Cycling

The area around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of the finest cycling destinations in Scotland, with routes to suit every ability from leisurely family rides along the lochside to demanding mountain bike trails deep into the hills. Exploring by bike is one of the most rewarding ways to take in the landscape, covering ground at a pace that lets you actually stop and take it all in.

The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

The most iconic and accessible route in the area is the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, a must for anyone visiting the region. This 17-mile cycleway and footpath runs from Balloch at the southern tip of Loch Lomond all the way to Tarbet, and is traffic-free for most of the way with just two short stretches on minor roads, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages including families. The route takes in the pretty village of Luss with spectacular views of Loch Lomond and its famous islands, Conic Hill and Ben Lomond, and there are many picturesque lochside picnic spots and refreshments available in the villages along the way. At Firkin Point you cycle through ancient oak woods where, if you’re lucky, you can spot wildlife along the way.

National Cycle Route 7

The Sustrans National Cycle Route 7 is an excellent long distance network allowing you to see the most stunning scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. As it connects many towns and villages throughout the national park, you can decide where to start and end, breaking the route up with stops at picturesque villages or picnic areas. One particularly good section runs from Aberfoyle to Callander, just 13 miles and completely off road, with stunning views around Loch Drunkie, onto Loch Achray and then Loch Venachar.

The Three Lochs Way

For those who want to string together a more ambitious day or multi-day ride, the Three Lochs Way connects the coastal lochs of Gare Loch and Loch Long to Loch Lomond, taking you west over hilly terrain towards Helensburgh with fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran before continuing northwards back to Loch Lomond at Tarbet. Ardlui itself is one of the stops accessible by train, making it easy to combine sections of the route with the railway.

Glen Loin Loop

For more experienced riders, the Glen Loin Loop near Arrochar is one of the standout mountain bike routes in the national park, starting just a short distance from Ardlui. An awesome ride through the rugged splendour of the Arrochar Alps, the circuit involves a long climb and stunning mountain scenery, followed by a fast descent and technical singletrack to finish. It is a well-known route among local riders and rewards the effort with some of the most dramatic scenery in the area.

The Tour of the Trossachs

The Tour of the Trossachs is a classic road cycling circuit that promises both challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery. This 31-mile route takes in stunning views of Loch Katrine, Loch Ard, Loch Arklet and Loch Con, and cyclists can stop off at Go Ape in Queen Elizabeth Forest or take a break at one of the dedicated picnic areas along the way.

Bike Hire

If you haven’t brought your own bike, there are hire options available locally. Ardlui Retreat offers mountain bikes on site, and there are further hire facilities at Tarbet and elsewhere around the loch. For route inspiration and planning, the national park’s own cycling pages are an excellent resource, with detailed route cards covering everything from gentle lochside trails to serious off-road adventures.