Feedback on the first book revealed that a lot of riders wanted linear routes and a few have been included. This is one of them and it was chosen for the MBR article because it's got a little of everything. Winding bits in the woods, big open views, a boat trip and great singletrack. Oh, aye, a few climbs too.
The diversion along the riverside at Auchtertyre misses out a "gatey" section of the West highland Way and provides a nice wee bit of singletrack as a bonus.
The stiff climbs encountered out from Kirkton, will suit fitter, stronger folk. The highest point above Crianlarich can reputedly be reached without a dismount. Me? I prefer backflips off the steepest bits. A lot of it will have you searching for line, traction, stamina and raw power. After that Glen Falloch is followed all the way to Loch Lomond. To reach Ardlui you hail the wee passenger ferry at a jetty.
For those who would dread the 4k on the busy A82 from Ardlui to Ardvorlich, the day could be ended there. However, that misses out some great stuff. If you do make the effort, the big ascent from Ardvorlich ends with a superb view of Ben Lomond. The last climbs to Tarbet will test those weary legs but provide you with some fantastic singletrack action.
Remember, most of the time, you're on paths that get a fair bit of foot traffic. Ride sensibly and considerately.
If you want to avoid encountering too many walkers and get a reasonable chance of clean descents try to be on the first big climb around lunchtime or after 4pm.
The images on the R just give a small flavour of what you'll be riding and what surrounds you as you make your way through one of Scotland's most famous scenic areas.
MBR 6 of the Best
Tyndrum to Tarbet
Mountain biking is an adventure sport with associated risks. It is the responsibilty of all riders to be fully conversant with the risks to themselves and the risks to others. The activity also has impact on the land. This impact not only extends to wear and tear on trails but also how it affects agriculture and ecology. You must at all times be mindful of these factors. Any route suggested should only be accessed within the provisions of the Land Reform Scotland Act and conform to the concept of responsible acces within the terms of that act which spoecifies that any such access should be responsible. See http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp?nPageID=12&nSubContentID=0 for more info and guidance. No route published by Mountainbike Scotland should be undertaken without adherance to all f the foregoing.
