Scotland : The Highlands CC Ecosse Lochs and Glens Tour #CONFIRMED#

[Edwardoka]

I've taken a moment out of my busy evening chasing a giant moth out of the house to produce the following two items:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9451611
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9451642


It is possible that my mental image of the off-road route is heavily tainted by the fact that I was pretty new to cycling any kind of distance and was on my first "epic trek", but I did it on the same MTB that subsequently did JoGLE and there was nothing comparable to it on JoGLE

 

[Pat "5mph"]

What is the difference between the second route and the NCR7 as on the Sustrains map?

 

[Edwardoka]

What is the difference between the second route and the NCR7 as on the Sustrains map?

Nothing afaik. I used the "cycle path" overlay on ridewithgps, and it matches up with how I remember it

 

[Fubar]

Took a wee ride out to Callander today, here is a pic of the 1st night hostel - looks ok!

 

[mcshroom]

Ample bike parking out front if they run out of room inside

 

[Fubar]

Ample bike parking out front if they run out of room inside

Apparently they have storage - next to the river too, and easy walking distance to town

 

[Scoosh]

A nice looking mock-Tudor house in the Highlands of Scotland … hmmm …

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Nothing afaik. I used the "cycle path" overlay on ridewithgps, and it matches up with how I remember it

Ok, @flyingfifi and I have decided to take the train to Dunblane on the 3rd, do Dunblane-Balloch or Glasgow, see how we feel, and do the forestry bit in reverse, a la @Telemark.
We shall report after the deed is done
On the day, if you catch up with us you may show us the alternative way (dukes pass?)

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Took a wee ride out to Callander today, here is a pic of the 1st night hostel - looks ok!

View attachment 97624

So, you're riding it from home on the day?
It's not only me and Fiona that had the scouting idea then?

 

[mcshroom]

Just realised I forgot to buy my ticket up when I went to to the station this morning

Did manage to get tickets home from Ft William in October for £23.30 total though. That's less than 10p/mile

 

[mcshroom]

Sorted. I'll be arriving at Central at 09:13

Only a 5:50 start to make the train up!

 

[Fubar]

Ok, @flyingfifi and I have decided to take the train to Dunblane on the 3rd, do Dunblane-Balloch or Glasgow, see how we feel, and do the forestry bit in reverse, a la @Telemark.
We shall report after the deed is done
On the day, if you catch up with us you may show us the alternative way (dukes pass?)

Yeah I wanted to suss out an alternative to the A84 - found a nice back road to Callander from Doune.

 

[Edwardoka]

Annual leave booked
Now I just need to book good weather and a working bike

 

[Fubar]

@Scoosh @DougieAB I found a nice wee back road into Callander on Saturday that avoids the A84 (apart for 1/4 mile at Doune):

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/843950951

If we turn left in Doune and at the bridge take a right to Deanston and follow the B8032 it takes you to just outside Callander. Nice, quiet and scenic.

There is also Cycle Route 76 from Clacks to Stirling - I didn't use it yesterday but I think it would keep us off the busier routes until Causwayside - after that there is a small bump up and over to Doune.

Junior Fu and I will probably take the cycle path from Dunfermline to Clacks so you are welcome to join us there or meet up in Stirling? I may give her the option of a lunch stop at Corrieries Cafe, under the Wallace Monument. Be warned, we will be slow! I'm not going to push her.

 

[Fubar]

Annual leave booked
Now I just need to book good weather and a working bike

Jeezo leaving it late aren't you?!? I've had my leave booked since Feb!! You youngsters...