Loch Tay

A hilly cycle ride near the south shore of Loch Tay, views of the Ben Lawers Range. Before Killin the long distance route is in the West Highlands.

Route Description

This is an energetic cycle ride. The route described here is linear. For a day trip you would have to go out and back, but this would be no hardship as the views are impressive and different in each direction. The A827 on the north side of Loch Tay is not recommended for cycling. This route follows the National Cycle Network part of the way, so you'll see some signs.

The route leaves Killin on the south Loch Tay road which starts from the Falls of Dochart. Loch Tay, while not quite as large as Loch Lomond, is still a big loch. On the north side is the Ben Lawers range, some of the grandest mountains in Scotland; Meall nan Tarmachan which towers over Killin, Ben Lawers, and Meall Garbh further east. The south Loch Tay road gives excellent views.

The Ardeonaig Hotel, roughly half way along the Loch does beautiful food. No doubt they could also produce coffee and shortbread if that's more within your budget. The water sports centre just west of Kenmore has a cafe with good filled rolls and cakes, and there's a choice of places in Kenmore.

Also there is the Scottish Crannog Centre: a reproduction crannog by Edinburgh University with displays inside. There were crannogs at one time in lochs all over Scotland. Crannogs are settlements on water erected on stilts, and were presumably built because in uncertain times they offered a certain measure of security. Apart from this one they all date from 2000 years ago or more. If you'd like more information I'm sure they'll tell you inside.

Kenmore is quite a small place but it does have a food shop, a tea room and craft shop, a hotel and several B&Bs. When you leave Kenmore, assuming you are following the route north to Loch Tummel, you should cross the bridge over the River Tay then turn right to a minor road. After a couple of miles you cross the River Tummel then turn left (north). The signposted National Cycle Route 7 continues east to Weem.

Aberfeldy is attractive with lots of facilities, if you decide to go there be sure to use the B846 (Route 7) which is quiet and fairly flat. The A827 is busy and hilly. On the way to Aberfeldy you pass Castle Menzies, a fine example of a Z-plan castle where defence of the walls is covered by projecting towers. It's now a clan centre.