My son and I did this ride from Glasgow to Inverness over 4.5 days in August. This is a 216 mile Sustrans route which mostly follows scenic minor roads, but also has some long off road sections which keep you away from busy trunk roads. Overall it was a beautiful route which I would happily recommend to anyone.
Day 1: Glasgow to Drymen near Loch Lomond (30 miles)
Travelled up to Glasgow by train in the morning. From the centre of Glasgow there is a relatively easy and flat route out along the Clyde, a canal, and the river Levan.
Day 2: Drymen to Killin (48 miles)
This was the hardest day as there was a lot of steep hill climbing, and quite a difficult off road section through the Achray forest. This was the only section of the whole 216 mile route that was not really suitable for touring bikes, but only lasted for a few miles and did avoid a major A-road. Once you emerged from the forest you then went along a beautiful path along Loch Venachar.
Suffered a major ambush by midgies when we stopped fix a puncture, but our Avon Skin So Soft kept them at bay long enough sort out the problem.
Day 3: Killin to Pitlochry (38 miles)
Beautiful run along Loch Tay and the Tay Valley on quiet roads. Fantastic cycling!
Day 4: Pitlochry to Newtonmore (40 miles)
We were a bit worried about this section as it takes you over the Drumochter Pass and is described in the guide as “a relentless and exposed climb”.
In practice it actually went along a well graded and well surfaced cycle track and was not nearly as difficult as we expected.
Day 5: Newtonmore to Inverness (60 miles)
A long, mostly downhill, run into Inverness though beautiful countryside.
Day 1: Glasgow to Drymen near Loch Lomond (30 miles)
Travelled up to Glasgow by train in the morning. From the centre of Glasgow there is a relatively easy and flat route out along the Clyde, a canal, and the river Levan.
Day 2: Drymen to Killin (48 miles)
This was the hardest day as there was a lot of steep hill climbing, and quite a difficult off road section through the Achray forest. This was the only section of the whole 216 mile route that was not really suitable for touring bikes, but only lasted for a few miles and did avoid a major A-road. Once you emerged from the forest you then went along a beautiful path along Loch Venachar.
Suffered a major ambush by midgies when we stopped fix a puncture, but our Avon Skin So Soft kept them at bay long enough sort out the problem.
Day 3: Killin to Pitlochry (38 miles)
Beautiful run along Loch Tay and the Tay Valley on quiet roads. Fantastic cycling!
Day 4: Pitlochry to Newtonmore (40 miles)
We were a bit worried about this section as it takes you over the Drumochter Pass and is described in the guide as “a relentless and exposed climb”.
In practice it actually went along a well graded and well surfaced cycle track and was not nearly as difficult as we expected.
Day 5: Newtonmore to Inverness (60 miles)
A long, mostly downhill, run into Inverness though beautiful countryside.
Where next?
Glen Clova Hotel is very good for food and refreshments.
