Best Cycling Paths In Loch Lomond
Whether you’re looking for an easy cycling route that the whole family can enjoy, a mountain biking trail that will get your heart rate up, or a chance to tackle a national cycling route, Loch Lomond has you covered.
Clyde And Loch Lomond Cycle Way
The Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way forms part of National Cycle Route 7 and is approximately 20 miles long. Starting in Glasgow and ending in Balloch, or vice versa, the cycling route will take you along former railway lines and canal towpaths, including the well-known Forth & Clyde Canal.
Beginning at Bell’s Bridge, close to the Glasgow Science Centre, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the River Clyde, The Tall Ship, Clydebank docks, Bowling harbour and Dumbarton Rock, before arriving in Balloch.
The Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way is a great cycle path for cyclists of all abilities as the majority of the route is traffic free and made from asphalt, however particular care should be taken at Bowling roundabout.
The route should take around 1.5 hours to cycle, leaving you plenty of time to explore your destination.
John Muir Way
John Muir, known as the Father of National Parks was a Scottish-American naturalist and writer who was passionate about protecting and enhancing wild landscapes. The John Muir Way is a 134 mile cycling route which was created in 2014 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of John Muir’s death, Homecoming Scotland and Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, and begins just outside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in Helensburgh. The route finishes in Dunbar on the east coast of Scotland, the birthplace of John Muir. Both the start and end points of the John Muir Way are marked by a seat made from Scottish oak and a circular stone plinth with engraved footprints and a John Muir quote.
The 134 mile route is split into 10 smaller sections which can be enjoyed by both cyclists and walkers. Two of these sections take in parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossochs National Park –
- Helensburgh to Balloch– the first section of the route will give you a taster of what’s to come. At only 9 miles long and made up of pavements, gravel and grassy paths and quiet roads, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security as there’s a steep climb to tackle before being rewarded with views of Loch Lomond when you reach the top.
- Balloch to Strathblane– the second section of the route is 18.5 miles and should take around 3 hours to cycle. Taking in part of the West Highland Way, between Dumgoyne and Strathblane, you can look forward to some stunning views along the way.
West Loch Lomond Cycle Path
This 17 mile cycling route begins in Balloch and ends in Tarbet. Starting at the visitor centre in Balloch, you’ll pass plenty of Loch Lomond attractions including Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch Castle Country Park, The Carrick Golf Course, the picturesque village of Luss, Firkin Point and Tarbet, as well as being able to enjoy the iconic views of Conic Hill and Ben Lomond on the eastern shores of the loch. Along the way you’ll find picturesque spots on the loch shore to stop for a picnic, as well as many bars, cafes and restaurants in the small villages you pass through, including The Clubhouse at Cameron.
Cycling Breaks In Loch Lomond
If you’re travelling from afar and looking to explore more of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, our self-catering lodge resort on the banks of Loch Lomond is the ideal destination. Our accommodation options include our luxury lodges on Loch Lomond, bungalows, cottages and apartments, which can sleep up to 8 people. Within our resort you’ll find an award-winning Spa, two golf courses and two restaurants to help you relax and rejuvenate after a day of cycling around Loch Lomond.
Mountain Bike Hire
Here at the Cameron Lodges resort, we offer both full day and half day bike hire. Find out more about our bike hire.