National Cycle Network Go Traffic Free in Scotland

National Cycle Network
Go Traffic Free
in Scotland
CYCLE MAP
Forth Road Bridge & Dalmeny
SCOTLAND
The Central Highlands, Argyll
and The Trossachs
Good Cycling Code
Overview
Use this booklet to follow safe and attractive walking
and cycling options in the Central Highlands, Argyll,
and The Trossachs. It shows the main traffic-free
sections on the National Cycle Network, Regional
Routes and key local routes. Use it to plan your
(carbon-free) trips around and out of town. See how
far and easily you can travel without a car.
For information on cycle routes across Scotland,
see Sustrans’ Routes2Ride website – you can also
add your own routes, comments and photos.
www.routes2ride.org.uk/scotland
Use Ordnance Survey maps to plan your own
routes. Contact the relevant local authorities for
more information on cycling routes in each area.
l Can
you reach the start of your journey by bike or public transport?
l Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code; in particular, do not damage crops, don’t disturb livestock or wildlife and always take litter home
l Take
This booklet highlights walking and cycling routes in the following
areas:
Inverness, Aviemore and Drumochter
p4
Fort William to Fort Augustus
p18
Argyll – the Lochgilphead area
p24
The Trossachs and Glen Ogle
p26
Each detailed map uses the following key
Public house
care at junctions, when cycling downhill and on loose or wet surfaces
l In remote areas carry food, water, repair kit, map and waterproofs
l Keep your bike roadworthy; use lights in poor visibility
l Consider wearing a helmet and conspicuous clothing
Using public transport
Why not use the train to carry you and your bike further afield or
to take you home after a cycle? Bicycles can be carried on most
trains, but it is advisable to check in advance and book a place
as space is limited. For rail information call 08457 48 49 50 or
visit www.thetrainline.co.uk. Bicycles can be carried on Citylink
coaches, but they must be bagged or boxed. Check before
travelling. Phone 08705 50 50 50 or visit www.citylink.co.uk.
For information on all public transport within Scotland, call
0871 200 22 33 or visit www.travelinescotland.com.
National Cycle Network traffic-free
Cafe / Shop
National Cycle Network on-road
Bike Shop
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Other route
Birdwatching
Know the Code before you go …
Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - responsibly!
Proposed cycle route
Public toilets
Railway (station)
Post office
Tourist Information
Access point
Take care point / section
Steep hill / One way
Castle
Tourist attraction
Signalled crossing
Caravan site / Campsite /
Youth hostel
Time: The time given to complete a route is calculated on
an average travelling time of 7 miles or 11 km per hour. This
allows for a leisurely cycling pace or for plenty of stops. Times
and distances given for linear routes are for one way only.
1
Care for the environment
Look after yourself
How to use this booklet
Featured route
Obey the rules of the road
Be courteous
l Give way to pedestrians
l Remember that some people are hard of hearing or visually impaired
l Where there are wheelchair users or horse riders, please give way
l Ring a bell in good time or politely call out to warn of your approach
Everyone has the right to be on most
land and inland water providing they
act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities
are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the outdoors, the
key things are to:
l take responsibility for your own actions;
l respect the interests of other people;
l care for the environment.
Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
or phoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage office.
2
Inverness, Aviemore and Drumochter
Nairn
Culloden
Inverness to Culloden
p6
Ness Islands to Dochgarroch p8
Calvine to Dalwhinnie
p10
Dalwhinnie to Kingussie p12
Aviemore to Boat of Garten p14
Boat of Garten to Slochd p16
Inverness
Highland Cycle Bus
If you want to head to the North West Highlands, the Highland
Cycle Bus (and Trailer) operates between Inverness and Durness
via Ullapool from April to September. The bus can carry up to
15 bikes and is available for private hire. For more information,
phone 01349 883585 or see www.timdearmancoaches.co.uk
Carrbridge
Monadhliath
Mountains
Miles
0
Boat of
Garten
0
5
Kilometres
5
15
10
10
15
20
25
Aviemore
Kincraig
Cairngorm
Mountains
On-road National Cycle Network section
Kingussie
Traffic-free National Cycle Network section
Other routes
Newtonmore
Time: The time given to complete a route is calculated on an
average travelling time of 7 miles or 11 km per hour. This
allows for a leisurely cycling pace or for plenty of stops. Times
and distances given for linear routes are for one way only.
Whilst every effort has been made to achieve accuracy of
information in this booklet at time of publication, Sustrans
can take no responsibility for: loss or injury (including fatal) to
persons; loss of damage to property or equipment; trespass,
irresponsible riding or any other mishap that may be suffered as
a result of following route descriptions in this booklet.
Dalwhinnie
Map and text © Sustrans 2009
Maps are reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission
of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Contoller of Her Majesty’s Stationery
Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown
copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Licence number 100020852
Calvine
3
Blair Atholl
4
B9
16
Inverness to Culloden 1
To Dingwall, Cromarty
and John o’Groats
A96
Charlestown
A9
Craigton
Dolphin and
Seal Centre
Beauly North
Firth Kessock
One of the impressive Clava Cairns © Fergal MacErlean
A96
Balloch
Moray
Firth
Map 2
Culloden
A
9
A96
A8
2
A86
Caledonian
Canal
Newlands
B865
A82
A86
2
B9 0 0 6
Inverness
Station
Inverness Cathedral
Smithton
A9
B862
Inverness
06
B 90
Inverness Museum
and Art Gallery
(Museums Galleries Scotland)
Inverness
B8 Castle
B862
A82
53
Start/
Finish
Westhill
B900
6
Culloden
Muir
Culloden Visitor Centre
To Nairn, Elgin
and Aberdeen
Culloden Battlefield 1746
(National Trust for Scotland)
6
B900
Start/
Finish
B9006
B8
61
B8082
62
B8
B861
A
ss
82
e
rN
82
B80
ve
Ri
B8
62
0
1
Kilometres
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: 5
1
2
2
To Aviemore,
Pitlochry and
Glasgow
Leave the friendly Highland capital of Inverness to cycle by some
remarkable historical sights. The route heads east, with a variety
of on-road cycle lanes and quiet residential sections, before
climbing away from the Moray Firth.
B8082
Miles
0
B9
17
7
B8
51
A9
Great Glen
Way
3
Mainly on-road, some cycle path
8 miles/13 kilometres
1 hour 15 minutes
Sustained climb from Balloch to Newlands, otherwise fairly flat
Tarmac, some whin dust
At the Newlands crossroads it’s worth diverting right for 200
yards to the Culloden battlefield site and newly renovated visitor
centre. Scottish history was written here in April 1746 when the
Jacobites were routed by government forces. Decades of
Highland oppression ensued.
Back on the bike, continue to the magnificent Clava Cairns. This
collection of well preserved Bronze Age cairns and passage
graves stand timeless in a tranquil open setting. Those with an
interest in archaeology, or who are simply curious about our
ancestors, will be absorbed.
If you head north across the Kessock Bridge, you can follow
Route 1 for 14 miles to Dingwall using a combination of quiet
roads and new cycleway alongside the A835 between Tore and
Maryburgh.
6
Ness Islands to Dochgarroch 2
Map 1
Merkinch
Footbridge
Inverness Museum
and Art Gallery
Inverness
Station
Castle
Inverness
Cathedral
Kinmylies
Crown
Dalneigh
B 861
Continue until you reach a narrow bridge and follow the
Great Glen Way (GGW) signs onto the Ness Islands.
Follow the GGW signs along the path across these green,
wooded islands to the far river bank. Turn left and follow
the track or quiet Bucht Road to Whin Park where there
is a childrens’ play park, boating pond, refreshments and
toilets.
B85
3
A8
2
Footbridge
AD
A 82
Hilton
Great Glen
Way
Tomnahurich Bridge
Bught Park
Sports
Centre
Play
Park
N
s
es
n
la
Is
d
s
Drummond
B8
62
Carry on up the road to Tomnahurich Bridge, where you
leave the GGW. Don’t cross the bridge, but turn sharp
left onto the canal towpath. From here enjoy a perfect
family-friendly ride along the east side of the canal – at
some points you can see the canal to one side and the
River Ness to the other. The ride ends at Dochgarroch
Lock where there is a picnic spot and a café nearby.
2
RO
Explore the Caledonian Canal on this peaceful cycle
from Inverness. To get to the canal, follow the River Ness
upstream, branching right on to Ness Bank. Where this
road curves away from the river at the suspension bridge,
keep straight on the riverside path.
Inverness
Start/
Finish
86
5
A8
6
B
Canal towpath 5 miles/8 kilometres 50 minutes
Flat
Tarmac, smooth earthen/gravel surface
BL
IG
HT
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: Lochardil
Dunain
2
A8
Be a considerate cyclist
Miles
0
●● Avoid cycling where your tyres will damage the
path or verges
1
C
an
0.5
es
s
●● Give way to others on the towpath and warn
them of your approach
●● For more information contact British Waterways
on 01923 201120 or www.waterscape.com
Ri
ve
rN
Dochgarroch
C
al
ed
on
ia
n
0
Kilometres
al
0.5
Lock
7
Start/
Finish
Start/
Finish
8
Calvine to Dalwhinnie 3
Dalwhinnie
Map 4
Dalwhinnie
Start/
Finish
The Cairngorms National
Park - Britain’s largest and
newest national park.
www.cairngorms.co.uk
A9
Ca
i
Na rngo
tio
rm
na
s
lP
ark
Loch
Ericht
North
Drumochter
Lodge
Grampian Mountains
Drumochter Pass
Looking west from the high Drumochter Pass © Fergal MacErlean
Miles
0
Dalnaspidal Lodge
0
1
Kilometres
A9
Surfaces can be loose over this sections
Upland cycle path
17 miles/27 kilometres
3 hours
A long incline with a total ascent of 665 metres
Tarmac and whin dust
Try an exciting section of National Route 7 as it crosses the
Drumochter Pass. It’s the ultimate route north with long sections
of purpose built off-road cycle path and minor roads that carry
only occasional local traffic.
The start, in the hamlet of Calvine, is marked by a drum
sculpture, which is apt as your heart will be beating loudly as you
climb to the 1508-foot-high pass. Along the way there are jaw
dropping views down Loch Garry as it disappears mysteriously
into the hills. From the top of the pass, the reward is a five-mile
downhill run to Dalwhinnie.
9
2
2
3
Start of the Gaick Pass - a testing mountain
bike route (with river crossings) to Speyside.
Use OS Landranger maps 35 & 42
Loch
Garry
Category: Distance: Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
1
Dalnacardoch
Wood
Dalnamein
Lodge
Dalnacardoch
Lodge
Clunes Lodge
House of Bruar
Old
Elrig na Curigin
Milit
ary
Roa
Start/
Finish
d
Baluain Wood
Calvine
To Pitlochry
and Glasgow
B8 4 7
10
Dalwhinnie to Kingussie 4
Craigbui
Wood
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: Quiet road and cycle path
13 miles/21 kilometres 2 hours
Initial short climb, thereafter downhill and flat
Tarmac
Highland
Folk
Museum
B9
15
2
Kingussie
With the heady smells from the Dalwhinnie
Distillery wafting in your nostrils, this route, through
heathery Glen Truim in the Cairngorms National
Park, will leave you intoxicated.
To Laggan Wolftrax
Mountain Biking
Start/
Finish
Highland
Folk
Museum
Coille na
Creige Duibhe
Ruthven
Barracks
Coille an
Torra Chrualdh
A9
Use the counterflow cycleway
on this short section of road
A8
6
After an initial climb from Dalwhinnie, Glen Truim
offers perfect cycling on a quiet, gently undulating
road. The elevated position gives good views of the
glacially smoothed Grampian Mountains.
Newtonmore
To Aviemore
After the Falls of Truim, the route follows the old A9
to reach Newtonmore. The continuation to nearby
Kingussie is on an excellent family friendly off-road
cycle path. Both of these villages have a long and
proud history, which is recounted in
their respective Highland Folk Museums.
Ralia
Miles
0
Mains of
Glentruim
Falls of Truim
0
1
Kilometres
1
2
2
3
Etteridge
To Laggan
Glen Truim
Ca
irn
A889
go
rm
Na
s
tio
Pa na
rk l
Dalwhinnie
Distillery
11
Dalwhinnie
Dalwhinnie
Start/
Finish
Map 3
Sculptures at the Highland Folk Museum © Fergal MacErlean
12
Aviemore to Boat of Garten 5
Map 6
The Strathspey Railway
(Trains run Easter to October)
Off-road cycle path
4 miles/7 kilometres
30 minutes
Gently undulating
Mainly gravel path
To Grantown
-on-Spey
B9
70
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: )
A 95(T
Boat of Garten
Speyside Way
Start/
Finish
This is a wonderful off-road route where you can
forget all about traffic and soak up the mountain
scenery. It follows an off-road variant of National
Route 7 and passes through heather moorland,
pine forest, and lichen-rich birch woods.
Wa
y
ide
eys
Lochan Dubh
tra
t hs
pe
yS
tea
m
Ra
Avie
Lochan
Sp
Access the route from the southern end of
Aviemore, the train station, or off the main street,
and turn left along a minor road. After going
through a housing estate the route leaves the
town behind: views of the Cairngorm’s deep
northern corries open up on the right. Continue
to join a very quiet road for the final mile which
leads easily through Scots pine to the attractive
village of Boat of Garten, the Osprey village.
ilw
ay
Street of
Kincardine
Loch Dallas
)
5(T
Loch pan
Carraigean
West
Croftmore
B9
70
A9
A9(T)
Th
eS
Auchgourish
River
Spey
Pityoulish
Aviemore Visitor Centre
(Cairngorms National Park)
A9(T)
Loch
Pityoulish
Aviemore
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Aviemore Station
The Strathspey Railway
(Trains run Easter to October)
Miles
0
1
2
3
Inverdruie
2
1
2
91
5
0
Kilometres
Dalfaber
Start/
Finish
B
Coylumbridge
Nordic Ski
Centre
Hotel
Mountain Rescue
Post
Doune of Rothiemurchus
(Historic Houses Association)
Rothiemurchus Estate
Mountain bike tracks
The Old Logging Way
(to Glenmore)
To Cairngorm
Mountain
Loch Alvie
13
B9152
B9
70
A9(T)
B9 7 0
To Pitlochry
and Glasgow
Loch
Morlich 14
Boat of Garten to Slochd 6
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: Off-road forest cycle path
10 miles/16 kilometres
2-3 hours
Hilly
Mainly stony paths; two-mile on-road section. Mountain bikes recommended
Miles
0
1
0
Kilometres
1
2
2
3
To
Inverness
The old bridge at Carrbridge stands strong © Fergal MacErlean
Slochd
Ski Centre, bunkhouse
and cycle hire
8
A93
Baddengorm
Woods
A9(T)
Start/
Finish
A9
38
er
Riv
Carn Bad
nan Luibhean
in
lna
Du
A938
Carrbridge
Expect variable surfaces
Sluggan
Bridge
Carrbridge
Station
B9153
Inverlaidnan
Hill
Historic
Bridge
Glencharnoch
Wood
(Woodland Trust)
Landmark
Centre
)
A9(T
General Wade’s
Military Road
Expect variable surfaces
In Carrbridge take the off-road route for Slochd, passing
Carrbridge’s wonderfully antiquated humpbacked bridge. The
initial section follows a quiet minor road before branching off
through beautiful birch woods to descend to the restored,
grass-covered Sluggan Bridge. From here enjoy cycling through
Scots pine to arrive by Slochd Mhór Lodge (bunkhouse) and
cycle shop. Another 1.5 miles takes you to Slochd Summit, where
the cycle track runs between the railway and the A9 through a
narrow pass.
15
Docharn
Craig
Docharn
B9153
From Boat of Garten the route follows a dedicated paved and flat
cyclepath, which runs separate from and parallel to the road;
open heather-covered moorland extends to the right. After 1¼
miles, cross the A95 to follow the off-road variant of National
Route 7 to Carrbridge.
The Strathspey Railway
(Trains run Easter to October)
)
A 95(T
Boat of Garten
Start/
Finish
Map 5
16
Fort William to Fort Augustus
The Great Glen Way runs for 73 miles/117 km
between Fort William and Inverness. Cyclists:
please show consideration to walkers on the
route – make them aware of your approach and slow down when
passing. For more information on the route, contact the Great
Glen Way rangers on 01320 366 633; email greatglenway@
highland.gov.uk or see www.greatglenway.com
5
5
10
W
ay
n
le
G
at
re
G
Bridge of Oich
15
arry
Invergarry
ch
Loch G
ch
0
Kilometres
10
Oi
Miles
0
Fort Augustus
Loch
Ness
Lo
On-road National Cycle Network section
Traffic-free National Cycle Network section
Gr
ea
tG
le
n
W
ay
Other routes
Laggan
Can
al
Laggan
Fort William to Gairlochy p20
Bridge of Oich to Fort Augustus p22
le
n
Cal
W
ay
edo
nian
See inset for more detail
Time: The time given to complete a route
is calculated on an average travelling time
of 7 miles or 11 km per hour. This allows
for a leisurely cycling pace or for plenty of
stops. Times and distances given for
linear routes are for one way only.
G
re
at
G
Lock
hy
ch
Loch Arkaig
Clunes
Lo
c
Lo
Great Glen Cycle
This is an attractive and mostly flat 32-mile traffic-free route from
Fort William to Fort Augustus. Maps 7 and 8 show both ends of
the route in more detail.
The middle section runs from Gairlochy to Bridge of Oich
(19miles/31km). From the end of the canal at Gairlochy follow the
Great Glen Ways (GGW) signs along the quiet B8005 to Clunes
and then a forest road and minor public road to Laggan.
G
re
at
Gl
en
W
ay
Gairlochy
Corpach
Note
This route is part of the proposed National Route 78 between
Fort William and Inverness.
Loch
Linnhe
17
At Laggan you have a choice of routes. You can continue on the
minor public road north of the canal and then on a steep forest
road to Invergarry. Continue on the GGW through the forest to
Bridge of Oich (7½ miles). Alternatively, cross the canal at
Laggan Locks (good picnic spot). Take care crossing the main
road, turn right and immediately left onto a steep path up
through trees to the disused railway line. As the route reaches
Loch Oich, it descends to the old military road and then swings
left at the northern end of the loch towards Bridge of Oich. The
path is rough and muddy in places and you may have to lift your
bike over gates in a couple of places (6¼ miles).
Fort William
18
To Fort Augustus
Cycle track and canal towpath
10 miles/16 kilometres
1 hour 30 minutes
Flat
Whin dust
05
80
Start/
Finish
G
le
n
W
ay
Gairlochy
at
Category:
Distance: Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
B
Fort William to Gairlochy 7
G
re
Explore the western end of the Great Glen
along the banks of the Caledonian Canal. This
is a great family-friendly cycle with marvellous
views of the north face of Ben Nevis. The route
starts from the centre of Fort William - from the
train station take an off-road path behind the
supermarket. Quiet streets lead to a footbridge
over the river near Inverlochy Castle. Follow
cycle lanes along the B8006 and turn left onto
a shore path and follow it round to Neptune’s
Staircase (take care crossing the A830). This
route affords memorable views right down
Loch Linnhe.
Glen Loy
led
04
B80
Ca
l
ana
nC
ia
on
Miles
0
Muirshearlich
1
0
Kilometres
1
2
2
3
Neptune’s Staircase – a photogenic flight of
eight locks, which raises vessels to 70 feet
above sea level – is equally memorable.
Continue on the eastern towpath to cycle easily
along to Gairlochy where this section of the
canal ends and Loch Lochy begins.
Torcastle
le
n
W
ay
Ca
led
on
ian
Ca
na
l
Note
This route is part of the proposed National
Route 78 between Fort William and Inverness.
G
re
at
G
Nevis Range Mountain
Bike Centre
Corpach
Corpach
Station
Neptune's
Staircase
30
A8
A8 2
6
00
B8
Caol
Loch Linnhe
Inverlochy Castle
(Historic Scotland)
Start/
Finish
Claggan
Fort William
Station
Fort William
19
West Highland Museum
(Museums Galleries Scotland)
Neptune’s Staircase by Corpach © Fergal MacErlean
20
Bridge of Oich to Fort Augustus 8
To Inverness via Drumnadrochit
- 33 miles/53 km - busy main road,
no hard shoulder.
Those with an aversion to hills will love this flat route
which follows the Caledonian Canal from the head of
Loch Oich. Join the towpath by the Aberchalder
Swing Bridge to enjoy effortless traffic-free cycling.
Jenkins
Park
The River Oich runs alongside for much of the
towpath’s length, giving a watery feeling to this
outing. On the right, rise the steep slopes of the
Great Glen formed by a tear fault in the Earth’s crust.
Continue to enter bustling Fort Augustus where the
canal descends through five locks to enter Loch
Ness. Among the many attractions is the Caledonian
Canal Visitor Centre, which details the waterway’s
history up to its present day rejuvenation.
Loch Ness
Caledonian Canal
Visitor Centre
2
A8
Fort Augustus
Abbey
nW
ay
Start/
Finish
Gr
eat
Gle
62
B8
on
ian
Ca
na
l
Note
This route is part of the proposed National Route 78
between Fort William and Inverness.
To Inverness via Dores 33 miles/53 km
- minor rural road,
some hills.
Ca
led
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
Kytra
Lock
Canal towpath
4.5 miles/7.5 kilometres
40 minutes
Flat
Whin dust
Coiltry
Great Glen Way
Coille Torr
Dhuin
2
A8
Miles
0
0
Kilometres
1
1
2
2
3
Newtown
Start/
Finish
ian
do
n
Ca
le
Bridge of Oich
(Historic Scotland)
Ca
na
l
Cullochy
Aberchalder
To Fort William
21
Loch
Oich
A peaceful Loch Ness near Fort Augustus © Fergal MacErlean
22
Argyll – the Lochgilphead area
The Crinan Canal
To Loch Awe
and Oban
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
Kilmartin
Kilmartin Glen: Temple Wood
Stone Circles (Historic Scotland)
Kimartin House Museum
Kilmartin Glen: Ballygowan
Cup And Ring Marks.
(Historic Scotland)
Kilmartin Glen:
Ri Cruin Cairn
(Historic Scotland)
9
Canal towpath
6.5miles/10.5 kilometres
1 hour
Flat
Whin dust
Kilmartin Glen: Dunchraigaig Cairn (Historic Scotland)
Kilmartin Glen: Baluachraig Cup
and Ring Marks (Historic Scotland)
Good circular route to Kilmartin using this
minor road. Use OS Explorer Map 358
Loch Crinan
Kilmartin Glen:
Dunadd Fort (Historic Scotland)
Kilmichael
Glassary
B8
0
25
Start/
Finish
Crinan
A
81
6
Kilmartin Glen:
Kilmichael Glassary Cup
and Ring Marks (Historic Scotland)
Moine Mhor National
Nature Reserve
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
an
Can
B8
41
al
Faery Isles Mountain
Bike Trails
Kilmartin Glen: Cairnbaan Cup
and Ring Marks (Historic Scotland)
Cairnbaan
The shipping shortcut of the west coast, the
Crinan Canal, is a delight for cyclists of all ages.
Dark peaty waters fill this wide canal which links
the Atlantic with Loch Fyne. Join the towpath by
Lochgilphead and turn right to cycle through lush
countryside.
At Cairnbaan, there’s the first in a series of locks.
To the north of the village lies Kilmartin Glen
which contains hundreds of Cup and Ring marked
stones, chambered cairns and stone circles
dating from Neolithic/Bronze Age times. Continue
on the canal by Móine Mhór (The Great Bog) to
reach the attractive harbour at Crinan.
For a more adventurous ride, head south on the
canal towpath to Ardrishaig. Before the canal
intersects the main road cross a bridge to the
right and head up through the residential streets
and lanes untill you come to the start of a track
that leads along the hillside above Loch Gilp. Best
suited to mountain bikes, there are some steep
gradients, but spectacular views.
23
Bridgend
Fire Tower Mountain
Bike Trails
Lochgair
Kilmartin Glen: Achnabreck Cup
and Ring Marks. (Historic Scotland)
Lochgilphead
Start/
Finish
Ardrishaig
Crinan
Canal
Barnluasgan
Visitor Centre
Crin
A83
Off-road
alternative. Forest
track. Steep
sections. Expect
variable surfaces
A83
Bellanoch
Glasham and Ardcastle
Mountain Bike Trails
Loch Gilp
Loch Fyne
To Kintyre and
Campbeltown
Miles
0
0
1
Kilometres
1
2
2
3
24
The Trossachs and Glen Ogle
Killin
Aberfoyle (Cobleland) to Callander p28
Callander to Strathyre p30
Kingshouse to Killin
p32
On-road National Cycle Network section
Traffic-free National Cycle Network section
Other routes
Lochearnhead
Time: The time given to complete a route is calculated on an
average travelling time of 7 miles or 11 km per hour. This allows
for a leisurely cycling pace or for plenty of stops. Times and
distances given for linear routes are for one way only.
Miles
0
Balquhidder
Station
0
Kilometres
Balquhidder
5
5
10
10
15
Kingshouse
Strathyre
Kilmahog
Callander
Easter
Dullater
Aberfoyle
Kirkton
23
25
Cobleland
Windygate
The Glen Ogle Viaduct near Killin © Jenny Baker
24
26
Aberfoyle (Cobleland) to Callander 10
To Stronachlachar
Loch
Katrine
Map 11
Miles
0
1
1
0
Kilometres
2
2
Ben Ledi
Falls of Leny
3
Kilmahog
Callander
Roman Fort
Sir Walter Scott
Steamship
Start/
Finish
Brig o’Turk
Loc
h Ac
hray
Scottish Cycle Centre
Loch Venachar
Loch
Drunkie
Queen Elizabeth
Forest Park
Queen Elizabeth Forest
Park Visitor Centre
B 8 29
Scottish Wool
Centre
Aberfoyle
Kirkton
Windygate
Cobleland
Cunninghame Graham Memorial
(National Trust for Scotland)
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
27
Start/
Finish
To Balloch and
Glasgow
Railway path, forestry route, loch shore cycle path and minor road
15 miles/24 kilometres
3 hours
Flat to Aberfoyle followed by a long sharp climb and descent to Loch Venachar. Flat thereafter
Tarmac, forestry roads. Mountain bike recommended
This mixed route has a very flat start and finish, but a very hilly
middle! The latter, with its steep off-road climb through Achray
Forest, is testing, even for the fittest. In complete contrast, the
other sections are ideal for all the family; the finish by Loch
Venachar offers some of the best cycling in Scotland.
Start from Cobleland to follow an old railway line by the infant
River Forth. Cycle through Aberfoyle before the climb through the
forest – rewarded with great views from the top. Descend by Loch
Drunkie and look out for Route 7 signs directing you right at a
junction. The path leads by Loch Venachar, which has many picnic
spots.
Carry straight on at the junction to reach Loch Katrine. There’s a
great cycle and walkway round the loch to Stonachlachar where
you and your bike can catch the Steamship Sir Walter Scott back
to the eastern end of the loch or carry on to Inversnaid on the east
shore of Loch Lomond. (Use OS Explorer maps 365 and 364).
28
Callander to Strathyre 11
Map 12
Strathyre
Miles
0
Start/
Finish
1
0
1
Kilometres
2
2
3
Take care - Steep zig-zag track
Looking across Loch Lubnaig towards National Route 7
© Fergal MacErlean
Laggan
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
Loch
Lubnaig
(T)
A84
Railway path
9.5 miles/15 kilometres
1 hour 30 minutes
Flat start to Falls of Leny. Thereafter undulating with some short climbs
Tarmac, whin dust
This almost entirely off-road route is a big favourite with families
and others looking for a quiet cycle. From Callander a level
cyclepath follows the old Oban railway line alongside the River
Leny. Just outside the town it passes the remains of a Roman
fort at Bochastle – one of several in the area.
Chalets
Pass the mesmerising Falls of Leny and continue, through an
oakwood, to reach Loch Lubnaig, which has a strong Highland
character. The cycle route uses a quiet access road for some of
the way. Take a picnic – you’re sure to find an idyllic spot for
lunch. After four flat miles you’ll encounter some hills and one
very steep zig-zag section but the final stretch into Strathyre is
a breeze.
Stank
Ben Ledi
Falls of Leny
Kilmahog
Roman Fort
29
Scottish Cycle Centre
Callander
Start/
Finish
Map 10
30
Kingshouse to Killin 12
Loch Tay
Moirlanich Longhouse
(National Trust
for Scotland)
Castle (Ruin)
Killin
Start/
Finish
To Kenmore and
Pitlochry
Breadalbane Folklore Centre
Loch Voil by Balquhidder © Fergal MacErlean
Mobile Snack Bar
(Usually)
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
Viaduct
2
0
1
Kilometres
le
2
Og
1
en
Gl
Miles
0
3
Lochearnhead
Take care - Steep zig-zag track
Loch
Earn
Edinample
T)
4(
A8
Balquhidder
oil
och V
L
31
Enjoy another entirely off-road section of National Route 7 as you
travel north to the beautiful village of Killin. Join the route off the
minor road to Balquhidder, which is worth a look itself as it’s the
resting place of Rob Roy. The incorrigible outlaw – forced by a
crooked landlord into a life of cattle rustling – is synonymous with
the surrounding rugged landscape.
As you approach Lochearnhead, you’ll experience this
ruggedness first hand where the cyclepath climbs alarmingly
before a long incline up Glen Ogle. Enjoy the views and catch
your breath at the top before continuing through forestry for a
well deserved rest in Killin.
Balquhidder
Station
Rob Roy’s Grave
Puidreag Plantation
(Woodland Trust)
Railway path, forestry road
10 miles/16 kilometres
2 hours
Undulating to Lochearnhead then stiff climb and long incline up Glen Ogle. Mainly downhill and flat to Killin
Tarmac, whin dust, forestry road
Start/
Finish
Kingshouse
Map 11
32
National Cycle Network in Scotland
From gentle rides along old railway lines, canal
towpaths and quiet country routes over moorland,
mountain and forest terrain, cycling in Scotland
has something for everyone.
SHETLAND ISLANDS
This map shows the National Cycle Network
routes in Scotland. You may want to cycle part of
them as a day trip or enjoy a longer cycle.
Unst
1
Stromness
1
Kirkwall
1
See page 38 for a list of maps and guides
available from Sustrans.
John o'Groats
Thurso
1
Lerwick
Tongue
Sumburgh
1
Lairg
Tain
Cullen
Cromarty
Buckie
Elgin
Banff
Forres
Nairn
79
7
78
1
Carrbridge
Loch Ness
Broadford
Lochboisdale
Maud
Turriff
Inverness
Glenelg
Aviemore
Kingussie
Newtonmore
79
Castlebay
Dyce
Aberdeen
Fort Augustus
Invergarry
Cairngorms National Park
195
Loch Lochy
Stonehaven
78
7
Fort William
Blair Atholl
Pitlochry
Montrose
1
Aberfeldy
Dunkeld
7
Arbroath
Killin
Taynuilt
On-road section
78
40
75
Towns with railway stations
Tarbert
Towns without railways stations
78
Claonaig
Kennacraig
Lochranza
National Cycle Network route number
Port
Ellen
Regional route number
73
7
777
Alloa
7
Barrhead
Brodick
76
Edinburgh
Dalkeith
Berwick-upon-Tweed
74
Carstairs Junction
82
Galashiels
Troon
Malin Head
Ayr
Carndonagh
Greencastle
Buncrana
Creeslough
Magilligan
Point
Derry/
Londonderry
92
Letterkenny
Raphoe
Claudy
Harwick
Newtownstewart
Donegal
Ballyshannon
33
Pettigoe
Amble
Ballymoney
Antrim
94
Lower
91
92
Fintona
Dungannon
Lough
Neagh
Larne
Gatehouse
of Fleet
72
72
Castle Douglas
Silloth
Carlisle Brampton 68
10
Alston
7
Maryport
Bangor
Cockermouth
Whitehaven
72
South Shields
Consett
Washington
7
68
20
Appleby
Sunderland
Seaham
14
Wingate
1
Penrith
71 Keswick
Tynemouth
Gateshead
14
Durham
10
Blyth
Newcastle
Corbridge
Haltwhistle Hexham
72
Workington
Comber
Lagan Valley
10 Cramlington
10
Annan
Newtownards
Belfast
Gretna
7
93
Carrickfergus
94 Whiteabbey
Lisburn
94
Cairnryan
Newton Stewart
Stranraer
73
Toome
Cookstown
Dumfries
7
Glenarm
Ashington
68
Bellingham
Lockerbie
97
Ballymena
Bundoran
Belleek
Cushendall
The Glens
of Antrim
93
95
Omagh
1
93
96
Gortin
Northumberland
74
Cushendun
Sperrins
95
68
7
Bushmills
Coleraine
Portglenone
Strabane
Bamburgh
Wooler
Maybole
Portrush Ballycastle
Castlerock
Limavady
Burtonport
1
Melrose
Abington
Campbeltown
Rathlin Island
76
Musselburgh
73
Penicuik
Hamilton
Kilwinning
Irvine
Kilmarnock
73
78
1
Glenrothes
766
Dunfermline Kirkcaldy
764
76
Larbert /
Kirkintilloch Stenhousemuir
/ Lenzie
Dumbarton
754
Clydebank
Greenock 75
Glasgow
Bathgate 75
Kilmacolm
East End
Paisley
Balerno
Airdrie
Lochwinnoch
Livingston
Ardrossan
Leuchars
St Andrews
776
1
Stirling
Carnoustie
Monifieth
777
Perth
Aberfoyle
Crinan
Colonsay
Selected regional routes
Dundee
Callander
765
Tarbet
Proposed routes
1
775
775
Traffic-free sections
10
77
Loch Lomond
& The Trossachs
National Park
Oban
Stockton
-onTees
14
Hartlepool
Redcar
34
Support Sustrans today
Sustrans is the UK’s leading
sustainable transport charity.
Our vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways
that benefit their health and the environment. We work on
practical, innovative solutions to the transport challenges facing
us all. Sustrans is the charity behind the award winning National
Cycle Network, Safe Routes to Schools, Bike It, TravelSmart,
Active Travel, Connect2 and Liveable Neighbourhoods, all
projects that are changing our world one mile at a time.
Support Sustrans.
Join the movement.
For more information on the National Cycle Network, to buy
maps and guides or to find out more about Sustrans,
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If you think what we do sounds sensible, we urgently need
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Sustrans and projects such as the National Cycle Network would
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To become a Sustrans Supporter today please complete the
form on the opposite page and send it to:
Sustrans
Freepost BS7739
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BS1 5FA
or phone 0845 838 0651
If you’d like to help Sustrans in a hands-on way, why not
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As a Sustrans Volunteer Ranger you will help to look after and
promote a section of the National Cycle Network near your
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Please complete this form and send it to:
Sustrans, Freepost BS7739, Bristol BS1 5FA.
Alternatively, you can make a donation online by visiting
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Data protection: We promise that any information you give will
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How to donate: Choose your preferred donation method and
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Registered Charity No. 326550 (England and Wales)
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36
Also available from Sustrans
To order maps and guides for stunning cycling and walking
routes throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK please call
0845 113 00 65 or visit
www.sustranshop.co.uk
Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay
by Direct Debit
Lochs & Glens Pack
Covering National Route 7
between Inverness
and Carlisle
Code NNP01, £18.00
Please fill in the whole form and send it to:
Sustrans, Freepost BS7739, Bristol, BS1 5FA
Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society
To: The Manager
Bank/Building Society
Coast & Castles Pack
Covering National Route 1
between Newcastle
and Aberdeen
Code NNP04, £16.00
Address
National Cycle Network
Maps for Scotland:
Postcode
Name(s) of Account Holder(s)
Lochs & Glens South
Carlisle to Glasgow via the Ayrshire coast
Code NN7B, £6.99
Bank/Building Society account number
Lochs & Glens North
Northern section of the Lochs and Glens cycle route between
Glasgow and Inverness
Code NN7C, £6.99
Branch sort code
Salmon Run
Dundee to Perth and Pitlochry plus five circular rides in the
Tay Valley
Code NN77, £3.99
Originator’s indentification number
6
7
2
6
7
Oban to Campbeltown
Code NN78, £3.99
7
Aberdeen to John O’Groats
Code NN1E, £2.99
Reference number
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Code NN1D, £2.99
Instruction to your Bank or Building Society
Please pay Sustrans Direct Debits from the account detailed in
this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct
Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain
with Sustrans and, if so, details will be passed electronically to
my Bank or Building Society.
Forth & Clyde
Code NN75, £6.99
Round the Forth (2008 edition)
Code NN76, £6.99
Coast & Castles South (2008 edition)
Code NN1C, £6.99
Signature(s)
Other booklets in this series:
Date
Edinburgh, Fife, Central and Borders
37
!
Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions
for some types of account.
Glasgow and Ayrshire
Firth of Tay to Moray
38
Area covered by this booklet
Nairn
Inverness
7
78
Carrbridge
Loch Ness
Aviemore
Invergarry
Fort Augustus
Kingussie
Newtonmore
79
Cairngorms National Park
Loch Lochy
78
7
Fort William
Blair Atholl
Pitlochry
Aberfeldy
7
Killin
Loch Lomond
& the Trossachs
National Park
Callander
74
Tarbert
Aberfoyle
Crinan
Lochgilphead
40
7
75
Falkirk
To find maps, route information and suggested routes
from cyclists throughout Scotland visit:
www.routes2ride.org.uk/scotland
Sustrans and the National Cycle Network
Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity,
working on practical projects so people choose to travel in
ways that benefit their health and the environment. The charity
is behind many groundbreaking projects including the National
Cycle Network, over twelve thousand miles of traffic-free, quiet
lanes and on-road walking and cycling routes around the UK.
We are the charity making a difference today so everyone can
live a better tomorrow.
Support Sustrans. Join the movement.
For more information on the National Cycle Network, to buy
maps and guides or to become a Sustrans Supporter
visit or call:
www.sustrans.org.uk
0845 113 00 65
Front cover: istock
This booklet has been produced
with the support of the Scottish Goverment
First edition 2009
Registered Charity No. 326550 (England
and Wales) SC039263 (Scotland)