Falkirk
Spend a day skirting Scotland’s gorgeous lochs on 200 miles of hand-picked roads.
There’s so much great riding in Scotland and much of it is pretty famous — from the A82 through Glen Coe, the A87 to Skye, the Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross. But there’s more to see and even more great roads to ride.Our route starts and ends in Falkirk. It’s a charming town on the tourist trail into Scotland and makes a good base if you don’t want to go into the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Stirling.This route is all about the glorious shores of the lochs. However, it’s a full day’s ride, especially if you include the optional loop all the way out to Rannoch Station.
Where to stay: Orchard Hotel. Clean, trendy, good food, central location and a private car park. www.orchard-hotel.co.uk
STAGE 1
Falkirk to the Loch Katrine: 42 miles
Leave Falkirk on the A883, skirting Denny town centre to pick up the B818 to Fintry. The surface is patchy as it flows along the Carron Valley. When it T-junctions at the B822, turn right — heading to Fintry, then carry straight on as the road becomes the B818 again. Turn right in Kilearn, in front of the church, and follow the B834 to the roundabout, turning right on the A81. At the Rob Roy roundabout, turn left on the A821 to Stronachlachar. Stay on the A821 — don’t carry straight on in Aberfoyle — and when it meets Loch Achray, turning sharply right, turn left to Loch Katrine.
Morning coffee: Loch Katrine. The Brenachoile Café offers snacks or larger, heartier meals with a great view. www.brenachoile.co.uk
STAGE 2
Loch Katrine to Kinloch Rannoch: 60 miles
Return to the A821 and carry on until it meets the A84. Turn left, towards Crainlarich. After 18 miles turn right on the A827 to Killin and the Falls of Dochart. Ride around Loch Tay then, coming into Kenmore, turn left towards Kinloch Rannoch, turning left again when it meets the B846. After four miles, look out for the left-turn signed “Schiehallion Road” — a single-track road ideal for adventure bikes, but marked unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles. At Kinloch Rannoch you turn left for the optional detour out to Rannoch Station, high on the moor (adds 32 miles to the route), or turn right into the heart of the village if you want a bite to eat.
Lunch: Kinloch Rannoch. Treats Café or the Riverbank Café, both on The Square.
STAGE 3
Kinloch Rannoch to Dunkeld: 57 miles
Leave Kinloch Rannoch on the A846 to Pitlochry. Bear left at Tummel Bridge on the B8019, still heading for Pitlochry, turning right following signs for the A924 when it reaches a T-junction. Turn left in Pitlochry to stay on the A924 to Blairgowrie. About 20 miles later, at Bridge of Cally, turn right on the A93 to Blairgowrie. Bear right at the lights after crossing the river then, half a mile later, turn right on the A923 to Dunkeld.
Afternoon tea: Dunkeld. Palmerston’s Coffee Shop serving good coffee and cakes. www.palmerstons.eu
STAGE 4
Dunkeld to Falkirk.
59 miles.
Continue heading south on the A923 out of Dunkeld. When it meets the A9, turn right then immediately left to pick up the A822 to Crieff, turning right when it gets the A85 T-junction. In Crieff town centre, carry straight on where the A85 turns right, then turn left on the A822 towards Stirling. Five miles later, take the easy-to-miss left turn onto the A823 to Dunfirmline. If it’s late when it meets the A9, you could turn left and take the A9 and M9 back to Falkirk — otherwise cross over and stay on the A823. When it meets the A91, you go right then left to stay on it. Turn right when it meets the A977 and then at the second roundabout turn right on the A876 towards Falkirk. Peel off before the motorway to return to Falkirk on the A905.
Start/finish – Falkirk - Distance – 218 miles - Riding time: 7 hours