Start: Callander Finish: Pitlochry
Callander is a picturesque village located at the entrance of the National Park of Lomond and Trossachs lakes. If you arrive with some time to spend the afternoon, we recommend a walk to the Bracklin Falls, not more than 1,5km from Callander.
Challenge: 65 miles North of Edinburgh
Cycling alongside Loch Venachar with the hills on either side sparkling in the loch. We are making our way to Loch Katrine, a beautiful remote loch where you can take a ride on a steamer boat which was built in 1872. A tarmac private cycle way also runs alongside the loch giving spectacular views across the loch and the mountains.
Challenge: 34 to 55 km
Villages along the way: Loch Venachar, Loch Katrine
Cycling southwards to the ancient villaje of Doune with its famous Castle. Stop and explore before continuing onto Dunblane with its great Cathedral. The circular trip takes you back to Callender along the Highland fault line.
Challenge: 38 to 56 km
Villages along the way: Doune, Dunblane, Callander
Today we follow the National Cycle Network north alongside Loch Lubnaig towards Balquihidder, where you will find a small church where Rob Roy McGregor is buried. From here we continue over the gentle climb of Glen Ogle before desending to Killin. The waterfall here is really spectacular and many people sit on the rocks and watch the cascading waters pass by.
Challenge: 40 to 56 km
Villages along the way: Balquihidder, Glen Ogle, Killin
Alongside Loch Tay, which is around 27 km long, to Kenmore and a visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre which shows life on the Loch during the bronze age. Onto Fortingall a conservation village dating back many hundreds of years. Europe’s oldest living thing can be found here in the form of an ancient yew tree. After your visit, carry along the Valley of Tay to Aberfeldy passing the famous Castle Menzies.
Challenge: 42 km
Villages along the way: Kenmore, Fortingall, Aberfeldy
Today you have a short and longer option. Before setting off visit the whisky distillery. Both routes start along the River Tay valley when the short route turns north to Pitlochry. The longer route first heads south to the historic village of Dunkeld, dating back to he 1700’s. After your visit you head north to Pitlochry.
Challenge: 22 or 50 km
Villages along the way: Pitlochry, Dunkeld
Here there is much to see and do, two whisky distilleries to visit, one of the world’s smallest. The Fish and Dam ladder allowing salmon to jump the dam wall. Many shops to visit along with many pubs and bars. For those who wish to cycle it’s worth the short trip to Blair Castle, one of Scotland’s grand castles and home of the Duke of Athol family. Follow this turbulent history as you walk from room to room. Returining to Pitlochry you can enjoy the beutiful countryside along Loch Tummel and even stop for a visit at the Killiecrankie visitors centre.
Challenge: 14 or 38 or 60 km
Villages along the way: Pitlochry, Blair Castle
After a delicious Scottish breakfast, the travel comes to an end.
The accommodations included are 3*/4* hotels carefully selected according to their quality, location, charm and/or exclusive services. They all have en-suite rooms.
This nice Georgian country house is located in the centre of Callander. It has a welcoming bar opened to a quiet garden. Homemade breakfasts and rooms that have been decorated individually with care and preserving some of the original elements of the house.
A samll family-run hotel in the picturesque town of Killin, west of Loch Tay. It offers comfortable en-suite rooms and a hearty Scottish breakfast every morning, to start out with energy.
Cathy Ross B&B is located in a quiet area, only 5 minutes walk from the town of Aberfeldy. the rooms include a tea& coffee set and they have a welcoming lounge. They serve a traditional Scottish breakfast or a continental breakfast at their glass dinning room.
A family run Bed&Breakfast with a warm and welcoming staff. Comfortable rooms that have been carefully decorated and delicious breakfasts to enjoy the quiet surroundings.
This program can be booked any day between April 1st and September 30th, subject to availability
The nearest airports to fly to are Edinburgh airport (EDI) and Glasgow airport (GLA).
Getting to Callander
By train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling and the bus or taxi to Callander (total time approx 1.5-2 hours), with a train every hour. From Stirling you can take a local bus or taxi to Callander. Check time schedules at www.citylink.co.uk
Return from Pitlochry
If you want to go to Edinburgh by train, it leaves around 11am – approx. 13.20 arrival. The train from Pitlochry – Glasgow Prestwick airport leaves 11am arrives airport approx 15.45. From Edinburgh there is a train to Glasgow Prestwick airport with trains each hour , the journey takes around 2 hours. Check time schedules at www.scotrail.co.uk
Bikes come with pannier bag, map carrier (1 per 2 bikes), inner tube, lock, tools, bottle carrier.
GPS tracks are available on request.