Riding along the east coast of Loch Lomond?

[samid]

This popped up in my "Scotland again" thread: is it possible to ride a loaded touring (road) bike along the east coast of Loch Lomond - starting on B837 and going all the way up to join A82 near Ardlui?

Cheers.

 

[MontyVeda]

I've been up the road in a car, stuck behind a coach... it is pretty narrow, especially when something that wide is present. (I think we're on the same road?)

At the end of the day, there doesn't appear to be much of an alternative route so do you have much choice? It won't be a pleasent stretch, but may be more barable if you set of at first light.

 

[ColinJ]

I've been up the road in a car, stuck behind a coach... it is pretty narrow, especially when something that wide is present.   (I think we're on the same road?)

At the end of the day, there doesn't appear to be much of an alternative route so do you have much choice?  It won't be a pleasent stretch, but may be more barable if you set of at first light.

Read the OP again - samid is asking about an alternative route starting with B837 on the eastern side of the loch, not the A82 going up the western side!

Searching around, I found descriptions of mountain bikers having done it but they said that the northern part is unrideable and you have to carry your bike. It sounds like trying to do it on a loaded touring bike might not be such a great idea!

 

[furball]

I think the poster on the other thread referred to the West Highland Way as having been 'opened up' to cyclists. The West Highland Way was opened up as a walking route. As far as I am aware, nothing has been done to make it bike friendly or to encourage bikers to use it. I think it is more likely that bikers are just using the route.
I walked it a good few years ago. A lot of the route on the east side of Loch lomond is rocky. Personally, I wouldn't attempt to cycle it and cetainly not on a touring bike.

 

[furball]

I think Inversnaid Hotel runs a ferry across to Inveruglas on the west side of Loch lomond (not sure if you need to stay at the hotel to use the ferry).
You could use the B road to Inversnaid then cross over on to the A82. The A82 isn't the best cycling road in that it is narrow and busy but it would be preferable to the rocky track on the east side of the loch especially on a touring bike.

P.S. You Must stop here http://www.thedroversinn.co.uk/

 

[rualexander]

The minor road up the east side of Loch Lomond stops at Rowardennan, there is a potentially rideable track for the next few kilometres before it turns into a footpath to Inversnaid. Beyond Inversnaid it is footpath, not really rideable but fairly easy walking for few km then it becomes a much harder footpath with rocky sections going up and down where you would have to carry your bike a lot. There is a seasonal passenger ferry from Rowardennan to Inverbeg and another from Inversnaid to Inveruglas which should take bikes. Beyond the head of the loch, the A82 opens out a bit and it is not too bad for cycling.

 

[samid]

Thanks guys. I also saw mountain bike descriptions and videos and got the same impression (that it was too much for a loaded tourer), but wanted to confirm just in case. A82 is ok, I rode on it this year. That ferry sounds interesting, will try to investigate. Again, thanks to all for your replies.

 

[007fair]

An alternative / longer / very beautiful route - from Drymen, small B road directly north via Gartmore - Join the A81 for a short mile or so. Keep left to Aberfoyle and join the B829 to Inversnaid The road from Aberfoyle to Inversnaid was featured on a BBC series about britains best roads
From Inversnaid there are a number of Ferry's running daily in the summer Not sure about the winter but Inversnaid is a nice Hotel where bus loads of OAP's go for day trips all year round. So I would imagine the demand is there for boat trips on the loch year round

If you have the time its a very scenic route

 

[MontyVeda]

Read the OP again - samid is asking about an alternative route starting with B837 on the eastern side of the loch, not the A82 going up the western side!

...

one day I'l learn the difference between east and west and hopefully left and right

 

[ColinJ]

one day I'l learn the difference between east and west and hopefully left and right

I remember that I write with my right hand. That wouldn't work for someone who writes with the left/'wrong' hand though! 

My ex thought Blackpool was near Hull, even though we went there several times on trains heading west from Hebden Bridge. I don't know how she worked that one out!

 

[samid]

007fair - many thanks, I'll check the route you suggested out, sounds interesting!

 

[killiekosmos]

Or try the new cycle path http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/images/stories/archive/file/news/6Cycle Path inside.pdf

 

[Spinney]

P.S. You Must stop here http://www.thedroversinn.co.uk/

If you're recommending it, it must have improved a lot since I walked the West Highland way a few years ago. Dark rooms, tartan carpets everywhere, moth-eaten stuffed bear in the hall, nowhere to put wet kit, unfriendly staff, crap breakfast...

 

[rualexander]

Or try the new cycle path http://www.lochlomon...th%20inside.pdf

Its been there for years, maybe better than being on the A82 when busy, but at other times you'd be better on the road.

 

[samid]

If I understand correctly and that cycle path goes along A82 - I'd normally rather ride on the road (I did ride on A82 this summer, it was fine IIRC).
As for the inn recommendation - thanks but I camp, so most probably won't be stopping there regardless of whether it has improved or not