Make the most of your stay at Kinnaird
CYCLING AROUND PITLOCHRY IN HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE
The magnificent scenery of Highland Perthshire has been popular with visitors since Victorian times. It is a wonderful area to explore by bicycle with excellent quiet roads, off road trails and interesting places to visit.
see the web site www.cyclehighlandperthshire.co.uk
By The River Garry to Blair Castle
Linear Road Route – Approximately, 8 miles/13km (one way only), OS Landranger Maps 52 & 43
Gentle cycling on secondary roads, with the option of an alternative route.
Set off from the centre of Pitlochry and cycle north on the B8019 to reach the Garry Bridge. The route continues straight ahead on the B8079 but it is worth pausing a moment on the bridge itself to admire the view along the dramatic Pass of Killiecrankie. Continue northwards (on the B8079) to reach the villages of Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl. Blair Castle is well signposted and access is via an impressive mile long driveway from the centre of Blair Atholl. Return to Pitlochry by the same route. (For a steeper route, turn left across the Garry Bridge and then first right onto a small minor road. Continue to the Shierglas Quarry Road and then turn right to cross the river again before joining the B8079 to Blair Atholl). Refreshments: Killiecrankie Vistor Cente Cafe and Blair Atholl Water Mill Cafe. Highlights: An attractive cycle run combined with two historic attractions. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre at Killiecrankie tells the story of the famous Jacobite battle fought here in 1689 and the natural history of the gorge. At Blair Castle you can explore over 30 rooms of fascinating treasures, gardens and way marked footpaths.
By Tay and Tummel
Circular Road Route - Approximately 37 miles/60km, OS Landranger Map 52. A good combination of level sections and demanding climbs on secondary and minor roads.
Start this route from Pitlochry Festival Theatre and follow National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 7 south to Logierait. Keep following the Route 7 signs and join the B898 for a short stretch alongside the River Tay. The route then crosses the river and follows a lovely minor road (part of Route 7) which meanders through the Tay Valley. Continue straight ahead through Strathtay, Weem and the small community of Dull before climbing steeply for approximately 5 miles/8 km on the B846 across to Strathtummel. The road then descends rapidly to Loch Tummel providing a breather for the lungs and a chance to take in the open views ahead. Leave the B846 and take the minor road signposted for Foss. This takes you along the picturesque south shore of Loch Tummel and then on to Loch Faskally. Just before reaching Pitlochry the road goes under the busy A9 and then follows a tarmac track for a short section before arriving back at the theatre - in time for dinner and an evening performance.
Refreshments: Grandtully and Weem.
Highlights: A beautiful tour through the
rugged scenery of Highland Perthshire. The woodland gardens at Cluny House, located near the village of Strathtay, have many rare Himalayan species. Just west of Weem, look out for Castle Menzies, a 16th century edifice which once sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the House of Menzies, a high quality retail outlet with home baking and a coffee shop.
Allean Forest
(by Loch Tummel)
Off Road Routes on forest tracks
OS Landranger Map 43
Allean Forest is part of the Tay Forest Park and is located just west of the Queen’s View Visitor Centre (off the B8019). Cyclists can enjoy wonderful views of Loch Tummel, Glen Errochty and surrounding mountains from way marked trails through the working forest. A car park at the entrance to the forest is the best starting point. OS Landranger Map 43 recommended A `Guide to the Tay Forest Park` is available from the Visitor Centre or Pitlochry Tourist Information Centre. (NB: this is a working forest and diversions, to ensure user’s safety, may be in place)
Refreshments: Queen’s View Centre – tea, coffee, home baking, light snacks. Highlights: Make time to see the Queen’s View before starting off – the sweeping panorama across Loch Tummel can be enjoyed from a viewpoint near the Visitor Centre. The forest has two interesting archaeological sites both of which are near to the trails; a partly restored 18th century farmstead and the remains of an 8th century `ring fort`.
Loch Rannoch -
on the Road to The Isles
Circular Road Route
Approximately 22 miles/35km
OS Landranger Map 51
A gentle cycle on secondary and minor roads.
In the far west of Perthshire, 20 miles from Pitlochry, lies Rannoch – a wild area with a true sense of remoteness. The circular cycle of Loch Rannoch is a delight, with quiet roads, virtually no hills and spectacular views. Begin in the village of Kinloch Rannoch and take a clockwise direction along the minor south shore road to reach the small village of Bridge of Gaur. Join the B846 to complete the loch circuit and return to Kinloch Rannoch.
Refreshments: Kinloch Rannoch. (The hilly westward detour to Rannoch Station and the Rannoch Moor Visitor Centre, is worthwhile)
Highlights: Look out for Clan Trail information boards around the loch shore, these depict the colourful history of local families. The Black Wood of Rannoch, on the south shore, is a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest and, on the north shore, there are fantastic sandy beaches with vistas across the water to the shapely peak of Schiehallion.
Atholl Estates
(Blair Atholl)
Off Road Routes covering a total
distance of nearly 40 miles/ 64km using tracks on Atholl Estates.
OS Landranger Map 43
Atholl Estates is a large highland estate, with daily activities concentrating on farming, forestry and field sports. These practices have created a rich landscape and a network of excellent tracks extends throughout the uplands and glens around Blair Atholl, perfect for exploration by mountain bike. Tracks are not way marked (OS Map essential) but all link together to enable cyclists to plan their own routes. Follow the course of the River Tilt to Marble Lodge and Falls of Tarf or ride up Glen Banvie to the deserted settlement of Chapel Town. A leaflet/map detailing the cycling routes on Atholl Estates is available from the Estate Information Centre in Blair Atholl (www.athollestatesrangerservice.co.uk) or from Pitlochry Tourist Information Centre. Cyclists are asked to respect other path users and remember that the estate is a place of work, as well as a popular location for recreation.
Highlights: The tracks take you through woodlands, alongside rivers, past waterfalls and onto open moorland, with many fine views to spectacular mountains en route.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Pitlochry Tourist Information Centre, 22 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX
T: 01796 472215/472751
E: pitlochrytic@visitscotland.com
www.perthshire.co.uk
for information on cycling, other activities & places to visit in Perthshire.
VisitScotland T: 0845 22 55 121
E: info@visitscotland.com
W: www.visitscotland.com/cycling
Visit the website to request free brochures packed with information on cycle routes throughout Scotland, holiday operators, tips and maps.
Perth & Kinross Cycle Campaign (ByCycle)
W: www.bycycle.org.uk
Sustrans/ National Cycle Network
Information Line: 0117 929 0888
W: www.sustrans.org.uk
Travelling with your bike: First ScotRail
T: 08457 484950 or
www.firstscotrail.com
BE SAFE, BE AWARE
- Always exercise your access rights responsibly in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
- Adhere to guidance signage and requests from land managers, countryside rangers and estate staff.
- Always give way to walkers and horse riders.
- Take special care cycling downhill.
- Wear a cycle helmet and be prepared for emergencies