The best gravel rides around Backwater Reservoir
4.0
(3)
8
riders
3
rides
Gravel biking around Backwater Reservoir offers routes through a landscape characterized by water features, surrounding hills, and varied terrain. The region features significant elevation changes, providing challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Gravel trails often follow reservoir edges or ascend into the surrounding uplands, offering a mix of open views and more sheltered sections.
Best gravel bike trails around Backwater Reservoir
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Wee Bear Cafe – Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop loop from Kirkton of Glenisla, a 35.6 miles (57.3 km) trail that takes 4 hours 34 minutes to complete. This difficult route connects two local cafes, offering a substantial ride through the area.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Glenisla Kirk – Glenisla Hotel loop from Kirkton of Glenisla, a moderate 8.6 miles (13.8 km) path. This shorter loop explores the local surroundings of Kirkton of Glenisla, suitable for a quicker ride.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Kirkton of Glenisla, a 42.9 miles (69.0 km) trail leading through the local countryside, often completed in about 5 hours 34 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Backwater Reservoir is defined by reservoir-side paths, rolling hills, and rural roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more difficult, long-distance routes.
- The routes in Backwater Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 6 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Backwater Reservoir's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
5.0
(2)
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
13.8km
00:52
210m
210m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
2
riders
68.5km
04:32
1,070m
1,070m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Glenisla Kirk, a small Gothic church built in 1821, is located at the west end of Kirkton of Glenisla on the B951. Originally part of a religious site dating back to the 13th century, it was first gifted to the Abbey of Cambuskenneth by King William the Lion and later transferred to the Abbey of Coupar Angus in 1311. After numerous repairs, the original church was replaced with the current structure. Now owned by the Glenisla Church Trust, it continues to serve the community with monthly informal evening services (April to December) and a Christmas Eve Watch Night Service. It also offers a venue for weddings and funerals, with local venues providing additional support.
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Kirkton of Glenisla, an ancient farming community with Bronze Age and Pictish remains, has a deep ecclesiastical heritage reflected in its name, meaning "church town." From the 14th to 16th centuries, it was part of the lands of Coupar Angus Abbey, which influenced the area's farming development. After the Reformation, the lands were feued to the Ogilvy family, later Earls of Airlie, with Forter Castle remaining as a historical landmark. In the 19th century, the area became a romantic destination, attracting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Glenisla also saw the construction of Brackny Bridge in 1824, designed by John Justice, marking a significant moment in the area's architectural history.
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Built in 1824 by Dundee engineer John Justice, this 19-meter iron suspension bridge is the oldest of its kind in Scotland and served as a prototype for a larger version at the Haughs of Drimmie. Featuring a sheep gate at one end, it was likely built to help children from Auchenleish cross the River Isla to reach school. Damaged by extreme weather in 2021, it has since been repaired. Previously, a ford behind the manse allowed passage along the Coffin Road, used to transport coffins from Kilry to Glenisla Graveyard, but frequent spates have rendered it impassable.
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Glenisla, planted in 1949, is a productive forest mainly consisting of Sitka Spruce, a species known for its rapid growth and high-quality timber. Introduced to Scotland in 1831 by David Douglas, Sitka Spruce originates from the fog-belt of western North America, where it had various uses such as in basketry and boat caulking. Plans to establish native riparian woodlands are underway, though deer management is crucial to protect young trees. The forest is served by three main burns—Glen Taitney, Finlet, and Muckle—which supply water to the Backwater Reservoir and local rivers, benefiting nearby towns in Angus and Dundee.
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Quiet road through Glen Isla with views towards Glenshee
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What a magnificent building. I'd love to stay here if became a hotel... and i just found... Dr. David John Johnston has been restoring it since 2021, and some rooms are available. https://www.balintorecastle.com/
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This is on right as you ride in, it's comprehensively stocked with all sorts from fine foods to woollen clothing, to art and fancy soda pop.
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Lovely little cafe/restaurant with good food and coffee. Shop selling all sorts of gifts as well as clothes and furniture/antiques.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gravel bike trails can I expect around Backwater Reservoir?
The trails around Backwater Reservoir offer a mix of reservoir-side paths, rolling hills, and rural roads. You'll find routes with significant elevation changes, providing both challenging climbs and rewarding descents, often ascending into the surrounding uplands.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in the Backwater Reservoir area?
While the area is known for its varied terrain, the available routes lean towards moderate to difficult. For a shorter, moderate option, consider the Glenisla Kirk – Glenisla Hotel loop from Kirkton of Glenisla, which is 8.6 miles (13.8 km) and explores the local surroundings.
What are some longer distance gravel biking options near Backwater Reservoir?
For a substantial ride, the Wee Bear Cafe – Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop loop from Kirkton of Glenisla covers 35.6 miles (57.3 km) and connects two local cafes. Another challenging long-distance option is the Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Kirkton of Glenisla, which is 42.9 miles (69.0 km).
Are there any loop gravel bike trails available?
Yes, all the featured routes are loops. You can choose from the moderate Glenisla Kirk – Glenisla Hotel loop from Kirkton of Glenisla, or the more challenging long-distance loops like the Wee Bear Cafe – Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop loop from Kirkton of Glenisla or the Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Kirkton of Glenisla.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around Backwater Reservoir?
The best time to visit for gravel biking is typically from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Conditions can be more challenging in winter due to colder temperatures, potential ice, and shorter days.
Are there any cafes or places to refuel along the gravel bike trails?
Yes, some routes are specifically designed to connect local establishments. For example, the Wee Bear Cafe – Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop loop from Kirkton of Glenisla and the Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Kirkton of Glenisla both link these two popular cafes, offering convenient stops for refreshments.
What are the general difficulty levels of gravel biking in this region?
The gravel biking routes around Backwater Reservoir range from moderate to difficult. You'll find options suitable for those looking for a quicker, less strenuous ride, as well as challenging long-distance routes with significant elevation gains.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails around Backwater Reservoir?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Riders often appreciate the varied terrain, the mix of open views and sheltered sections, and the opportunities for challenging rides.
What kind of landscape will I encounter while gravel biking here?
You'll experience a landscape defined by the reservoir itself, surrounded by rolling hills and uplands. Expect a mix of open vistas, particularly along reservoir edges, and more sheltered sections as you ascend into the higher ground.
How many gravel bike trails are available in the Backwater Reservoir area?
There are several gravel bike trails available around Backwater Reservoir, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's unique landscape.
What should I wear for gravel biking in Backwater Reservoir?
Given the varied terrain and potential for elevation changes, it's advisable to wear layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions. Waterproof outer layers are recommended, especially in Scotland, along with appropriate cycling gear for comfort and safety.
Most popular routes around Backwater Reservoir
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