Callander To Strathyre Cycle

Route - Callander, Kilmahog, Loch Lubnaig cycle path, Strathyre

Description - Safe - mostly level, 9 miles purpose made cycleway. No Vehicles)

Start - Callander or small car park west of Kilmahog on A821 or Stank carpark

From Callander Meadows carpark follow the cycle path by the riverside to join the cycleway near the main road - turn left onto the cycleway. Follow the cycleway for about 1 mile and notice the low earthworks of the Roman camp between the track and the river before reaching the A821 Trossachs road by a carpark near Kilmahog. (alternative start point).

Cross the A821 to continue on the cycleway through woodlands beside the river Leny where many wild birds may be observed. About 1 mile after crossing the A821 you can visit the Falls of Leny. After passing the walkers car park at Stank (alternative start point)) take the right fork to the path closest to the river and continue to pass the Forest Enterprise cabins after a further mile or so.

The track now follows the shore of Loch Lubnaig for a couple of miles before climbing sharply to a higher level with good views up and down Loch Lubnaig. The high level track continues through a plantation before turning sharply right and dropping back toward the level of the old rail track near the lochside.

An easy level section is short lived and the track again rises suddenly via several zig-zags to join a tarmac private road. Continue on the private road to eventually join a quiet public road leading to the village of Strathyre. At Strathyre you can obtain refreshments at the Ben Shian hotel, the Bistro at Strathyre or 'Maggies Tea-Room'.

Return by the same route as the A84 trunk road is busy and not really suitable for pleasure cyclists. If you feel really energetic you can either follow the road on the west side of the river to Balquhidder then back to the old rail trackbed at King's House on the A84 OR you could take a short cut and cycle up the A84 for 2 miles (no cycle path) then continue on the cycleway C7 to Lochearnhead, up GlenOgle with the famous viaduct then down the hill to Killin.

BUT remember that what goes down must come up if you intend to cycle back from Killin to Strathyre or Callander. A diversion for the energetic on the return trip A more strenuous and interesting diversion may be taken by turning right off the cycleway about 0.5 mile south of the forest cabin site at the signpost for Ben Ledi. Follow the forest road up the hill and through the zig-zags.

At the Y junction take the left down a short slope to cross a burn before climbing again for a short way to a fairly level stretch. Pass the Ben Ledi track and continue through the trees to emerge on an open stretch with great views over Loch Lubnaig and north to the mountains. Now continue to some long downhill stretches to finish at the car park on the A821 Trossachs road.