Eight great places to mountain bike in the Park
Scotland is acclaimed as one of the world’s best mountain biking countries. There are trails and terrains to suit all ages, fitness abilities and aspirations. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is proud to offer a huge array of places to mountain bike, from way-marked and easy-going routes to epic and remote single tracks.
Whether you own your own bike or hire one, you only really need a few items of basic kit including helmet and sports clothes, as well as a sense of adventure to enjoy many miles of mountain biking fun.
Check out the useful Guide to Responsible Mountain Biking in Scotland.
We reveal eight great places to go mountain biking in the National Park.
Three easy mountain biking routes
Loch Ard
- Where: Near Aberfoyle
- A 3.5-mile easy-going circuit that is perfect for families.
- See: Loch Ard Loop
Ben Lomond seen over Loch Ard
Loch Eck
- Where: Near Dunoon
- A 9-mile cycle that visits the beaches and forests of the western shores of Loch Eck.
- See: The Banks of Loch Eck
Strathyre Forest
- Where: Near Callander
- A family-friendly bike ride of almost eight miles, through the forest with scenic gems including mountains, lochs and wildlife. You’ll also visit the village of Balquhidder, which is home to the grave of Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish outlaw, who later became a folk hero.
- See: Rob Roy Loop
Fairie Hollow viewpoint at Loch Lubnaig
Two moderate mountain biking routes
Loch Venachar
- Where: Near Callander
- This is a more challenging ride of 16 miles around picturesque Loch Venachar. The first part follows the quiet Invertrossachs Road (NCN7) along the loch shore, followed by a tougher section on the Great Trossachs Path high above the loch.
- See: Loch Venachar Loop
Loch Arklet
- Where: North of Aberfoyle
- The 5-mile (one way) route takes in the three lochs of Lomond, Arklet and Katrine and wonderful views on a fine day of the mountains of Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and the Cobbler. You have the option to combining cycling with a waterbus journey at the start from Tarbet, across Loch Lomond to Inversnaid.
- From Stronachlachar, after riding along Loch Arket, there is an option to cycle the mostly traffic-free shoreline road for 13 miles around Loch Katrine to the pier.
- See: Old Military Road
Loch Arklet
Two challenging mountain biking routes
Glen Loin
- Where: Arrochar
- This is superb but challenging ride of around 11 miles that heads through the rugged wild of the Arrochar Alps. The circuit involves a long climb, some technical sections, a fantastic descent and all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
- See: Glen Loin Loop
Glen Finglas
- Where: Near Brig o’ Turk
- This is a truly wonderful off-road ride for those that have the skills and energy. Although only 15 miles it includes more than 500m of climbing and lots of mini ups and downs. However, the rewards are in the stunning views over forest and mountains.
- See: Glen Finglas Loop
And a bike park
Learn to ride off-road and improve your skills at the purpose-built Aberfoyle Bike Park on the edge of the village. There are lots of fun features including a rock garden, skinnies, drops, jumps and berms.