National Cycle Network Route 7 Glasgow Loch Lomond Dumbarton Balloch Cycle Path Guide
Part of a series covering cycling in the highlands of Scotland - Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 7 Lochs and Glens North (Glasgow - Inverness). Watch for new sections as they get added. They are intended to give you a feel for the route, gradient and surface - as well as showcasing the beautiful scenery.
The Glasgow – Loch Lomond Cycle path has been around since 1988 and is now incorporated into the national cycle network Route 7. So, starting off at Bells Bridge where Route 7 heads south for Carlisle, we cycle alongside the Clyde.
Normally I’d be adding information about heights and gradients but not in this run – it’s pretty much flat and doesn't get far from sea level. So it’s riverside, then cycle path/pavement, some minor roads, more cyclepath, then canal towpath on the Forth and Clyde canal from Clydebank to Bowling, some more railway path into Dumbarton, quietish roads through Dumbarton and then north on the banks of the river Leven to Balloch.
Signage and directions are very good and frequent – although it didn’t stop me from missing a few turns – when I see them on the video – I don’t know what I was doing. There were a couple of sections of the path blocked on this day - they were NOT signposted at all – no diversions set up, so you just have to follow your nose if that happens.
Although the signage is good don't rely too much on the miles – they stick and then jump a couple of miles at a time.
Hazards? Well – this isn’t chocolate box or shortbread box Scotland, it’s urban realism most of the way, so expect some broken glass, shopping trolleys in the canal … though I have to say on this trip there was very little – everything was pretty clean and well maintained – in fact there was less litter than on some of the highland sections . Also watch out for road crossings and generally on the road sections through Glasgow and Dumbarton
Surfaces – pretty good condition all the way.
And unfortunately my memory card ran out at loch Lomond – so this is just a one way video – and honest – I didn’t get the train back.
Cycled 23 April 2016 with a Specialized Tricross with 32c Marathon Plus tyres.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver, 1080 wide, protune, gopro colour -0.5 ev to retain the skies using the Grad Filter effect in
Additional material Lumix TZ30 set at -2/3 ev and DJI Phantom 2 with Gopro
Edited with Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13. No stabilisation (it cuts the field of view). Some Youtube compression artifacts after upload owing to the lack of stabiliastaion.
Royalty-free music by
Underwaterbeats
Riot (courtesy of You Tube Music Library)
Tom Kent
Notembug
Cycling: Lochs and Glens South Day 1 - Carlisle to Kirkcudbright
We cycled from Carlisle to Glasgow on the Lochs and Glens South route. We were unsupported for the ride and used seat packs and frame bags to carry our equipment.
The ride was 211 miles over 3 days. This video is day 1 of the trip. we cycled from Carlisle, through Gretna towards Annan. We then headed towards Dumfries then Castle Douglas and over to Kirkcudbright were we stayed that night. Day 1 was all on road and cycle paths, day 2 two takes through the Galloway Forest with 20-25 miles of off road riding.
*Please note the route was on road and cycle paths at no point are we cycling on pavements.*
We planned our Bikepacking adventure using the Sustrans Cycle Network maps - sustrans.org.uk.
If you want to see what we carried on the trip, check out our Bike Trip Prep video where I cover what we packed.
I have captured all of the footage whilst riding the route with a combination of handheld cameras and GoPros.
Keep an eye out for day 2 and 3 which will be coming out in the coming weeks.
Music: Youtube Audio Library
National Cycle Network Scottish Highlands Route 7 Aberfeldy Pitlochry Killiecrankie Blair Atholl
Part of a series covering cycling in the highlands of Scotland - Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 7 Lochs and Glens North (Glasgow - Inverness). Watch for new sections as they get added. The routes are all done as return trips so you can see the conditions and scenery in both directions and are intended to give you a feel for the route, gradient and surface - as well as showcasing the beautiful scenery.
Aberfeldy sits at 90m just off route 7 which runs along the north side of the Tay here.
After crossing the Tay on General Wade’s bridge we head east at Weem and follow an undulating minor road gradually down stream to 64m, cross the bridge here to avoid the main road then climb to about 90m above the south bank of the Tay for some fine views and gradually down again to about 62m at the impressive old railway bridge at Logierait where the Tay and the Tummel merge.
Cross the main road here and theres a short steep steep climb of about 20m, some more undulating single track road and a final steep 30m up to a farm at 125m with a great view over Pitlochry, then down again crossing the river Tummel at 80m on the suspension footbridge (note no cycling!)
A gradual climb up the main street of Pitlochry, exiting the end of the town at about 115m, then up through Killiecrankie high above the river Garry to around 165m before dropping down to Blair Atholl at 135m.
Overall, there are some steep sections but they are short and the signposted 14% at Killiecrankie doesn’t last long and really doesn’t seem that steep. The main hazard is probably the busy road section through Pitlochry and Killiecrankie to Blair Atholl. It’s the old A9 and still carries a lot of tourist and local traffic.
Surface – It’s all tarmac apart from a short 100m section you easily bypass.
One hint – I happened to park outside the Breadalbane bakery and tea room in Dunkeld street Aberfeldy – that’s the main way in from the A9 and picked up a really nice (and good size) empire biscuit before starting off - they also have public toilets.
Cycled with a Specialized Tricross with 32c Marathon Plus tyres.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver, 1080 wide, protune, gopro colour -0.5 ev to retain the skies using the Grad Filter effect in
Additional material Lumix TZ30 set at -2/3 ev
Edited with Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13. No stabilisation (it cuts the field of view). Some Youtube compression artifacts after upload owing to the lack of stabiliastaion.
Royalty-free music by Underwaterbeats and Riot (courtesy of You Tube Music Library)
Cycled 19 March 2016
National Cycle Network Route 7 Scottish Highlands Blair Atholl Drumochter Dalwhinnie Newtonmore
Part of a series covering cycling in the highlands of Scotland - Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 7 Lochs and Glens North (Glasgow - Inverness). Watch for new sections as they get added. The routes are all done as return trips so you can see the conditions and scenery in both directions and are intended to give you a feel for the route, gradient and surface - as well as showcasing the beautiful scenery.
Blair Atholl to Newtonmore over Drumochter summit - about 35 miles each way, 70 miles round trip.
Although it’s the summit of Lochs and Glens North (and the highest point on the UK rail network) – the ascent of 320m from Blair Atholl is only a wee bit more than the climb up from Aberfoyle on the Drymen Callander stage and its nothing like as steep . That stage – Drymen -Callander also has twice as much total climbing. So the gradient on this stage is really no problem.
So the heights - Blair Atholl – 133m, Drumochter Summit – 457m, Newtonmore 246m.
Starting at Blair Atholl, we’re on the old A9 that we joined at Pitlochry. After 5 miles we reach Calvine where that big ’Are you really sure’ warning sign is. That’s where the path starts and from then you are traffic-free for 18 miles on a mixture of wide old A9 complete with cats eyes and narrower cycle track. The route stays close to the Railway and the River Garry on the left and the ‘new’ A9 on the right most of the way up to Drumochter. That new A9 is sometimes uncomfortably close. The cycle track is sometimes nothing more than a pavement at the side of the thunderingly busy A9, sometimes without even a wire rope crash barrier.
At Drumochter the River Garry takes a left into Loch Garry and the River Truim begins as it heads north towards the Spey. The traffic-free part of the path ends at Dalwhinnie and then its one of general Wade’s military roads to Newtonmore. This is a really nice section and although not all traffic-free its very quiet with very good visibility. There’s a surprise uphill a couple of miles along it …. No big deal – it’s just a surprise after all the downhill from Drumochter. There are old milestones on the military road that count you down into Newtonmore – and that’s about the only distance signage I noticed northbound which is a pity given this is such a long and isolated route. There is an additional traffic free section for a couple of miles as you get closer to Newtonmore.
Surface quality – generally good, but some of the tarmac is a bit crumbly and there is some lumpy gravel in places too – Road bike just about OK, but be careful.
Watch out for the wind – it can be pretty windy this high up. Although strong, It was fairly kind to me on the day – a North Easterly combined with the bend in the route meant that I generally had it with me when going uphill and against when going down – a good result. Although, when I set my camera up on a tripod to get a ride-by shot between Newtonmore and Dalwhinnie, the wind blew it over.
Cycled with a Specialized Tricross with 32c Marathon Plus tyres.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver, 1080 wide, protune, gopro colour -0.5 ev to retain the skies using the Grad Filter effect in
Additional material Lumix TZ30 set at -2/3 ev
Edited with Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13. No stabilisation (it cuts the field of view). Some Youtube compression artifacts after upload owing to the lack of stabilisation.
Royalty-free music by
Underwaterbeats
Riot (courtesy of You Tube Music Library)
JPB - High [NCS Release]
JBP:
SoundCloud
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Ason ID - Xander by Ason ID
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
Cycling: Lochs and Glens South - Day 2 Kirkcudbright to Ayr
This is day 2 of our 3 day cycling trip were we cycled from Carlilse to Glasgow. We were unsupported on the trip and carried all of our equipment with us in frame and seat packs.
The ride totalled 211 miles over the 3 days and day 2 totalled 84miles for the day. On this day we headed our stop in Kirkcudbright up through the Galloway Forest National Park.
The section through the Galloway forest was 20-25 miles off road on the fire road. Once we cleared the Forest we had rolling hills to Ayr. Day 2 was hard work but very enjoyable!
Keep an eye out for day 3 when we cycle from Ayr to Glasgow.
Music: YouTube Audio Library
National Cycle Network Route 7 Rob Roy Way Guide Callander Lochearnhead Glen Ogle Killin
Intended as a one-off ride and video, this turned out to be first in a growing series covering cycling in the highlands of Scotland - Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 7 Lochs and Glens North (Glasgow - Inverness). Watch for new sections as they get added. The routes are all done as return trips so you can see the conditions and scenery in both directions and are intended to give you a feel for the route, gradient and surface - as well as showcasing the beautiful scenery
**UPDATE 4 June 2016. The sometimes muddy 2 miles beside the Falls of Leny is now supersmooth tarmac. Nice. The steep rocky hairpins 1 mile south of Strathyre are still impossible except on an mtb. That's my vote for the next improvement. **.
Cycling in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – the Rob Roy Way - Callander to Killin via Falls of Leny, Loch Lubnaig, Strathyre, Lochearnhead and Glen Ogle Viaduct – and a return trip via Balquhidder. Total distance 47 miles round trip (44 if you exclude Balquhidder on the return)
If like me you’ve driven up the A85 to Killin, and spotted cyclists on the Glen Ogle viaduct and wondered what its like, or maybe you are planning a holiday in Scotland are looking for a Scenic off road cycle route - this video is for you.
It answers all the essentials about the route:
What’s the gradient like- how steep?
How high?
How far?
What’s the surface like - tarmac, light/heavy gravel, dirt?
Do I need a mountain bike? Can I rollerblade on any of it?
Shot 10 and 19 April 2015 for the best unobstructed views (no leaves on the trees yet)
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
Additional material Lumix TZ30
Aerial shots with DJI Phantom 2, GoPro Hero 3+ black, ZenmuseHD-3D gimbal
Edited with Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13. No stabilisation (it cuts the field of view). Unfortunately this is resulting in really bad Youtube compression artifacts after upload - Maybe try chest mount next time.
Chest mount didn't help ... but a helpful comment on another video did ... disabling resampling in the editor has removed ghosting and pretty sure has reduced the bits needed for a clear picture. Too late for this one but good for the others.
Royalty-free music by Underwaterbeats
Cycled with a Specialized Allez Elite road bike with 23c mondo slicks– NOT recommended, but bike was OK.
All distances and altitudes approximate (Runtastic and Google Earth respectively)
Look out for the wooley jumper at the end.
Thanks fro reading the description :-)
National Cycle Network Route 7 Killin Kenmore Aberfeldy Loch Tay Guide
Part of a series covering cycling in the highlands of Scotland - Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 7 Lochs and Glens North (Glasgow - Inverness). Watch for new sections as they get added. The routes are all done as return trips so you can see the conditions and scenery in both directions and are intended to give you a feel for the route, gradient and surface - as well as showcasing the beautiful scenery.
Cycling Killin to Kenmore and Aberfeldy via the south side of Loch Tay. Total distance 48miles return. Shot 4 May 2015 for the best unobstructed views (not many leaves on the trees yet) and still plenty of snow on the mountains. Aberfeldy is just off 7 which continues along the north side of the Tay at Weem.
The road on the south side of Loch Tay is pretty hilly, frequent climbs and descents back towards lochside, a gradually climbing sawtooth. OK when the wind is with you – normally in the Killin-Aberfeldy direction as that matches the prevailing wind direction … but it was tough on the way back with the wind blowing from the Atlantic, up Loch Fyne, and along the length of the glen.
Although it’s all on-road, there is generally little traffic, but do watch out for occasional surprises around blind corners and over blind summits on the narrow single track section between Killin and Kenmore. There might not be a lot of traffic but it goes fast, often too fast for the road. Visibility is not good. *** Update Nov 2016 - the speed limit has been reduced to 40mph with some 'cycling and walking friendly road' signage. A positive move but that's still too fast for the road ****
Fantastic views - Watch out for James Bond and M enjoying them as in Skyfall - but with the advantage of better weather than they had during the filming in Glen Etive.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver, 1080 wide, protune, gopro colour -.5ev to retain the skies.
Additional material Lumix TZ30
Edited with Sony Movie Studio Platinum 13. No stabilisation (it cuts the field of view). Unfortunately this is resulting in some Youtube compression artifacts after upload. Must find a way to stabilise the gopro.
Royalty-free music by Underwaterbeats
Cycled with a Specialized Tricross with 32c Marathon Plus tyres
Cycle Glasgow to Inverness
Cycling the Great Glen Way in Scotland
Cycling part of the Great Glen Way from Fort William to Fort Augustus at the head of Loch Ness; June 2019.
Unfortunately we didn't get to complete the whole route to Inverness due to very heavy rain and some unexpected medical complications, nevertheless it was still an experience and was an achievement to get to Loch Ness.
I have no footage of the hilly and rough section alongside Loch Lochy in the Clunes and Laggan Forest as the constant torrential rain prevented filming... Also please excuse the shaky and poor quality as it was just hand-held mobile phone footage.
Scotland Cycling - A747 to Port William - Dumfries and Galloway (April 2017)
Cycling is Such Fun on Lon Menai, Caernarfon
A couple of old pals meet up. Crawford Boyd has a saddle bag overflowing with ditties and monologues. Here we have a short selection before we depart with our rich day day enriched even more.
Carlisle to Inverness an epic bike ride..
Cycling from Carlisle to Inverness across the Scottish Highlands. Part 4 of Rob an Jims Lands end to John o' Groats Bike ride.
Railway track section of National Cycle Route 7 north of Carlisle
Approaching Longtown, north of Carlisle on NCN Route 7.
Newcastle to Inverness 400km Ride
Cycling from Newcastle to Inverness June 2017.
Starting at 4.50AM on the 5th our plan was to catch the 7.55AM Train from Inverness on the 6th. A total of 260 miles in an approximate ride time of 17 hours (total 27hr period).
However we did not expect such bad weather on the way to Edinburgh which forced us to ride hard just to stay warm. The forecast also looked even worse for the night, with more heavy rain, thunderstorms and temperatures as low as 4 degrees.
Gutted not to finish the job but the right decision was made in the end.
Please see below the Strava route,
Scotland.
Scotland’s towns, villages, cities, iconic attractions and stunning landscapes are as varied and as diverse as they come, so no matter where you end up you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking setting around you.
In the Highlands, one of the most famous and iconic landscapes is Glen Coe. Well-known across the globe for its features in big blockbuster movies, such as Braveheart and Highlander, its landscape is made up of swooping glens, towering mountains and an atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Nearby, the scenic Loch Leven is a perfect location for picturesque walks and exploring. Making an appearance in the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is an easily recognisable attraction, located in the incredible setting of Loch Shiel on the west coast. Take a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train and venture across the viaduct for a unique and memorable day out. Probably the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle near Dornie is a famous Scottish icon and once you set eyes on it, it’s easy to see why.
In the east, Dunnottar Castle is an incredible fortress perched on the Aberdeenshire coastline that is must-see when in the area and is home to many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. Further south, head to the newly-opened and world-renowned V&A Dundee. This museum hosts incredible exhibitions of art and design from throughout the years and is Scotland’s first design museum and the only V&A museum in the world outside London.
Edinburgh & The Lothians has bundles to offer too. Connecting Edinburgh and Fife, the Forth Road Bridge in South Queensferry is one of the most iconic man-made structures in Scotland that dates back to the 19th century. Take a stroll across the bridge and marvel at the views out to sea. Edinburgh is bursting at the seams with attractions, famous locations, historic museums and more. Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Mile, Calton Hill and Princes Street Gardens are just a few of the places to visit. Just outside of the city, Rosslyn Chapel is nestled in the heart of Midlothian and boasts unique and mysterious carvings, tales of age-old myths and legends, and stunning grounds to explore.
Due south from Edinburgh, Dumfries & Galloway is home to the peculiar triangle-shaped Caerlaverock Castle. This medieval fortress features a moat, twin-towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, giving it a real ancient feel and atmosphere.
The Borders Railway encapsulates the enchanting regions of Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders alongside the rich history, landscapes, outdoor activities and more that these areas boast. Starting in Edinburgh Waverley, the train stops at various locations including Brunstane, Shawfair, Eskbank and Gorebridge before terminating in Tweedbank.
Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, offers the liveliness of city life, alongside striking architecture, fascinating museums, bustling streets and more. Explore the Riverside Museum, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, People’s Palace and more to get a real feel of what the city is all about. North west of Glasgow in Argyll, the romantic Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes that has complimented the surrounding landscape since the early 15th century.
Explore the traditional and cultural side of Scotland on our incredible islands. In the Outer Hebrides the Hebridean Way from Vatersay in the south to the Isle of Lewis in the north is not to be missed. It’s a wonderful way to explore the islands either by bike on the 185-mile cycle network or on the long distance 156-mile walking route. On the Isle of Lewis, the popular Calanais Standing Stones are 5,000 years old with a visitor centre that guides you through the ages and tells the story of this world-famous attraction. Nearby on the Isle of Harris, Seilebost Beach will make you think you are somewhere in the Caribbean. With crystal clear waters, golden sandy beaches, and crisp sea air, the scenery will really take your breath away.
Further north, Orkney is another fascinating collection of Scottish islands. Visit the Neolithic site of Skara Brae and learn about the prehistoric settlement that was once found here and delve into what life was like on the islands some 5,000 years ago.
Scotland’s destinations:
Attractions:
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The Caledonia Way - National Cycle Route 78
For information on this route go to:
The Caledonia Way - National Cycle Route 78, runs from Campbeltown to Inverness, through Oban and Fort William, covering 237 miles alongside some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. You’ll cycle by the banks of Loch Ness, experience the views of Arran from Kintyre, see the standing stones of Kilmartin Glen, follow the Crinan Canal and ride the locks of Neptune’s Staircase.
Director/Producer // Marc J Grundy
Aerial filming // John Duncan
Camera Operators // Marc J Grundy & Jonnie Lewis
Editing and Motion Graphics // Coolbox
Music: ‘Walking on Rainbows’ by Gyom
A special thanks to all the volunteers, supporters, partners and members of the public involved in filming this video and being part of this project.
Sustrans ref: MV0439
6 Magical MUST-Sees on the Isle of SKYE
6 MAGICAL MUST-SEES ON THE ISLE OF SKYE -- If I were to describe one place in my travels so far as magical, it would have to be the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Faerie glens, turquoise pools, massive waterfalls, mystical mountains and more -- the natural beauty found on Skye doesn't end.
Today I'm sharing my 6 favourite spots on Skye:
1. The Quirang
2. The Faerie Pools
3. The Faerie Glen
4. The Cuillins
5. Kilt Rock
6. Neist Point
In this video you'll also learn:
- How to get to Skye
- The western isles of Scotland
- Why I took a a mini-bus tour around the island
- Why the fairy pools in Skye are turquoise
- How to find hiking routes in Scotland (link below)
- The magical sounds you'll hear at Kilt Rock
- Why every movie should be shot on Skye
- The many natural wonders of the Isle of Skye and Scotland's ability to preserve them just as they are
Hiking in Scotland:
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
VIDEO NOTES
Settle Loop A Grand Day Out
Zip Ties. Can't go out riding without them! Talk about annoying bag fail. This sunny loop round Settle in North Yorkshire nearly came unstuck. Sorry for the attempted pun. Let me know how you've used zip ties.
Glen Ogle viaduct.
Glen Ogle extends 7 miles north westwards from Lochearnhead to Lix Toll where it opens into Glen Dochart. The military road, which can be seen from the modern road, was built in1749 by Major Wm., Caulfield. It was used by the British Army in it's efforts to pacify the Highlands after the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It is possible to walk through the glen on a footpath that follows the course of the former Callander to Oban railway to the summit of the glen and Killin Junction. The route takes in the Glen Ogle viaduct and the bridge which has a concrete core, is clad in local granite and has 12 stone arches.
WHAT TO TAKE - HOW I packed for my Scottish Bike Tour
Checkout this vid for a couple tips on what to take on your next bike packing adventure...
This year I head to SCOTLAND for a shorter 2 week bike tour. Last year I bike packed for THREE MONTHS around the Balkans which was AMAZING. Other than having an epic time, I learnt loads first hand about what you do and don't need.
Thinking I'd take advantage of the Scottish summer sun, here I pack in anticipation of fair weather (OH I WAS SO WRONG) - it rained.... A LOT...
Vlogged every day of the trip - CONTENT TO COME ;)
Link to last year's Balkan Tour Vid: