Cycle from Balloch to Drymen

National Number 7 Cycle Route 

Here is the first of a series of guides about the section of the National Number 7 Cycle Route, Lochs and Glens Way, that passes through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

The complete route runs from Sunderland in England to Inverness, a total of 601 miles. The Glasgow to Inverness stretch is popular for cycling holidays and goes through Scotland's two national parks. The Loch Lomond section starts at Balloch and ends just after Killin. 

As with our guides to long-distance walks, we have broken down this article to feature just one section of it. So hopefully, it is helpful if you are either just cycling this section or want more information when planning a long-distance cycle of the National Number 7. 

So this article reviews my cycle of the 10 miles between Balloch and Drymen, featuring some points of interest and potential detours along the way. 

Balloch

The route from Glasgow goes through Dumbarton and then along the River Leven and into Balloch, the beginning of the National Number 7's journey through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. As you arrive in Balloch, you will pass Sweeney's Cruises, where you could stop for a circular cruise on the loch. There is also a VisitScotland information centre nearby, with cycle racks outside. There are places to eat and drink nearby, or you could go a little further to the nearby Loch Lomond Shores. 

Balloch Castle Country Park

If you're starting NCN7 at Balloch, don't worry, as there are many signs for it throughout the way so that you won't get lost. NCN7 at Balloch goes through Balloch Castle Country Park, where a walled garden is just a very short distance off of the route (lookout for the signs for it). Take the chance for a quick stop to capture a photograph or two. 

Back on the route, and as you can see from the photograph below, it's a quiet road, which is nice and smooth for cycling. There are, in fact, excellent cycling conditions throughout this stretch. You may be tempted to stop and take a photograph of Loch Lomond whilst in the park. This is a good idea as it is the closest that you will get to Loch Lomond itself on the entire route.

As you head out of Balloch Castle Country Park, you will go past Robin House, a Children's Hospice and inspirational charity. The route then takes you to the A811; take it easy down the steep hill as it is just before the main road, so allow plenty of time to brake! You have completed around 3 of the 10 miles of the route between Balloch and Drymen at this stage.

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John Muir Way

A few steepish hills to climb, but generally, there are wide open spaces and good cycling conditions along quiet country lanes. After a few miles, you'll see a turning for Gartocharn, and in the distance, Duncryne Hill, also known as 'The Dumpling', a little cycling detour and a short hill climb provides excellent views of Loch Lomond. 

As you can see from a close up of one of the signs, this part of the National Number 7 cycle route is also on the John Muir Way. The John Muir Way is a long-distance walk, coast to coast across Scotland from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar (John Muir's hometown) in the east, 134 miles.

At the age of 10, John Muir emigrated to America with his family. A passion for the outdoors and strong views on conservation was ultimately responsible for saving Yosemite Valley. His efforts and determination eventually led to the establishment of America's National Parks. This long-distance trail recognises the huge contribution to conservation made by this Scot, often referred to as the 'Father of the National Parks'.

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness”

— John Muir

Croftamie

Before arriving at the village of Croftamie, you leave the road and cycle on a path, which formerly was part of the Forth & Clyde Junction Railway which connected Balloch and Stirling. The last passenger trains ran on this route in 1934, with the line ultimately closing in 1965. As you cross over the road, the private house that you can see was formerly Drymen Station.

The newly opened But and Ben in Croftamie is a good place to stop for food and drink.

The narrow bridge over Endrick Water makes an entertaining feature to the cycle! It's pretty narrow, so you have to pay close attention to your steering, so there's not much chance to take in the view. The path connects shortly after with the route of the West Highland Way. You'll see one of the Millennium Markers, there are 1,000 of these across the country, all different and marking mile points on cycle routes.

This winding road is the final stretch before the village of Drymen. Look out for the old quarry site on your left, where you can see Loch Lomond and its islands in the distance.

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Drymen

Back over the A811 and then a short downhill cycle of Gartness Road, and it's the village of Drymen. The village has a Village Shop, a small supermarket, some cafes, a couple of pubs (The Clachan and Drymen Inn) and two hotels. So there are plenty of places to eat and drink. There are many accommodation options too. 

So that's the Balloch to Drymen route, along the National Cycle Route, Number 7, a total of 10 miles. Next, it's onto Aberfoyle, passing through Gartness; that guide is coming soon. 

Resource

If you're cycling in Scotland, here is a handy book. 

Scotland: The National Cycle Network (National Cycle Network Route)

By H Henniker, Harry Henniker

Buy on Amazon

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.