Edinburgh -- Thurso

[samid]

Please help me pick a scenic route from Edinburgh to Thurso. So far I have decided on the first leg of my route - along the Union canal to Falkirk, and turn north after that. I would also like to go through the Cairngorms (hope I spelled it right) - the plan is to pick small roads that run along its west edge parallel to A9 where possible (looks like there are some). I will be camping so recommendations for good campsites and/or nice spots for wild camping are also welcome. I will only be going one way, and have about two weeks in all. Cheers.

 

[snorri]

For starters you could have a look at NCN7, a route running parallel to the A9 between Perth and Inverness. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-...cotland/lochs-and-glens-north#267575,805175,1 This route is on dedicated cycle path or lightly used public roads. You can join the route at various points north of Perth, depending where you want to come in from the west.

 

[Scoosh]

When are you coming to Embra ?

<thinks beer ... >

 

[hubbike]

here's what I would do,

carry on west after falkirk to carron bridge, port of menteith and then callander.
then join NCN route up to killin, and cycle south side of loch tay

IMO the NCN 7 is a bit too close to the A9 to be any fun after pitlochry,

if you are feeling hardcore, you could try one of the hill tracks across the cairngorms, the gaick, or larig ghru are mtb classics (that have been used by cattle drovers for centuries), but a sturdy tourer would be ok if you are prepared for some pushing.

If you'd prefer roads with tarmac, then I would still recommend that the best scenery in through the middle of the cairngorms, spital of glenshee, Braemar, etc...

Another option with a classic hill track that you could include is the Corrieyairack Pass, a road built by general wade between Laggan (go left at dalwhinnie) and Fort Augustus you can then follow the off-road great glen cycle route (mostly forest tracks) up to inverness.

north of inverness... search for posts by Kirstie...

 

[samid]

When are you coming to Embra ?

<thinks beer ... >

June 18th

 

[fimm]

I wouldn't take any sort of bicycle through the Lairig Ghru!!!

 

[samid]

Thanks for all the info. NCN 7 & 1 sound good. Hubbike - I have a road/light tourer bike loaded with about 20 kg of stuff so I'm afraid "hardcore" MTB routes are a bit too much for it (or me ).

Keep 'em coming

 

[andrew_s]

I wouldn't take any sort of bicycle through the Lairig Ghru!!!

Indeed.
It would involve going across a field of big boulders, hopping from one to the next, whilst carrying the bike.

It has been done, but you'd want settled summer weather just on account of how long it would take.

The Gaick is OK.
You would have to walk the mile or two along the side of the loch, and the path is a bit narrow for you plus bike.
The cross slope there is also steep enough that panniers dragging in the heather would be a nuisance.
There are a couple of sizeable fords, so take some alternative footwear to wade in (eg crocs), and don't go if the water levels are high.

 

[hubbike]

well, I did say "if you're feeling hardcore".

 

[Telemark]

Hello Samid!
We did a bit of the NCN7 a few weeks ago, very scenic, I'd recommend it. I'd agree with the suggestion of joining it from Callander. The section between Callander and Killin has a lot of non-tarmac car-free tracks, but mostly good surfaces.
If you want to read more opinions and look at lots of great photos, there is a recent thread here (also including pictures etc for sections further north & south).

From Killin to Logierait (just south of Pitlochry) is almost entirely on quiet back roads, and mostly very easy, with a few "undulations" thrown in along Loch Tay, no long climbs, just lots of wee ones. I haven't been north of Logierait on the NCN7, but would very happily do the southern section again.

As for accommodation, there is a bike-friendly hostel just a couple of km west of Callander (along NCN7 heading in the direction of Aberfoyle). We stopped there for a chat with the owner, it looks great (but we didn't stay).

Hoping to catch you in Edinburgh before or after your tour, the 18th is the date of the annual Edinburgh-St Andrews ride - which quite a few CCers do every year, a great ride with an amazing cake stop .
If you fancy joining us for the day and setting off on tour the next day (or go via St. Andrews), there is more here, including a map and a few CC Ecosse members are mentioned in the write-up, see if you recognise anybody

T