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Planning to start in callander then cycle to and round loch katrine (via the a821), then returning via the b829, over the dukes pass and back along the a821.
Question is, are there any routes to the south of loch venachar that would enable us to miss out the a821. We'll be on road bikes so forestry tracks not an option. There looks to be loads of trails to the south of the loch but can't tell is they are tarmac or not.
If not, how safe is the a821 for cycling on? I've been on it beafore i think, and seem to recall it's windy and narrow and full of folks out on day trips?
I've cycled that in both directions - more than once! I can't recall traffic being a problem.
Cool, thanks Scotroutes!
I've done those roads on an Evans sportive and the traffic was very light.
If not, how safe is the a821 for cycling on? I’ve been on it beafore i think, and seem to recall it’s windy and narrow and full of folks out on day trips?
Dukes Pass is popular with cyclists, motorcyclists, cars and day trippers.
So it can be very variable, some days its fine, some days there are coaches on the wrong side of hairpin bends, tourists stopped in the road for pictures, cyclists descending on the wrong side of the road, and people out for fast runs on bikes and in cars riding/driving like muppets.
Lovely road though, I like going over it on a motorbike (at sensible speeds)
B829 is generally quieter, but it is a narrower road, and does get coaches on it
As above, it's not normally an issue. That said, it will be busy mid-late Saturday & Sunday mornings in the season...
south of loch venachar
If you're ok with some gravel, you can do Dukes Pass, then pick up the forest drive, then onto the (lovely) south loch gravel path, then the tarmac road from Invertrossachs. I would choose this as a more varied and nicer pedal than the road, let alone traffic.
You can also stop at Archray farm for the BEST home made ice cream ever - and meet the goats they milk for it.
Gravel bit
Private road bit
Quick thread hijack...
Does anyone happen to know if you have to pay for the Loch Katrine car park - the one at the Eaat side where the private cycle road starts from. If so, how much is it and will the machines take a card? Planning to be there tomorrow morning.
I once was pootling along on my motorbike over the dukes pass when overtaken by a cyclist! I was following a slow car in my defense and looking at the view
There is a path along the south of loch venacher and also a bit further south a thru route used by the rob roy way to aberfolyle. I think cyclable but its years since i walked it
Yes it is pay and display, as is the Forestry Commission car park a few hundred metres away on Archray west end.
I *think* they are still cash. They were suspended for much of the winter.
If you are there early there's a few free roadside parking spots at the south shore of Archray.
A road alternative is the A81 to Aberfoyle. Not as narrow, less busy and only adds about 4k to the distance. Matt's route would be mine though not sure I'd fancy it on a road bike. Haven't been to try Crispin's icecream yet. Maybe go up when he gets his fat bike evening hire up and running.
The gravel route over the Duke's Pass is brilliant. You could probably do it on a road bike if it's not too wet.
Worth checking if the route round Loch Katrine is open. I've been caught out a couple of times with it being closed.
I certainly wouldn't condone jumping over the fences..
Well I survived! Traffic was fine along the entire route and the sunshine made it a most enjoyable day out.
We were there this morning. Just rode to the end of the loch and back with Mrs B along the private road. Absolutely stunning place.
Parking was £4 for I think 4 hours by the way. Machines only took cash but you could pay on a card in the boat ticket office.