The Lairg triangle

A varied 21 mile loop from Lairg over moorland, through forest and along the shore with the option of visiting the famous Falls of Shin.

Sitting in the centre of Sutherland, Lairg makes a good base for cycling with numerous circuits in each direction possible. Most are quite lengthy affairs but this one heading south west to the Kyle of Sutherland and back by Shin Falls is the shortest at 21 miles.

Start from the car park in the centre of the village of Lairg, which also has a rail station just south of the village and shops to stock up on supplies before you go. Head south and almost immediately turn right across the bridge onto the A839 which is signposted to Lochinver. The road sooon starts to climb gently before dropping down into Strath Oykel where it joins the A837 at Rosehall. Turn left along the A837 and head back East towards Bonar Bridge. The A837 can be followed all the way to Invershin but it's worth making the signposted detour via Altass which leaves the main road after about 1 1/2 miles and rejoins it 3 miles further on. The last stretch to Invershin is level and gives good views over the Kyle of Sutherland before a left turn immediately before the bridge leads back along the B864 towards Lairg. This wooded stretch through Achany Glen is part of the National Cycle Network route 1. The route passes Falls of Shin, a famous spot for watching the salmon leap which also has a visitor centre, shop and restaurant before rejoining the outward route a mile or so outside Lairg. Take a right  turn here and it's a short run downhill to the bridge and back to the start.