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Loch Ard Forest Mountain Biking

Something a little more difficult.

Route Profile

Loch Ard Forest Mountain Biking profile

Route Map

Map of Loch Ard Forest Mountain Biking

Key route details

Region(s): West Highlands & Islands, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs
Distance: 24 miles
Difficulty: Difficult route
Type of Ride: Mountain Biking
Surface: Dirt Footpath
Environment: Rural

Start Point: Orbital Route
End Point: Orbital Route

What's Nearby:

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Loch Ard Forest can be a good day out whatever your ability. The Loch Ard route is an easy cycle near to the loch. Fairly flat with fine views, it's an excellent option for young children.

The orbital route is more challenging with stiff climbs and steep descents. If these are taken quickly they need good reactions and well adjusted brakes! On the way there are excellent views towards Stirling and the Lake of Menteith (Scotland's only lake) and Ben Venue to the north.

Aberfoyle has a number of attractions, Liz MacGregor's tea room on the corner is recommended. There is a tourist office, plus B&Bs, hotels and shops, some serving carry-out food. Cycle hire is available at Cobleland Camp Site, access from just north of Gartmore (see map), phone number 01877 376284.

The Scottish Wool Centre is in Aberfoyle. They have weaving demonstrations and often sheepdog demonstrations with live sheep. Naturally the product is for sale in the form of sweaters etc; the centre also has a tea room.

The Orbital Route is signed with green signs with yellow bike stencils. Leave Aberfoyle travelling west and turn left (south) at the crossroads at the west end of the village. After 200m you enter the forest by the Covenanters Inn.

Twenty-four miles is a long way for a route of this difficulty and unless you want a full day you might be well advised to reduce the distance by taking a short cut.

One possible option would be to return to Aberfoyle on the Water Board road (see map), the early part of which is tarmac, another would be to use the minor road via Gartmore. Between Gartmore and Aberfoyle you can avoid the A81 by using the National Cycle Network cyclepath which runs near the road on a former railway line.

There is no reason why you should not cycle on any of the forest roads apart from the fact that they will not be signed. OS Landranger map sheet 57 would be advisable if you intend to depart from the marked route. You should not cycle on footpaths which are reserved for walkers.