Hiya!
First weekend in June myself and a couple of mates are planning to do 2 or 3 days (leisurely!) of the Great North Trail. I do not know the trail at all, and none of us are cycle touring experienced (me the most, but that is pretty limited).
Plan is to either start or finish at Rannoch, middle overnight in Callander, possibly also overnight in Killin to break the ride more (2 mates are not very experienced cyclists). B&Bs, so no need to carry tents etc.
Would you do the route N-S, or S-N?
It looks like MTBs a good idea, but there's going to be no tech is there? (worried my mates will die!).
Any other tips greatly appreciated.
Part of a route I have worked out going further north. This is unverified but the route I put together uses Kelvin Cycle way out of Glasgow to Milngavie. North on West Highland Way to Drymen then Rob Roy Way across to Aberfoyle then on to Callander.
Route 7 up to Killin then for old times sake over the Ben Lawyers road to Bridge of Balgie. There is another route available.
Over the top then to Bridge of Gaur (see HT550 route) then by road to Rannoch.
On the route to or from Callander be aware if you use the Loch Venacher route it is a Camping Permit area.
Definitely go south to north, ride away from the city and take the train back.
The ideal bike for a novice on this is a 29er hardtail with quick rolling tyres and plenty of gearing, as there area a couple of noteable climbs. It's non0tech all the way really, cyclepath, tracks and forestry roads, some minor or estate roads.
Yes, I'd break it into 3 days to make it more fun for the pals, more sociable, no stress over timings, mechanicals or fitness that way.. Allows for slippage, faffage and an extra coffee.
Plenty facilities in Aberfoyle and Callander. Cake at Mhor84, near Balquidder and only a few yards off the NC7 trail.
No shortage of pubs and food stops along the way. Cake at the Bridge of Balgie café. Café at the Rannoch station platform; note, that's not the same place as the halt at Ossian, famous from Trainspotting for the classic irony: 'It's sh1te being Scottish..'
Enjoy... Should be superb.
The one downside of heading north will be pressure on your schedule to catch that one specific train you've booked. I prefer to get that out of the way at the start.
thanks folks!
@highlandman, thats very encouraging, thank you, lots of good tips. Cake? Pubs? perfect! Whilst I appreciate your guidance to go North and ride out of Glasgow, I must admit that @scotroutes comment is playing on my mind. 3 days sounds like a good, fun trip. Pray for sun (but not too much) and light breeze to keep the midges aff!
I've done many Munro walks in the past that ended 'far away', with a train to catch, and it really upped the stress levels. I think we'll go North - South, much as it may be less attractive.
Cheers!
I've always enjoyed racing trains/ferries on my trips, adds a bit of adventure and I love the feeling of boarding train, sitting down and knowing you've 'done it' and can just relax and enjoy a replay of the scenery as you travel back home.
My vote is always S-N
The answer is obviously to drive to Rannoch, jump on the train to Glasgow and ride back to Rannoch 😊
(I'm thinking of doing the WHW like this)
Or just build in enough spare time along the way...?
At least there's the station café to kill time in at Rannoch (or Ossian, for that matter..)
The link between Rannoch and Loch Tulla is so tantalising yet I understand it's a bit of a bogfest?
I know there's a quad bike track extends a bit further past Gorton bothy but then got the impression it was just impassable bogs... off to check Geograph again...
Defo south to north, would be ridiculous finishing a lovely ride in Glasgow.