Enjoy a leisurely cycle tour of rural Scotland
Explore Scotland with your clan by bike
Enjoy some off-road cycling through the stunning scenery
Finish the tour in the fine city of Perth
Stop along the way to appreciate the views
Meander along the banks of lochs and rivers as you explore this region of Scotland

Scotland Lochs and Glens

Duration
5 days
Site savings
$15
From
$721 USD

Enjoy a leisurely 5-day tour as you cycle the shimmering lochs and majestic glens of Scotland on this self-guided bike tour. Suitable for families and those looking for a moderately paced tour, the tour follows National Cycle Network routes, paths and quiet roads with some sections on cinder trails and well surfaced off-road trails. The tour starts from the quaint village of Balloch, gateway to glorious Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and finishes in Perth on the banks of the River Tay. Experience a charming route that winds its way through rolling hills and forested countryside, passing glistening lochs and secluded wooded glens.

  • Category
    For Families
  • Type
    Self-Guided
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    1 - Beginner
  • Activity Level
    2 - Moderate
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    129.2 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    32.3 miles
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    5 days
  • Main Destination
    United Kingdom
  • Distance
    129.2 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    32.3 miles
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Arrival into Balloch

    Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond, is where you will spend your first evening. If you plan to arrive by air, the nearest airport is Glasgow which has direct transport links to Glasgow train station. For those arriving by train (40 minutes from Glasgow) your accommodation is a short walk from the station. If you decide to arrive into Balloch by car, limited parking is available near the accommodation for the duration of the trip. The evening can be spent strolling along the shoreline and sampling local dishes.

    • Local accommodation
  2. Day 2Balloch to Callander

    Following a hearty Scottish breakfast, you will be met by a representative who will provide you with your hire bikes (if hiring), an Information Pack including route notes, maps and additional information for your trip. You then follow a route via lochs and glens (no surprises there!) to Callander, your second night’s stop.

    The route takes you out into the solitude of the countryside from Loch Lomond to Loch Venacher via quiet country roads. After Aberfoyle, you will enter Achray Forest from where you will weave your way to Callander along the southern shore of Loch Venacher. Some climbing, with the inevitable descents, but plenty of time to enjoy the views, tranquillity and great cycling.

    • 34.2 miles
    • Accommodation in Callander
    • Breakfast
  3. Day 3Callander to Killin

    The countryside is different to yesterday’s riding, with a gentler landscape of farmland and woodland. A real combination of surfaces today, quiet lanes, cycle paths and a disused railway line through the beautiful Glen Ogle.

    You are now close to the birthplace of folk hero and latter-day Robin Hood, Rob Roy Macgregor, whose grave may be found in Balquhidder. The final stretch is to Killin (or nearby) where you stop for the night.

    • 24.9 miles
    • Accommodation in Killin
    • Breakfast
  4. Day 4Killin to Pitlochry

    The start of the day follows the 15 miles long Loch Tay to Aberfeldy the home to Dewars World of Whisky Distillery. All road today, as you pass through Aberfeldy and Strathay, before arriving at Pitlochry – watch out for those leaping salmon!

    An optional detour can be made from here to the Edradour Distillery (2.5 miles from Pitlochry) – you’ll need no persuasion to visit Scotland’s smallest distillery, established way back in 1825. The wide glens of the river Tay and River Tummel guide you to Pitlochry and your accommodation for the night.

    • 37.9 miles
    • Accommodation in Pitlochry
    • Breakfast
  5. Day 5Pitlochry to Perth

    Retracing your bicycle tracks to the Logierait Viaduct you now follow the River Tay on the National Cycle Network route 77, The Salmon Run. This route eventually brings you to Perth, the town that inspired Sir Walter Scott to pen ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’, which in turn inspired Bizet’s opera.

    On the way to this fair city, tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills, you will discover one of Perthshire’s gems – the cathedral town of Dunkeld. Resting on the opposite bank of the River Tay is the Victorian village of Birnam. Together, the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts and the great green outdoors.

    At the end of the day, you will be met by your representative and either whisked back to your car or given your bags to catch a train in Perth.

    • 32.3 miles
    • Breakfast