Loch Tummel and Strathtay

A quiet back road on the south side of Loch Tummel.

This is a lovely route if sometimes quite hilly. There are a few short steep hills near the start and a 200 metre climb to get between Loch Tummel and Strathtay (a strath is a wide valley). Other than that the route is reasonably gentle. The description here is anti-clockwise from Pitlochry.

The southern part of the route is also signed as National Cycle Network Route 7. The northern section is part of our long distance route between Aberfoyle and Kirriemuir.

Route Description

(Described as Pitlochry to Kenmore)

Start from the A9 access road to Pitlochry Festival Theatre, this is on the west side of the River Tummel. You can get to it from the town by following walking signs for the theatre and crossing the River Tummel on a footbridge. Alternatively leave the town on Atholl Road (the main street) cycling south. Turn right immediately after going under a curved arch railway bridge, bear right at the next junction.

From the theatre cycle up the hill to the main A9. On the north side of the slip road is a footpath signposted: Loch Faskally Walk. This leads to a grass area beside the main road, cycle along this. Do not go on the A9. After a little way turn left through a gate, then continue in the same direction to an underpass taking you under the A9. Follow this, you are now on the south Loch Tummel road.

The road passes Loch Faskally, and then winds prettily alongside the river, arriving at Loch Tummel after a few short but steep hills. When you reach the other end of the loch turn left on to the B846 to cross over to Strathtay.

This is a steady climb, quite steep at first but it becomes easier. Once you get to the top the major climb is done. There's a flatter section at the top with good views, then a long descent passing Glengoulandie Deer Park and ending at Coshieville.