The best traffic-free bike rides around Blairgowrie And Rattray

There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Blairgowrie and Rattray featured in this guide. These routes range from moderate to difficult, offering varied experiences for cyclists looking for peaceful rides.

The routes in Blairgowrie and Rattray offer a diverse cycling experience. You'll find a mix of quiet country lanes, dedicated cycle paths, and routes that wind through wooded areas and along riverbanks. While some routes feature gentle inclines, others, particularly those heading towards the Grampian Mountains, include significant elevation gains, providing more challenging rides.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Alyth Parish Church – Alyth Town Centre loop offers a scenic circular ride, as does the Blairgowrie Town Centre – Blairgowrie Bridge loop.

The routes often pass through areas of natural beauty. You can expect views of the River Ericht, serene lochs like Mill Dam Lochan, and the dramatic Craighall Gorge. Some routes offer panoramic vistas from hills such as The Knockie or King's Seat, Birnam Hill, providing expansive views over the surrounding countryside and even towards the Cairngorm Mountains.

Yes, several routes bring you close to historical sites. You might pass by the 17th-century Alyth Packhorse Bridge, or the prominent Kinpurney Tower, an 18th-century observatory on an Iron Age hillfort. Further afield, Dunkeld Cathedral is also a significant historical landmark in the wider region.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Blairgowrie and Rattray, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though routes may be busier. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear due to colder temperatures and potential for ice or snow, especially on higher ground.

While many routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the area does offer options for less experienced cyclists. The Strathmore Cycle Network is developing dedicated paths designed to be accessible. For a moderate challenge, consider the Blairgowrie Town Centre – Blairgowrie Bridge loop, which provides a good balance of distance and elevation.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Blairgowrie and Rattray, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the stunning natural landscapes, and the variety of challenges available, from riverside paths to more demanding climbs.

Blairgowrie and Rattray is served by local bus services that connect to larger towns like Perth and Dundee. While specific bike carriage policies vary, these services can help you reach the starting points of some routes. It's advisable to check with the local transport providers for their current bike policies before planning your trip.

Parking is generally available in Blairgowrie and Rattray town centres, which serve as convenient starting points for many routes. Look for public car parks within the towns. For routes starting further afield, smaller village car parks or designated lay-bys may be available, but always ensure you park responsibly and legally.

While this guide focuses on routes around Blairgowrie and Rattray, the area is part of a wider network. The Cateran Trail, a long-distance route, has sections that are suitable for cycling and offer traffic-free experiences. Additionally, the ambitious Strathmore Cycle Network project aims to create extensive dedicated cycling paths connecting Blairgowrie with nearby towns, enhancing long-distance, traffic-free options.