Cycle NCN 7 Lochs and Glens Way

NCN7 is National Cycle Network 7, Lochs and Glen Way is the northern section of it from Glasgow to Inverness. In this guide, we feature a summary of the route through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, from Balloch to just beyond Killin at the start of Loch Tay and the National Park boundary.

There are links to more detailed features about smaller sections and the places that NCN7 goes through throughout the guide. This is an overview of the route and what you are likely to experience when cycling on NCN7.

I am lucky NCN7 passes very close to my home, and I regularly cycle different sections of the route. The area through the National Park is incredibly varied but very scenic throughout the 61 miles. A delightful cycling route, mainly on dedicated paths, often old railway lines and thankfully away from the main roads.

Below you can download a feature about NCN7 for Park Life Magazine.  

Balloch

Balloch 

We start at the busy town of Balloch, the gateway to the National Park. If you had started cycling in Glasgow, you would have gone through Clydebank, Dumbarton, passing the Erskine Bridge before arriving in Balloch, alongside River Leven, where there's often a holiday atmosphere. 

Sweeney's Cruises depart close to the path, with regular circular cruises on Loch Lomond. There is a VisitScotland information centre nearby, with bike racks outside. Also, the train station is nearby at the end of the line. 

You could opt for the West Lomond Cycle Path at nearby Loch Lomond Shores; this goes alongside the western shores of Loch Lomond towards Tarbet. 

Balloch

Balloch Castle Country Park

We're sticking to NCN7, leaving Balloch through The National Park's only Country Park. From the park, it's downhill until the crossing over the A811. Once you've climbed a hill on the other side, it's primarily flat B-Roads. NCN7 shares its route for much of this stretch with John Muir Way. 

Croftamie

Croftamie

When you arrive at Croftamie via the old railway line, you can stop at The But & Ben for something to eat and drink, or continue on the old train line, crossing a very high and narrow steel bridge. NCN7 then shares its path with the West Highland Way into the village of Drymen. 

Drymen

Drymen

The Village Square in Drymen is usually bustling, often with walkers, cyclists and tourists, enjoying the cafes, pubs and shops. The blue signs will point you back onto NCN7, with a long hill to climb out of the village towards a forest. The quiet Water Board and forestry roads take you onwards to the next village Gartmore.

Stick to NCN7 rather than be tempted onto the maze of forest roads and tracks leading off this road.  For more detailed information about this section of NCN7 click the link below.

Local Photographer

Weddings & Family Photo Shoots

Visit Website

Gartmore

The cycle route goes through the pretty village of Gartmore and then past the Copeland Camp Site. After the campsite, pick up the path that takes you all the way into Aberfoyle. On that long straight path, you can access the Aberfoyle Bike Park.  

Aberfoyle

Call into the shops and cafes along Aberfoyle's brightly coloured Main Street. In case you need it, one of those shops does cycle hire and repairs.

For more detailed information about this section of NCN7 click the link below.

Aberfoyle

The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre

The road opposite the new Co-Op goes up a steep hill, which is Duke's Pass. You're not on this road for long as a pathway is shown by the large metal Penny-Farthing. A sign at this point warns that you need a robust bike to get you through the tracks and off the road. This route is not for the super-thin wheels and ultra-light racing bike. If that's you (in your lycra), best stick to the steep and winding Duke's Pass. 

Aberfoyle

Beyond the Penny Farthing is the grounds of The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, using paths shared with walkers. Be warned, they may not be expecting to see cyclists. Over a bridge and up some steep hills, passing Go Ape's! Aerial adventure course and the top of a waterfall. If you've got an e-bike, this is where you have a massive smile on your face rather than a red face. 

Three Lochs Forest Drive

The Three Lochs Forest Drive, a road shared with cars and has motorhome and camping pitches along the route.  Read more about Three Lochs Forest Drive at the link below.

Loch Drunkie, Three Lochs Forest Drive

Loch Drunkie

From seeing Loch Drunkie below you, the path ultimately takes you alongside the loch. There is a car park with toilets and walking trails. There are also a few mountain bike trails nearby. You can opt to take a detour to Loch Achray and Loch Katrine, but by keeping to the NCN7 path, you will be heading towards Loch Venachar.  

Loch Venachar

Loch Venachar 

The pathway hugs the banks of Loch Venachar, joining Invertrossachs Road. Along that road is Wheels for bike hire, sales and repairs. 

Callander

Callander

From the relatively quiet lochs and forests, you arrive in the busy town of Callander, with Ben Ledi in the distance. Through Callander Meadows car park and onto a well walked and cycled pathway towards Kilmahog. 

Leny Falls

The pathway goes along the Leny Falls, and there are a few places where you can park up and get a bit closer.  

Cafe at Forest Holidays, Loch Lubnaig

Loch Lubnaig

It's a delightful and mainly flat cycle along Loch Lubnaig (warning a hill at its far end); the route goes through Forest Holidays collection of cabins and lodges. There is also an excellent café and shop. 

Broch Cafe, Strathyre

Strathyre

Once you've climbed the big hill and arrived in Strathyre, you could stop at Broch Café, where you will find some parts of the BLiSS Trail; there are more around the village and at Kingshouse on the route. (Lochearnhead, Balquhidder and St Fillans for the ones not on the route.)

Kingshouse

If you didn't take the old route of NCN7 to Balquhidder, you pass through Kingshouse, home to Mhor 84, a hotel and restaurant, and the newly opened Roll Outdoors, which has bike watercraft hire. As you progress on the old train line, there are excellent views of Loch Earn, plus a few zig-zag paths to climb.  

For more detailed information about this section of NCN7 click the link below.

Glen Ogle Viaduct

Glen Ogle

Thank goodness for the long-gone Caledonian Railway Company, they may not have been very successful, but If it wasn't for them, there wouldn't be the magnificent viaduct to cycle across. 

Killin

It's downhill into Killin via Acharn Forest. Your arrival in Killin is by the Falls of Dochart, stop and admire the view, enjoy the village and get something to eat and drink. (there is also a bike shop in the village.) 

Loch Tay

Loch Tay

On next to the start of Loch Tay and the boundaries of the National Park. That's where we'll leave NCN7, as by now, we've covered all this glorious cycle route up through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. 

Marketing Services

Websites, Video & Photography

Find Out More

NCN7 Lochs & Glens is a fantastic route; the name says it all, with Lochs Lomond, Drunkie, Venachar, Lubnaig, Earn (in the distance) and Tay. Plus some charming villages, away from the busier roads and all through breath-taking scenery. 

Plan Your Visit 

If you plan to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, consider ordering our book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’, a photo guidebook of things to do and places to explore. Click here to purchase. 

Aberfoyle Bike Hire

Bike Rental

Hire a bike at Aberfoyle, Loch Venachar, Kingshouse or Killin to enjoy some or all of NCN7 through the National Park. Consider an e-bike to help you up the hills; you won't regret it. Read our other guides to Cycling in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, including the more detailed section guides of NCN7.

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.