The best cycling routes around Loch Lubnaig

There are over 65 touring cycling routes available around Loch Lubnaig, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with 13 easy routes, 30 moderate routes, and 22 more challenging options.

The terrain around Loch Lubnaig is varied. Many routes utilize the National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN7), which often follows a former railway line, providing predominantly traffic-free and flatter paths. However, some sections, particularly towards Strathyre or Glen Ogle, can include gradual climbs, narrower tracks, and loose stones. The area is nestled between mountains like Ben Ledi and Ben Vorlich, offering a mix of sheltered lochside paths and more undulating terrain.

Yes, Loch Lubnaig offers several easy and family-friendly options. The NCN7 along the western shore is largely traffic-free and suitable for various fitness levels. A great example is the Loch Lubnaig – Loch Lubnaig loop from Creag na h-Àirighe, an easy 5.1-mile (8.2 km) path that provides a gentle ride along the loch shore.

Many of the paths and trails around Loch Lubnaig, especially those on the National Cycle Network, are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control. Always be mindful of other users, livestock, and local regulations, particularly within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Yes, there are several circular touring cycling routes. For instance, the Falls of Leny – Loch Lubnaig loop from Creag na h-Àirighe is a popular moderate 10.4-mile (16.8 km) circular trail that offers views of the loch and passes the impressive Falls of Leny. Another option is the Loch Lubnaig Cycle Path – Loch Lubnaig loop from Strathyre, which is a 12.3-mile (19.7 km) moderate loop through forested areas.

While cycling around Loch Lubnaig, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The loch itself is known for its 'crooked' shape and often calm, mirror-like waters reflecting the dramatic mountains like Ben Ledi and Ben Vorlich. You can also witness the impressive Falls of Leny at the Callander end of the loch. The Loch Lubnaig Cycle Path and sections of the National Cycle Network Route 7 (NCN7) offer continuous scenic views.

Along the NCN7, particularly near Strathyre, you can find amenities such as the Forest Holidays complex, which offers a cafe and gift shop. There are also picnic sites and car parks around the loch, and 'The Cabin' offers snacks and meals, as well as permits for fishing.

The A84 road runs along the eastern side of Loch Lubnaig, providing easy access and several car parks and picnic sites where you can park your vehicle. These spots offer convenient starting points for your cycling adventures.

While the A84 road offers good vehicle access, specific public transport options for cyclists directly to Loch Lubnaig might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services for routes that accommodate bicycles or connect to nearby towns like Callander or Strathyre, which are often starting points for rides.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling around Loch Lubnaig, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the sheltered environment of the loch means it can be beautiful even on cooler days, with the surrounding hills and forested slopes providing some protection.

The touring cycling routes around Loch Lubnaig are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 170 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning lochside views, the predominantly traffic-free sections of the NCN7, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Yes, for more experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, routes like the Loch Earn at St Fillans – View of Loch Earn loop from Strathyre offer a substantial ride of over 25 miles (40 km) with moderate elevation gain, taking you beyond Loch Lubnaig to explore neighboring areas and other lochs.

The NCN7 is an excellent option for touring cyclists around Loch Lubnaig because it largely utilizes the trackbed of a former railway line. This provides a predominantly traffic-free and often flat path along the western shore, making it safe and enjoyable for a wide range of cyclists. It also passes through attractive forestry, including parts of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, offering beautiful scenery.