Glasgow to Inverness

[CharlieB]

I heard somewhere there is a route set up for bikes almost all along disused railway lines from Glasgow to Inverness.
Does anyone know any more about this, as it's a possible for a leisurely week next year?
Has anyone done it?
Distance about 200m?

 

[irc]

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-...distance-rides/scotland/lochs-and-glens-north

I've done this from Callander north. Much of it is on quiet roads. Callander - Killin is old railway. Glasgow to Balloch is almost all off road, canal bank, River Leven towpath.

 

[snorri]

There is a National Cycle Network route Inverness and Glasgow, named NCN7. There is a short stretch on the old trackbed of a railway, but it makes up a very small part of the whole. The route is on light traffic roads and traffic free sections. You would be able to get a map from any good booksellers or online from Sustrans. I would consider it to be a pleasant jaunt. My map is an old edition and describes the route as beng 214 miles.
If you have more specific questions, just ask, someone will soon be along with an answer.

 

[CharlieB]

Thank you for that, people.
Do-able on a Brompton in four days?
Sorry this is such a wussy 1st tour - I'm new to this.

 

[HelenD123]

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-...distance-rides/scotland/lochs-and-glens-north

I've done this from Callander north. Much of it is on quiet roads. Callander - Killin is old railway. Glasgow to Balloch is almost all off road, canal bank, River Leven towpath.

Isn't that the route which goes over the Drumochter pass? Definitely not a leisurely ride.

 

[snorri]

Isn't that the route which goes over the Drumochter pass? Definitely not a leisurely ride.

Yes.
It's as leisurely as you want to make it, there is no pressure to rush.B)
However I'm not sure that I would choose a Brompton for the route, that's not what Bromptons were designed for.

 

[CharlieB]

Yes.
It's as leisurely as you want to make it, there is no pressure to rush.
However I'm not sure that I would choose a Brompton for the route, that's not what Bromptons were designed for.

Oh, there's loads of other threads and heated debate on CC on that very topic.
Mind you, I'll never know until I try.

 

[CharlieB]

Well, I've gone and committed to this, as all accommodation is booked from Glasgow to Inverness.
Here comes the tricky bit:
I intend to do this on a Brompton. The logistics of public transport from here to Scotland preclude my taking my full size bike, so I've pitched the daily stages at 30-41 miles each.
Please tell me I'm not insane or offer some sage advice?

 

[snorri]

Please tell me I'm not insane or offer some sage advice?

Just get on with it.
Successful completion of an unsupported Glasgow to Inverness cycle run is a qualification for entry to Scottish Brownie packs.

 

[melliff]

My partner and I did this a couple of years ago. We took the sleeper from London to Glasgow with our touring bikes, then did it over 7 days which meant we averaged about 30 miles a day which was ideal as it left lots of time for long boosy lunches and sightseeing. We then trained back to Edinburgh from Inverness and got the sleeper home. We would have sleepered from Inverness, but someone had already reserved the only 2 bike slots on that train :-(

It would be doable I guess on a Brommie (I use one every day for commuting) but some of the tracks through forests would be better on a tourer.

It was a terrific tour. We were blessed with glorious weather for most of it and the scenery was stunning. Even the dreaded Drumnocter Pass seemed easy in the sunshine and we went early May to avoid the midges.

Martin.

Well, I've gone and committed to this, as all accommodation is booked from Glasgow to Inverness.
Here comes the tricky bit:
I intend to do this on a Brompton. The logistics of public transport from here to Scotland preclude my taking my full size bike, so I've pitched the daily stages at 30-41 miles each.
Please tell me I'm not insane or offer some sage advice?

 

[mcfcbird]

I think it's really cool that you're attempting to do this on a folder, please be sure to let us know how you get on with it

 

[CharlieB]

I certainly will, once I've sussed how to post photos!

 

[jann71]

When do you start?

 

[CharlieB]

Monday 29 March, immediately after a very pi55ed-up weekend at a radio conference in Glasgow.

 

[gwhite]

Monday 29 March, immediately after a very pi55ed-up weekend at a radio conference in Glasgow.

Good luck to you, but March in Scotland is not famous for being particularly balmy.