Description
The Trossachs is a mountainous area at the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, between Aberfoyle in the west and Callander in the east. It offers a wide variety of mountain biking from forest tracks and natural singletrack to demanding remote routes through open Highland terrain. The local cycling organisation is Bike Trossachs, which promotes cycling across the area and runs events including the popular Gravelfoyle gravel series and Grand Old Dukes long-distance event.
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Key Routes and Areas
- Glen Finglas Loop (The Mell) (24km, ungraded): A demanding circuit starting at Brig O'Turk, looping around the Glen Finglas reservoir through open Highland country managed by the Woodland Trust. This is remote, committing riding with significant push and carry sections. The glen offers spectacular scenery and some classic long descents. No waymarking. Come with a downloaded GPX file.
- Loch Katrine and Achray Forest: The forest road running the length of Loch Katrine from the Trossachs Pier is a classic and accessible ride, extending to Stronachlachar and back. Suitable for all abilities on a hardtail or gravel bike. The surrounding Achray Forest offers natural trail options for more technical riding.
- Ben Venue and Ben A'an: The hills immediately around Loch Katrine offer demanding off-piste riding for experienced riders with strong navigation skills. Unmapped and ungraded.
- For purpose-built and waymarked trails in the area, see the dedicated iBikeRide listings for Callander MTB Trails, Aberfoyle Bike Park, and Loch Ard Forest.
Glenbranter and Loch Eck
- Glenbranter Forest in the Argyll Forest Park, to the west of the Trossachs, offers a red-graded 9km loop (Glenbranter Cycle Splash) and a blue 14.5km Loch Eck Shore route. These are managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. See the Glenbranter listing for details.
Local Organisation
- Bike Trossachs promotes and supports cycling across the Trossachs area, including trail development advocacy, the BTCC cycling club, and events. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Getting Here
- The Trossachs is around 1 hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh via the A84 or A81. Aberfoyle and Callander are the main gateway towns. Brig O'Turk is the starting point for the Glen Finglas Loop, on the A821 between Callander and Aberfoyle.
- For the Glen Finglas Loop, park at Brig O'Turk, FK17 8HT. Limited roadside parking near the village hall.
- By bus: First Bus and Citylink run services from Stirling to Callander. Aberfoyle is served by Stirlingshire buses. No public transport directly to Brig O'Turk.
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