Cycle from Aberfoyle to Callander
Loch Venachar Cycling
NCN 7 - Aberfoyle to Callander
Despite stiff competition, I think this is the best cycling route in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. I may choose to re-evaluate this in the future, however safe to say it is incredibly scenic and, best of all, away from busy roads.
E-Bikes in the National Park
If you have an electric bike, you will especially love it. E-bikes were made for the Trossachs, allowing more people to experience the exciting but often steep forest paths.
Lochs & Glens Way
The journey is on Lochs and Glens Way (to give it its full title) National Cycle Network 7. The full path extends from Glasgow to Inverness, and we have articles covering the part that goes through the National Park, between Balloch and Killin.
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Loch Drunkie, Three Lochs Forest Drive
Aberfoyle Facilities
Set off from Aberfoyle, where there are excellent local facilities, including a bike hire/repair shop. Take the steep hill that is the start of Duke's Pass. Many cyclists will continue on the famous winding and climbing road. However, follow the NCN7 at the metal Penny-Farthing.
Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
Cycle through the Lodge Visitor Centre (watch out for walkers who may not be expecting to share their path with cyclists) and cross the bridge by the waterfall.
Go Ape!
From here, the climb is steep, and eventually, you will reach the treetop adventure assault course of Go Ape! Soon after, you will be by the top of the waterfall.
Three Lochs Forest Drive
Eventually, you will leave the Lodge Visitor Centre at Aberfoyle, joining the Three Lochs Forest Drive. When I last cycled on it, loose stones had just been added to form a new road surface. Take care on the varying surfaces along NCN7 as some can be challenging to cycle, especially at speed when going downhill.
Loch Drunkie
Although by now you're sharing the road with those driving around Three Lochs Forest Drive, it is still safe as vehicles won't be going very fast. There are places to stop, picnic and camp (by pre-purchased permit). By Loch Drunkie there is a car park with a toilet block.
The NCN7 cycle route from Aberfoyle to Callander is 14 miles. You will see the sign (pictured below) showing the way to Loch Katrine or Callander at the halfway point of your cycle.
NCN7 by Loch Venachar
Loch Venachar
Take the Callander option with a path that soon joins up with Loch Venachar. Cycle along the lochside for the length of the loch, with Callander close to its end.
There are many places to stop along the way; initially, it's just a walking and cycling path; you'll then be on a private road passing the Ripple Retreat (a respite escape for young people with cancer) and Loch Venachar Sailing Club. At Invertrossachs Car Park, the road is now public, and you may have cars passing you on the narrow road. Look out for Wheels; it's an excellent bike hire shop.
Cycling alongside Loch Venachar, The Trossachs
Callander
At the end of the Loch Venachar road, you're nearly in Callander. The path will take you into the Callander Meadows Car Park. Spend some time in Callander, continue to Strathyre or return to Aberfoyle.
A delightful cycle, through forest paths of the Trossachs and alongside lochs between Aberfoyle and Callander.
Cycling from Aberfoyle to Callander
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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