Thinking of doing the north third loop tomorrow and having never done it before was wondering what is the best way to get to the top , the MBR route has you going round the reservoir then up from the road or there is a route on mtb trails.info that has you approach it from the other side through the woods .
Which way do you reckon ?

Round the reservoir is my preference. It’s more scenic.

Either – we often do the woods route in as we cycle in from Stirling.

Link to the MBR route?

http://www.mbr.co.uk/routes/scotland-routes/north-third-stirlingshire

Scenic sounds good . Where is best to park ?

Park at the car park at the top of Quarry road, Cambusbarron.

I’ve did it both ways many times, prefer to approach from the climb out of Sauchieburn house, descend to the left, then climb back up and ride along the cliff.

Each to their own though, Legend reckons my way is shite. 😆

Ghillies hill near the start is worth exploring – both the bing/new quarry has some fun to be had, but the East side of the hill and along the Cambusbarron village is riddled with singletrack. Do be careful though – there are some dodgy old north shore stylee sections and un-warned of drops…

Good info , thanks all