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The National Cycle Network (NCN) covers over 10,000 miles of signed cycle routes throughout the UK. One third of the network is on traffic-free paths, with the rest on quiet minor roads and traffic calmed streets. This far reaching and ambitious national project is managed by the sustainable transport charity SUSTRANS. The group aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle, thereby reducing motorcar use and its consequent environmental impact.
There are three National Cycle Network Routes which pass through the Perthshire countryside. These provide excellent cycling throughout the year.
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Route 7 - Lochs and Glens (North) - Inverness to Glasgow
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Route length: 215 miles/347km (approx 60 miles/97km of which are in Perthshire)
Level: Moderate
Links: The route connects with Route 77 (see below) at Logierait just south of Pitlochry.
A superb tour through classic Highland scenery. On leaving the historic city of Inverness, the route climbs steadily across the open heather moors of Strathspey with wide panoramic views to the Cairngorm mountains. A specially constructed path enables cyclists to cross the Drumochter Pass, avoiding the busy A9 trunk road. The route then descends to the hills, glens and outstanding wooded countryside of Perthshire. Picturesque towns and villages (Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy) are dotted along the route and all offer a great range of things to see and do - for a few hours… or several days. The ride along Strathtay and the southern shore of Loch Tay is especially beautiful and generally level, with the river, and then the loch, for company all the way. Turning southwards, the route takes the cyclist through dramatic Glen Ogle before hugging the shores of Loch Lubnaig. It then crosses the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park to reach the outskirts of Glasgow at Loch Lomond.
See Sustrans for more information and to purchase the official route map (£5.99). Maps are also available from VisitScotland Information Centres in Perth, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.
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Route 77 - The Salmon Run - Dundee to Pitlochry
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Route length: 54 miles/87km - mostly in Perthshire
Level: Easy/Moderate
Links: Route 77 connects with Route 7 (see above) at Logierait just south of Pitlochry.
Route 77 connects with Route 1 (see below) at the Tay Bridge in Dundee.
National Route 77, follows the winding course of the River Tay upstream for 54 miles (87km) between the City of Dundee and the highland resort town of Pitlochry. The mighty River Tay is the longest in Scotland and is famous the world over for the quality of its record-breaking salmon. Diverse scenery characterises this route, from the river estuary at Dundee to the rich farmland of the Carse on Gowrie and on, northwards, to the more rugged upland landscape around Pitlochry and Dunkeld. Highlights en route are many and include RRS Discovery (the famous ship that took Scott to the Antarctic in 1901); a Scottish winery; Kinnoull Hill and the sights of Perth and the stunning conservation village of Dunkeld with its ancient cathedral. At journey's end in Pitlochry you'll find distilleries, a festival theatre and salmon ladder plus an excellent network of waymarked walks.
RAIL STATIONS are located in Dundee, Perth, Dunkeld (Birnam) and Pitlochry - a great advantage for cyclists wishing the more relaxing option of putting their bike on the train for part of the journey. Contact First ScotRail in advance to book a bike space. (T: 08457 4849500)
The Sustrans map for Route 77 also shows 5 additional circular routes - ideal for those that want to explore the area in more depth.
See Sustrans for more information and to purchase the official route map (£3.99). Maps are also available from VisitScotland Information Centres in Perth, Dunkeld, Blairgowrie and Pitlochry.
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Route 1 - Edinburgh to Aberdeen
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Route length: 170 miles/274km
Level: moderate
Links: Route 1 connects with Route 77 (see above) at the Tay Bridge, Dundee
From a start point in Edinburgh, Scotland's cosmopolitan capital, Route 1 travels through Fife, Kinross and Dundee before taking a coastal route to Aberdeen.
The Perthshire section of this route passes through lovely lowland scenery around Loch Leven and Kinross where visitors can explore the impressive formal gardens at Kinross House or take a boat trip across the loch to the island castle where Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. Loch Leven is of international significance for birdlife and there is a RSPB nature reserve at Vane Farm (short detour from Route 1). There are many other worthwhile stopping places along the route: Falkland Palace, the historic university town of St Andrews, Broughty Ferry and Arbroath (famous for its kippers). At Stonehaven the route passes the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched spectacularly on the cliffs.
See Sustrans for more information and to purchase the official route map.
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Accommodation
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Planning a trip or cycling tour? Simply call our National Booking and Information Service on 0845 22 55 121.
There is a huge range of quality assured accommodation available and our agents will be happy to make an advance booking on your behalf.
Alternatively, you can arrange accommodation at short notice by calling into any VisitScotland Information Centre during your trip.
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