Welcome to a little bit of bikepacking paradise, cruising through the southern Highlands of Scotland, utilising quiet loch-side roads, fantastic sections of the National Cycle Network, old railway lines and forest trails. Starting in the Highland town of Pitlochry this journey can be done over two or three days, therefore, it makes for a fantastic long weekend in the saddle as we pick our way through dramatic landscapes, pine forests and lochs; culminating on the shores of the Firth of Clyde in the coastal town of Helensburgh.
Starting and finishing at major railway stations, this route also gives a brilliant way to get away from it all without the need for a car.
Starting and finishing at major railway stations, this route also gives a brilliant way to get away from it all without the need for a car.
From the beautiful and historic highland town of Pitlochry, we begin our journey with a gradual climb on a lovely, with ever increasing views across the town and out towards the beautiful peak of Ben Vrackie, we descend to the River Tay, which will accompany us for much of the morning. Following the river West, we skirt around the town of Aberfeldy, home to Dewar's Whisky (optional tour and tasting recommended!) before traveling on to the village of Kenmore and the beginning of our relationship with Loch Tay, the 6th largest freshwater loch in Scotland. The loch will stay with us for the next 25km as we follow the southern shore on a stunning rolling road before finally coming to an end in the beautiful village of Killin. An optional stop at the Scottish Crannog Centre is also possible on the banks of Loch Tay.
From Killin we head on to even quieter trails as we use old railway lines and forest tracks, slowly climbing to the highpoint at the head of Glen Ogle and the tranquil Lochain Lairig Cheile. From here we have a truly wonderful descent in to Glen Ogle along the old railway, often feeling like it is clinging to the side of the valley. At the mouth of the glen we arrive at Lochearnhead and enter a lovely section of flowing woodland trails. Keep an eye out for beaver dams in this area. Soon we meet the next loch along our journey, Loch Lubnaig. Following the western shore of the loch we soon reach the picturesque highland town of Callander.
Onwards from Callander our route heads for one of the most dramatic sections of our journey, The Elizabeth Forest Park. Following the 'forest road' we meander through pine forests and lochs as we climb to the summit of The Dukes Pass. From the summit we have an exhilarating descent in to the town of Aberfeldy. Beyond Aberfeldy we are greeted with more the rolling terrain of the Scottish Lowlands leading us all the way to the banks of Loch Lomond and onwards to our final destination in Helenburgh.
Time for that victory drink/fish & chips/sleep (delete as appropriate!)
From Killin we head on to even quieter trails as we use old railway lines and forest tracks, slowly climbing to the highpoint at the head of Glen Ogle and the tranquil Lochain Lairig Cheile. From here we have a truly wonderful descent in to Glen Ogle along the old railway, often feeling like it is clinging to the side of the valley. At the mouth of the glen we arrive at Lochearnhead and enter a lovely section of flowing woodland trails. Keep an eye out for beaver dams in this area. Soon we meet the next loch along our journey, Loch Lubnaig. Following the western shore of the loch we soon reach the picturesque highland town of Callander.
Onwards from Callander our route heads for one of the most dramatic sections of our journey, The Elizabeth Forest Park. Following the 'forest road' we meander through pine forests and lochs as we climb to the summit of The Dukes Pass. From the summit we have an exhilarating descent in to the town of Aberfeldy. Beyond Aberfeldy we are greeted with more the rolling terrain of the Scottish Lowlands leading us all the way to the banks of Loch Lomond and onwards to our final destination in Helenburgh.
Time for that victory drink/fish & chips/sleep (delete as appropriate!)
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Key Information: Group Size: Up to 6. Distance: ~110km/68miles. Ascent: 1800m. Time: 2-3 days. |
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Prices from:
First person - £250, plus £100pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras: Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation prior to and post tour can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via Adventures know at the time of booking if required. To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch. |
Guinea Pig Price:
As a Guinea Pig tour, this will operate at almost-cost price, with clients simply covering the base costs required to operate the tour. This will vary depending on accommodation required and time of year. Therefore, please get in touch with Terra Via Adventures for Guinea Pig pricing. |
Safety Information:
- Ideal Bike: Gravel/Adventure, HT mountain bike.
- Please make sure your bike is in good roadworthy condition. Terra Via Adventures reserves the right to deny you participation in the activity with no refund if your equipment is not safe to take part.
- Group Size: Up to 8
- Although not required by British law, we ask that all participants wear a helmet on our rides.
- All participants must be comfortable riding on roads and be able to clearly use hand signals amongst traffic.
If there are any other activities you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.