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AUCHTERARDER & THE OCHILS
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Situated in rolling lowland Perthshire, Auchterarder and its surrounding area is perfect for a relaxing cycle in the shadow of the Ochil hills. Visitors can explore Pictish forts, Roman Camps, Celtic chapels, Benedictine abbeys and fascinating Innerpeffray Library, the oldest library in Scotland.
West Perthshire - Road Route (OS Landranger Sheet 53) Approximately 28 miles (14 miles each way) - linear route. Undulating roads with steep sections - great views of Ochils, excellent heritage route - Allow 2-3 hours - Moderate/Hard.
Set off from the Maggie Walls Monument in Dunning, where the last witch in Scotland was burned at the stake in 1657. Take the B8062 heading towards Shinafoot and its art gallery. At Shinafoot cross the A9 and link with the A824, heading west towards Auchterarder. Take the next right turn signposted Kinkell Bridge to rejoin the B8062 heading towards Kinkell Bridge, Innerpeffray Library (open in summer) and eventually the bustling holiday town of Crieff, with shops, cafes and the Famous Grouse Experience at Scotland’s Oldest Distillery - Glenturret. Return to Dunning via the outward route.
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BLAIRGOWRIE & THE GLENS
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There’s a great mixture of cycling and mountain bike routes in and around this area. Blairgowrie is a great base for exploring East Perthshire, the Angus Glens, Glenshee and the southern Cairngorms. Cycling the 8 mile circuit around the Loch of Lintrathen, with its wide array of birdlife is a rewarding half day.
By Ericht, Isla & Strathmore - Road Route (OS Landranger Series Sheet 53) Approximately 20 miles - circular route. Mainly flat with a few off road sections - great riverside scenery and views of Sidlaw Hills - 2/3 hours - Moderate.
From Coupar Angus take the A923 signposted for Blairgowrie, over the humped back bridge crossing the River Isla and take the first road on the right after the bridge heading towards Easter Bendochy. At the junction beside Coupar Grange Farm turn left, then right heading towards the River Ericht, after around 1 mile take a right turn and walk across the suspension bridge (Kitty Swanson’s Bridge), then turn left onto a grassy track and right towards Boglea Farm. Turn left from the Farm, then right at the first crossroads, left at the second crossroads, then right at the junction carrying straight on passed Leitfie until you reach a junction with the B954. This leads to Meigle where you will find a Museum, which houses an important collection of Pictish artefacts. Meigle is also a good refreshment stop. Turn right at Meigle (signposted for Dundee) on the B954, then right, right again and left to take you onto the Ardler road which you should follow for around 5 miles. Turn left, then right heading towards Kettins. Go through Kettins and over the A923, then turn right heading towards Markethill and back to Coupar Angus via the A94.
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CRIEFF & STRATHEARN
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Where the lush lowland pastures of the south meet the rugged grandeur of the Highlands. Crieff, a busy holiday centre was once one of the main market centres of Scotland and because of this many ‘cattle droving’ roads and trails can be found throughout the adjoining land, which are excellent for cycling and are packed full of wildlife and fine views. If you are using this area as a holiday base, the cycling around nearby Loch Katrine in the Trossachs is a fantastic day out with stunning views.
Glen Artney - Road Route (OS Landranger Series Sheet 57) Approximately 20 miles - linear route. Mainly undulating with steep sections - great scenery and views of upland Strathearn and Ben Vorlich - Allow 2 - 3 hours - Moderate.
This is a very straightforward route, in a remote and unspoilt glen just outside Comrie village. From the main street in Comrie, take the B827, across the bridge and out of town heading towards Dalginross and eventually Cultybraggan Army Training Camp, which is about 11/2 miles away. At the Army Camp take a right turn onto the unclassified road, you are now in Glen Artney, once an ancient Royal Deer Forest and immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in ‘The Lady of the Lake’. This road follows a parallel course to the Water of Ruchill ending at Dalchruin. Return from Dalchruin via the outward route. Refreshments are only available in Comrie for this route.
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KINROSS & LOCH LEVEN
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Is the perfect base for a family cycling break in Perthshire and is a great starting point for the Kingdom of Fife Millennium Cycleways. The Heart of Scotland Tourist Information Centre has interactive displays, which introduce these routes and help you to plan day excursions.
Loch Leven - Road Route (OS Landranger Series Sheet 58) Approximately 16 Miles - circular route. On flat/ undulating ‘B’ Class & some ‘A’ Class roads, great views over Loch Leven - Allow 2 to 3 hours - Moderate.
Start at Kinross Leisure Centre, following the A922 into the town centre, a short detour takes you to Kinross House Gardens and the small boat service to Loch Leven Castle on Castle Island - worth visiting. Out of town continue south on the B996 until you reach the junction between the B996 and the B9097. Turn left heading east. In around 2 miles you will reach RSPB Vane Farm Nature Reserve - stop for refreshments and a visit to the bird hides on the loch shores. Continue east on the B9097 until you reach the junction with the B920 turn left and follow signs to Scotlandwell, with the Scottish Gliding Centre and the loch on your left. Continue north-west on the A911 to Kinnesswood and Balgedie. At Balgedie leave the A911 and continue north-west on the B919 for approximately 1˝ miles. Turn left onto the unclassified road heading towards Arlary and the B996. At the junction of the B996 head west towards Milnathort for a stop off at ruined Burleigh Castle. Continue through Milnathort and back to Kinross Leisure Centre to the day’s start point. There are several places to eat, drink and shop throughout the route.
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PERTH - WHERE CITY MEETS COUNTRY
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Perth is the cosmopolitan, commercial and administrative centre for this area and has a rich and colourful heritage. There is so much to see and do and there are many excellent places to eat, drink and shop. Locally Scone Palace, was the crowning place for all 42 Scottish Kings. For off road enthusiasts Deuchny Wood is a popular venue, with off road and downhilling events held there throughout the year.
‘Around the Rhynd Road’ - Road Route (OS Landranger Series Sheets 58 ) Approximately 10 miles - circular route. On minor road with 2 mile section on main road. Views of River Tay and across the Carse of Gowrie.
The South Inch in Perth is a wide expanse of tree lined parkland and the ideal start point for this scenic foray to the south east of the city. Begin at the South Inch car park, just off Tay Street, and cycle southwards straight along past Perth Harbour and onto Friarton Road. Join the Edinburgh Road for a very brief spell before turning left onto Rhynd Road. The route ahead is straightforward and takes you through the village of Rhynd, from where you can take an interesting detour to Elcho Castle on the banks of the Tay. As the road continues, astonishing views of the Tay estuary and surrounding farmland unfold. The final leg of the tour passes beneath Moncreiffe Hill before connecting with the A912 at Bridge of Earn. From here it is a short run back into town to connect with the Friarton Road. Alternatively, to escape the traffic, return by the same route. Refreshments: Perth, Bridge of Earn.
Highlights: A short run with big views. Vistas north to the city and to craggy Kinnoull Hill; east to the meeting point of the mighty River Tay and the ocean. Elcho Castle is a handsome 16th century mansion nestling in trees close to the river (Historic Scotland). Moncreiffe Hill has waymarked walking trails, the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and the summit is one of the best look out points in southern Perthshire.
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