Cycle route from Crieff to Aviemore

[mikec27]

Going on holiday to Crieff then Aviemore so planning to cycle between the 2.

Looking for some advice on best route on my road bike

Based on quick look at google maps was thinking-
From Crieff, take A822 to Aberfeldy
Then A846 to Tummel Bridge
Then take a right turn shortly after to travel north joining B847 shortly before turning left onto unnamed road north to join A9 at
Dalnacardoch Lodge
Then 13 miles up A9 to Dalwhinnie - would rather use the cycle path than cycle on A9
Then A889 to Laggan followed by A86 / B9152 to Aviemore

Anyone got any experience of those roads (and section of cycle path) and suitability for a road bike with 23c tyres

Thanks

 

[slow scot]

Going on holiday to Crieff then Aviemore so planning to cycle between the 2.

Looking for some advice on best route on my road bike

Based on quick look at google maps was thinking-
From Crieff, take A822 to Aberfeldy
Then A846 to Tummel Bridge
Then take a right turn shortly after to travel north joining B847 shortly before turning left onto unnamed road north to join A9 at
Dalnacardoch Lodge
Then 13 miles up A9 to Dalwhinnie - would rather use the cycle path than cycle on A9
Then A889 to Laggan followed by A86 / B9152 to Aviemore

Anyone got any experience of those roads (and section of cycle path) and suitability for a road bike with 23c tyres

Thanks

Your route is very attractive, but hilly. The easiest way would be to cross the Tay at Aberfeldy and go east on Sustrans Route 7. This takes you on back roads to Pitlochry then continues north to Aviemore. Your way is a fantastic route, and still takes you to Route 7 when you hit the A9. On neither way do you need to go on the A9, which is not good on a bike. And every inch is on tarmac, so 23c tyres would not be a problem.

 

[Edwardoka]

Your route is very attractive, but hilly. The easiest way would be to cross the Tay at Aberfeldy and go east on Sustrans Route 7. This takes you on back roads to Pitlochry then continues north to Aviemore. Your way is a fantastic route, and still takes you to Route 7 when you hit the A9. On neither way do you need to go on the A9, which is not good on a bike. And every inch is on tarmac, so 23c tyres would not be a problem.

I agree with this but would like to add a couple of things.

The cycle path alongside the A9 is of variable quality. It is falling into disrepair, and isn't great in places but it's not unrideably bad. I have done it on 23c tyres a couple of times - just be careful if you pick up a bit of pace as it can very rapidly transition from good smooth tarmac to sketchy.

The Tummel Bridge/Trinafour road is very hilly but absolutely worth it. The main issue is that it's remote with little to no opportunity for resupply between Aberfeldy and Dalwhinnie.

I'd recommend against going along the back road from Dalwhinnie to Laggan, at busy times it can pick up quite a lot of cross-country traffic between the A9 and A86.

 

[HLaB]

When I used to do it i went up the A822 to Glen Quich and Kenmore. Then the back roads/sustrans route to Aviemore.
Its quite hilly over to Kenmore but it gets you off the A822 earlier. But if you prefer to reduce climbing and dont mind A roads, I'd agree and stay on the A822/ A826 to Aberfeldy.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I could be totally wrong, but I think @Mo1959 is from that way

 

[Sunny Portrush]

I would be another one that advocates staying off the A9, it`s just far too dangerous to be cycling on. And I know the cycle path isn`t in the best condition but I would use it every time. I have driven that road a lot and nearly every time I see someone doing something stupid in a vehicle

 

[Mo1959]

I could be totally wrong, but I think @Mo1959 is from that way

I do stay in Crieff but have never ventured further north than Dunkeld by bike so not much help, sorry.

 

[mikec27]

Thanks very much for all the advice everyone - really really helpful

 

[BrumJim]

Pop into De'ils Cauldron when you are in Crieff. My cousin runs it.