential variations in surface quality, though this specific loop is largely reported as well-paved. The car-free sections along the north shore of Loch Katrine offer a particularly peaceful ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the journey without rush.

The Loch Katrine & Loch Ard loop stands out for connecting two significant lochs within the National Park, offering a comprehensive tour of the area's natural beauty. Loch Katrine itself holds historical and literary importance, having inspired works like Sir Walter Scott's poem 'The Lady of the Lake'. You might spot wildlife such as red deer and ospreys along the way. For a unique adventure, consider the 'Bike and Boat' option, combining cycling with a steamship journey on Loch Katrine.

Embark on the Loch Achray & Loch Chon loop from Drymen for a challenging road cycling adventure through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This difficult route covers 61.7 miles (99.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3707 feet (1130 metres), taking approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes to complete. You will experience stunning highland loch-side views at Loch Ard and Loch Chon, pass by Loch Achray, and cycle through beautiful forested areas, with the Duke's Pass offering rewarding vistas despite its challenging climb.

To tackle this hard road ride, you will need a very good level of fitness. While much of the route features well-paved surfaces, be prepared for some unpaved segments that can be difficult to ride, potentially requiring you to push your bike. The Old Drymen Road serves as a quiet starting point, offering a relaxed ride with minimal car traffic as you begin your exploration of the area.

This loop is an excellent way to discover the diverse cycling opportunities within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs area. Its quiet roads, especially the Old Drymen Road, provide a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the national park's natural beauty. The panoramic views from sections like the Duke's Pass make the effort worthwhile, highlighting why this trail is a notable choice for experienced road cyclists.

Embark on the Killin, Ben Lawers & Loch Tay loop for a challenging road cycling adventure through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This difficult route spans 48.8 miles (78.5 km) and climbs a significant 3181 feet (970 metres), offering continuous panoramic views across Loch Tay. You will often see the five mountains of the Ben Lawers ridge as you ride, experiencing a mix of open landscapes and winding roads through forestry land, especially on the climb towards Ben Lawers Dam.

This is a hard road ride that demands very good fitness due to its substantial elevation gain and distance, typically taking around 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. Be prepared for the Ben Lawers Road, which is steep and bendy; some sections might even be gravelly, making descents tricky. You should also expect steep hills as you approach Killin towards the end of your ride. The A827 along the north shore can be quite busy, so plan your timing accordingly.

The route provides a rewarding experience for advanced road cyclists seeking routes near Ben Lawers within the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. A highlight includes a descent to Lochan na Lairige after the climb. The southern shore of Loch Tay offers a particularly pleasant ride with fantastic views and is generally quieter than the northern A827, allowing for a more serene cycling experience.

Embark on the Loch Tay loop from Killin for a moderate road cycling experience through Highland Perthshire. This route offers continuous views across Loch Tay, with the Tarmachan and Lawers mountain ranges providing a dramatic backdrop. You will cycle past the impressive Falls of Dochart in Killin village, enjoying the fresh air and open landscapes. The 33.3-mile (53.6 km) loop involves an elevation gain of 1828 feet (557 metres), making it a good challenge. You can expect to complete this ride in about 2 hours and 34 minutes.

When planning your ride, be aware that while this specific loop is rated moderate, the wider Loch Tay area can present more demanding cycling with significant elevation changes. This route largely follows the south side of the loch, which is often considered more suitable for cycling. Always prepare for undulating terrain, even on a moderate route like this one. Starting your ride from Killin provides easy access to the loop. Check local conditions before you go, especially regarding weather in the Scottish Highlands.

This road cycling loop is situated within the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, an area renowned for its unique alpine flora and diverse wildlife. The continuous views across Loch Tay and towards Ben Lawers from the southern shore road highlight the natural beauty of this protected landscape. The route offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning Scottish Highlands, making it a notable ride for those seeking scenic beauty and a good workout.