Tour of The Trossachs
Grade: hard.
An exhilarating and hilly parcour through the heart of the Trossachs – a classic roadie circuit featuring a big climb, quiet roads and outstanding scenery. From Aberfoyle, the route is straight into the biggest climb of the day (Duke’s Pass) and it’s worth warming-up beforehand – it’s 3.8km long and a tough challenge with gradients fluctuating between 6-11% and numerous sharp ramps.
Duke's Pass views (Ben A'an)
Duke's Pass views
Having dispatched the climb, the route now enters a beautiful area reminiscent of high alpine pasture with roadside crags and forested horizons. Descend to Loch Achray via a glorious series of sinuous, twisting bends to a junction at the A821 – turn left for Loch Katrine. From the pier area, follow the loch shore for the next 21km along a private single track road – be prepared for oncoming traffic, other cyclists and walkers as you pass through a wondrous landscape until the cafe at Stronachlachar. The route now heads uphill to a junction with Lochard Road (B829) – turn left to pass the picturesque Loch Arklet. The next 18km contains the odd short climb, but it’s mostly an enjoyable cruise back to Aberfoyle via Loch Chon and Loch Ard.
For families or cyclists wanting a shorter ride, a cruise boat service operates from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar – providing a popular opportunity to cycle back on the shore road and experience the loch from the water.
Loch Ard
Points of interest
- Aberfoyle walks and picnic areas
- Queen Elizabeth Forest: The Lodge visitor centre, Go Ape, forest cycle paths, Sculpture Trail
- Loch Achray & Loch Ard forests
- Duke’s Pass and Three Lochs Forest Drive
- The Great Trossachs Path – long distance route
- The Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve, one of the largest of its kind in the UK
- Loch Katrine, Loch Arklet, Loch Ard and Loch Chon
- Ben Venue (729m)
- Sailing on the SS Sir Walter Scott Steamship from Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar
Facilities
Refreshments are available on route at Brenachoile Cafe (Loch Katrine Pier) and The Pier Cafe, Stronachlachar. Aberfoyle is well served with cafes, a supermarket and accommodation.
Loch Katrine
Download route card
Details are current as of October 2015. Whilst the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority and its project partners have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the route card information, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority and its project partners cannot be held responsible in any way for any changes that may take place to the routes, nor for any errors in the route cards, nor for any accidents, injuries or damage sustained whilst following the routes. Cycling is a risk sport and all persons using the cycle routes do so at their own risk, acknowledging and accepting the risk of accident, injury or damage.