Inverness & Wester Ross

At last the easing of COVID restriction was going to allow us to get out and about for a few day, with some sort of normality.  The downside was trying to get digs over a weekend without having to sacrifice a kidney or your first born.  After a rummaging around for ages we found a room at a Premier Inn in Inverness with a Beefeater and pub next door, we booked up while it was still available.  My wallet and I both wish the wife would embrace camping!

Running late as usual, we decided to head up the A9 to save some time, then come off at Dalwhinnie and pop into the Snack Shack for some excellent cake and coffee.  The bank holiday weekend traffic and roadworks around Perth put paid to that plan... the cake at the Snack Shack was still tasty.

Stuffed with cake we headed towards the A86 for Spean Bridge to get off the A9.  As the road climbs out of Dalwhinnie the high point of the road provides wide panoramas of the mountains around Melgrave and the spectacular Creag Meagaidh.  The road is fast and open allowing rapid progress over the superb road surface. The views of the sandy beaches at the east end of Loch Laggan just seem so out of place in this highland scene.  We stopped at Laggan dam to get off the bike and take in the views back along the river Spean to Loch Laggan.

Looking east from Laggan Dam along the River Spean to Loch Laggan

After getting to Spean Bridge the traffic was horrendous all the way along the side of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness.  We decided not to stop and just get to Inverness as quickly as we could.  It was always going to be a busy Saturday.  After such a long hot day is was with much delight we found we could get a table for a drink before dinner!

 

After recovering from a full cooked breakfast we were heading for a couple of waterfalls.  After we had visited Rogie falls when we were last up this way, we now have to track down waterfalls whenever we are away.  First stop was Black Water falls just north of Garve and then the Wailing Widows falls on Loch na Gainmhich.

As we were staying on the west side of Inverness we headed along the shores Beauly Firth past Bunchrew before picking up the absolutely marvellous A835 all the way to Ullapool.  The road breaks you in gently sweeping leisurely along the side of Loch Garve, setting you up for the gloriously fast and sweeping tarmac all the way to Ullapool.  Before the really good riding starts though, we had arrived at the Black Water falls. 

The Black Water falls

The boss and I at Black Water falls

After a good look around the falls we had a good chat with Johnny Blade and his wife, touring on his well travelled Blackbird, before we headed for Ullapool.  This piece of road is one of my favourites in Scotland, it is so fast and flowing it just makes riding a pleasure.  The corners have great forward visibility and most of the road has been recently resurfaced with none of that pesky surface dressing.  Even two up the big RT excels on these fast sweeping roads.  The scenery is a bit of a distraction, so be aware, as you will probably be travelling a bit faster than you think!

A wee selfie on the shores of Loch Glascarnoch looking back to the dam at Altguish

 The road based bliss continued all the way to Ullappol where we stopped for a quick refreshment.

Ullapool

 

Continuing north on the A835 the road narrows down a little but the riding is still fast and enjoyable.  Given the traffic of the run up to Inverness I though the roads would be teaming, but there was next to no traffic and the quality of the road makes it easy to pass the few camper vans we came across.  As the scenery grows bleaker the views become more dramatic as the mountain raise up over small lochans on either side of the road.  Turning left onto the A837 the road heads for Loch Assynt.  This is where all the traffic is at.  We could not get stopped anywhere, cars and campers were abandoned everywhere, so we just continued on to the Wailing Widows falls.

 

Just before the falls we were snapped by a photographer from Biker Pics.

 

Image copyright www.bikerpics.co.uk

The walk to the falls beat us.  The last time I had been here there was a path to the base of the falls.  The weather over the past few years has taken its toll on the gorge though with many landslides and rock falls making the path hard going.  It would have been fine in walking boots or even trainers, but scrambling over the fallen rocks and trying to walk along the washed away path in bike boots was not going to end well.  We turned around and walked back to the bike.  Even the wife was struggling and it wasn't just my broken body that was holding us back.

 

At least the scenery from the parking was stunning.

The view west from the Wailing Widows fall

After the disappointed of not making the falls, we sat around for a wee while enjoying the stunning scenery and clear blue skies.  We decided to head back the same route we had come as Audrey was keen the see the road from the other direction.  We had headed north together on this road a few times, but never south.

Arriving knackered and sweaty back in Inverness, it was back to the Beefeater for a few cool beers and a meal.  After getting cleaned up first, of course.

In the morning I was once again tempted by a cooked breakfast, and once again regretting it as soon as I finished it!  Over coffee we decided to have a ride around the Wester Ross coastal road.

Like yesterday, we again started by warming up heading west towards Garve on the A835.  Just after Garve we turned off onto the A832 and the tree lined road climbed gently for mile after mile.  This is another one of those fast and winding highland roads that is just made for bikes.  The surface is brilliant and the long fast curves hold no surprises.  As always the biggest distraction is the scenery.  The roundabout at Achnasheen is the only anomaly on this fantastic road on the way to Charlestown.

 

The A832 passing through Glen Docherty looking towards Kinlochewe

 

The road continues is relentless charge west along the side of Loch Maree with Slioch rising high into the sky on the far shore.  Then suddenly the road changed character completely, the fast and flowing double track suddenly turned to single track as we approached Loch Bad an Sgalaig.  The road then twists, turns and drops down following the course of the river Lub na Coille, then just a suddenly the twisting single track turned back to fast double track as we approached Charlestown.

 

After a quick stop in Charlestown we continued on the A832, in a few miles the road turns north after passing through Gairloch.  From her until Poolewe the scenery is classic highlands with rugged, bleak peaks rising high into the sky behind shallow lochans in scruuby moorland.  After passing through Poolewe the sea and Loch Ewe is now a constant companion on your left as the road continues north.

Looking south over Loch Ewe

It was now full on tourist mode drinking in the views and enjoying the cool sea air as we continued following the coast to the white sand beach at Gruinard bay.

Gruinard bay and beach

After spending a glorious half hour at the beach we jumped back on the bike and continued round the Wester Ross loop.  As the road swings right and heads east the road hugs the shore of Little Loch Broom with the mountains still rising to the north.  At the end of the loch there is a fast run downhill to Dundonnell where the coast and mountain views give way to a tree lined road that follows the Dundonnell River.  As we neared the right turn for Inverness and back onto the A835 the scenery once again opens up as we climbed away from the river and the lush tree lined road once again becomes an open and bleak moor.  Still stunning under the blue skies though!

 

Even though we rode back to Inverness on this road yesterday, it is still a pleasure to ride this fast, twisting and flowing strip of tarmac in these condition.  We had a quick leg stretch at Loch Glascarnoch again, before the final run back to Inverness.

 

Final view north over Loch Glascanoch before heading south again

 

It was the intention to walk down into the town tonight, but it had been a long hot day so we just decided to once again enjoy the beer, wine and food local to the Premier Inn and very nice it was indeed.

On the way home we decided to avoid the A9 and head south down through the Lecht and Braemar.  I don't know if it is just me or when coming home from a trip does everyone else just want to be home, or is it because I use this fantastic road so much I take it for granted?  Anyway, there aren't any pictures as we just rode home.  I guess the though of work the next day and ending such a  fabulous few days had us both down, even Audrey wasn't snapping away at every opportunity.

I must write up the A93 Glenshee, Braemar and Lecht roads as a ride guide.

 

That was a great way to finally break lockdown for us.  Yes, I had been away on my own but it was so good to get out and about with the wife again.  Especially when the trip was as good as this!

 

 

 

 

 

Ride Guide: A wee Perthshire loop - 70 miles

From shaded tree lined lanes passing shallow clear stream to twisty and challenging climbs through the Perthshire hills, this route can be a relaxing bimble or a challenging thrash along surprisingly quite roads.

The RT parked up in the Sma' Glen

Heading north from Rumbling Bridge the road quickly starts to wind and sweep its way to Yetts o' Muckhart setting you up for the tight turns ahead as you head through Glen Devon.  The road hugs the route of the river Devon before peeling away and climbing and twisting to Gleneagles before diving back downhill, equally as fast and twisty as the climb before crossing over the A9 and bringing you into Gleneagles village.  Heading for Crieff the road seems sedate after Glen Devon, but views over the Perthshire hills to the right more than make up for it.  Always a problem after starting on a high!  Leaving Crieff the road drops down to the turn off for Dunkeld at Gilmerton through a series of tight 'S' turns, watch out they are tighter than you think and you will hit at least one of these way too fast!  Now on the A822 the low hills of the Tay Forest Park start to rise ahead of you as the road carves it's way through the sparse trees and scrubby fields on either side of the fast and flowing road.  Once the road starts to drop down to the River Almond and the Sma' Glen the corners become tighter and just pull you in with a new challenge, literally, around every corner.  It is worth a stop in the Sma' Glen next to the river where you are totally encircled by the low hills and the gentle sound of the river.

Climbing out of the Sma' Glen the road surface is superb, giving you bags of confidence as the road carves it's way through the bleak scenery to Amulree.  After Amulree the road runs low along the river Brann, the road is almost as meandering as the river.  The long sweeping almost 180 degree bends are interspersed with tight and challenging curves on an absolutely brilliant road surface.  As you approach the point where you have to cross the A9 there are a couple of bends that may well challenge you pegs, or bravery!  Crossing the A9 for Dunkeld you cross over the mighty river Tay, before turning right for Blairgowrie.  Immediately the road starts to climb steeply through a series of fast and tight 'S' bends before calming down a wee bit as it passes through small villages and along the shores of small lochs.  Don't be fooled though, there are still some interesting riding to be had before you hit Blairgowrie.  Turning south onto the A93 at Blairgowrie sees the last few relaxing miles back to Perth.  Leaving the sharp twists and turns behind the fast, lazy curves of the Perthshire lowlands bringing you past Scone Palace and to journeys end on the outskirts of Perth.

 

Turn by turn

• Start at Rumbling Bridge on A823 (56.177762, -3.585702)
  
• After 1.5 miles turn right onto A91 and A823 for Crieff
  
• After 8.5 miles continue over roundabout on A823 for Crieff
• After 5.1 miles turn right onto A822 for Crieff
• After 5.1 miles turn right onto A85 for Perth
• After 2.1 miles turn left onto A822 for Dunkeld
• After 19.7 miles cross the A9 onto A920 and Dunkeld
• Continue through Dunkeld for 0.8 miles on A923, then turn right on A923 for Blairgowrie
• After 12.1 miles turn right onto A93 for Perth
• After 14.9 miles arrive at Perth and the end of the route (56.399464, -3.423167)
  

Looking back to the Sma' Glen

 

Google map link

GPX Download 

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A couple of days in the Welsh valleys

Wales, take 3.  Wales had defeated me twice before.  In 2018 torrential rain stopped play for planned couple of days on the way home from The Somme and again in June 2019 when a huge storm swept in from the west bringing gale force winds and, funnily enough, torrential rain.

As rain seems to be constant companion whenever I think about Wales I decided to leave the tent at home and go for a camping pod.  After a bit of hunting I found a basic camping hut with power and heating for £40 per night, a bit pricey for a shed I though, but it would be nice to have heating to dry out the bike gear.  The wife had just booked a Premier Inn elsewhere for the same week and said it was cheap as chips.  A quick search on the interweb and I was booked into the Oswestry Premier Inn for £42 per night.  No contest!

I was planning to spend all of the first day wandering down through the Lakes and then over to the Dales before jumping onto the motorway and heading to Oswestry.  The sound of the rain hammering on the garage roof as I packed the bike didn't make the Lakes or Dales sound so appealing after all.  That is how I found myself spending the next 5 miserable hours on the motorway...

After apologising for flooding the check in with 5 hours worth of motorway rain and spray, I made my way to my room.  I stripped off the bike gear and hung it up over the bath to try and dry it out.  The room hair-drier came in handy for warming my fingers and toes and drying out my gloves!

A meal in Table Table restaurant next to the Premier Inn followed by a couple of beers while checking the maps and notes for tomorrow wiped the days miserable ride from my mind.

After a sound nights sleep, I made my way with trepidation to the curtains with fingers crossed mumbling "please be dry, please be dry".  I threw open the curtains after glancing a glimmer of blue at the edge.  Wales was spread out before me under cloudless blue skies, was I dreaming?

Within half an hour of leaving the hotel I was carving my way along streams in the lush green valleys and climbing the steep twisting passes before dropping down into the next valley.  Today was going to be a good day!

After negotiating a few difficult single track roads I found myself at Llangynog and I picked up the B4391 for Bala.  The lush green grass and tree lined road sweeps up the side of the valley, suddenly the trees disappear and the valley opens out in front of you.  Once at the top, the view back down the valley looks amazing under the sun and blue sky.

After getting to the summit at the end of valley the road starts to carve through the barren highlands between the valleys.  Seeing the road stretching out in front of you encourages rapid progress over the brilliant road surface, just keep a wee eye open for suicidal sheep!

The superb roads continue as I rode down the valleys through Dolgellau and then north to Caernarfon.  I was enjoying the roads too much to stop to take pictures.  The roads continued to be superb.  There are very few surprises to catch you out, most of the bends have excellent visibility and are superbly profiled.  The only issue is gravel, because of the rain and landscape there is a lot of it in the centre of the lanes.  After about an hour of superb riding I stopped at the side of the road next to a steam for a drink.  Like everything else so far, it was stunning.

I jumped back on the bike and continued on to Caernarfon.  The soft green scenery started to give way to more rugged mountains the closer I got to Snowdon.  The roads were getting narrower and twistier, still fast and with enough space to get past the increasingly busy traffic.

I decided to give Caernarfon a miss and headed for the Llanberis pass.  The roads were fairly boring until I got to the water at Llyn Peris.  After getting there the rugged hillsides of Dinorwic reflect in the lake as the road hugs the shore.  With the lake slowly vanishing in your left mirror the Llanberis pass opens up in front.  The road twists around the landscape and huge fallen boulders and is an incredible 5 minutes of scenery and riding heaven.

Rain, what do you mean rain!  After I crested the Llanberis Pass the dreaded rain struck again.  I rode down through Blaneuau Ffestiniog in the pouring rain, amazed at a town surrounded by the steep sided slate mines.  The rain was not showing any signs of easing up so I stopped in a bus stop and checked a weather app.  It looks like it is only local rain, so I set the GPS for the Horseshoe Pass to try and get away the rain.

It turned out to be a good choice, as I rode further away from Snowdon the rain continued to ease.  Eventually the roads dried up and I could just see the hills in the background from where I had left a hour ago.

 

 

The dark skies followed me all the way back to the hotel, but at least the rain stayed away.  The A542 was absolutely heaving with traffic and insane motorcycle riders!  I pulled over to let some traffic clear and get some space on the road.  The long sweeping bends that climb up through open fields make for some great riding, but look out for speed cameras and I also passed 2 police cars in about 10 miles.  Once you pass the  Ponderosa Cafe you are at the highest point of the road and the views over towards England are, once again, stunning.  The ride down and around the Horseshoe is, in my opinion, more about the views than the road.  There are one or two interesting corners, one of which had claimed a casualty.  The corners at Berwyn Quarry at the horseshoe itself are fast and grippy, followed by long flowing curves all the way back down to the A5.

 

 

Even the rain couldn't put a damper on the day.  The roads were superb, fast, flowing and fairly easy to ride.  The views were amazing switching from lush green rolling fields to rugged slate mine lined valleys to blue lakes in matters of minutes.

Another meal, maps and beers back at the hotel laid plans for the Elan Valley tomorrow.

Well it couldn't last could it, when I woke up I could hear the rain beating on the windowsill.  On opening the curtains the rain was falling straight down and bouncing in to the standing water in the carpark.  Over a coffee and a couple of breakfast biscuits I check the weather and it is not looking like it is likely to improve.  Still wanting to visit the Elan Valley, I dragged out the maps and decided just to head south on the main roads and forget the back roads I had planned.

Getting the bike gear on in the hotel lobby to stay dry, I then walked round to the bike and headed south in the rain.  After about an hour I was doubting my decision to ride today.  My hands were already wet and the traction control had already kicked in a few times as there was so much standing water.

The barista looked at me sympathetically as I got a coffee at Rhayader once again flooding a commercial establishment.

I squeezed myself back into my soaking gloves and headed out for the Elan Valley reservoirs.  The single track roads were a challenge, the rain had washed mud and gravel onto the roads and the passing places were now small lakes.  The scenery was, once again spectacular.  Small streams cascaded into waterfalls feeding the reservoirs and as the rain had raised the level of the reservoirs the white water in the rivers linking them are equally impressive.

About halfway around the loop the rain eased off so I stopped and grabbed a couple of quick snaps.

 

 

As quick as the rain went off, it came back with a vengeance.  I continued back to Rhayader after negotiating a treacherous mud and gravel strewn uphill hairpin junction.

I had planned to come back up the west coast, but the rain was beyond a joke now.  I just put the hotel in the GPS and head back to the hotel as quick as I could.

With the gear hanging over the bath it was back to the restaurant for a final meal and a couple of beers, I wouldn't need the maps this time.

 

The next morning the rain hadn't let up, so it was 5 hours home on the motorway again...

Wales was amazing, even in the rain.  The roads and scenery were well worth the soaking.  This was a  quick tour to scout things out for a longer trip with the wife and I will definitely be back, but no rain next time though please.

 

Oh and if I can keep getting digs for about £40 -£50 a night, my camping days may well be over!

 

 

  

 

 

 

Review: Cluanie Inn

Riding down the side of Loch Cluaine with the mountains rising up on either side of you, you truly know that you are in the Highlands of Scotland.  The white speck you have been seeing every now and again as you ride the long sweeping curves of Glen Shiel slowly turns into the remote and welcoming Cluaine Inn.

After a long, tiring and sometimes wet Scottish day the friendly and smiling staff even made the COVID briefing welcoming.  In no time we were checked in and unpacking in our simple but comfortable and dare I say it, stylish room.  The room we had was fairly small, but remember this is an Inn and not a big fancy hotel.

Cluaine Inn Standard Room

After unpacking and settling in to our room, we headed to the bar for a drink before dinner.  The bar area is small, but there are plenty of cosy areas to sit and enjoy your drinks.  The bar staff were friendly and attentive, delivering our drinks and checking regularly to make sure we were OK and if our drinks needed refreshing.

 

Rumbling stomachs had us searching out the restaurant, and the casual décor of the lounge and bar area continued into the eating area.  The menu is a fusion of Scottish and Indian with a splash Asian.  We stayed for 3 nights and never had a problem finding exciting and tasty variations to keep us happily full.  The burgers were really very good and the Indian and Asian inspired dishes were tasty without being overpowering.

After a great nights sleep breakfast was equally as good as dinner.  The cold selection was a bit lacking, but what was there was of good quality.  The cooked breakfast is just what is needed to set you up for a day of exploring the Highlands and enjoying a second coffee while looking out over the moor really puts you in the mood.

On our second night before dinner the wife started franticly looking for her phone in the room, excitedly mumbling camera, camera!  I wondered what was going on until I went over to the window to see some visitors had turned up...

 

All through our stay the staff were friendly and helpful.  The Inn has that rare mix of professionalism and friendliness and combined with Scottish charm and location it is a must stay if you are in the area and we will definitely be back!

Our experience at the Cluaine Inn will also see us checking out the other Black Sheep Hotels

Oh, and it has dedicated motorcycle parking and a self serve petrol station!

This stay was paid for in full by ourselves and was in no way influenced by the Cluaine Inn or Black Sheep Hotels.

Escaping lockdown

Like everyone else in the country, our plans for touring in 2020 were decimated early in the year with the world wide realisation that COVID-19 would necessitate unprecedented changes to the freedom of movement between countries and even within countries themselves.

 

Last ride out before lockdown in March 2020

As we scrapped plans for a German, Austria and Italy two up tour I began to look for alternatives closer to home.

Wales was still high on my list, but trying to organise anything around the constantly changing rules on travel was becoming a nightmare.  We decided just to play it by ear and get out and about as best as we could.

As soon as the restrictions on travel were eased I wheeled the RT out of the garage, dusted off the cobwebs and headed for a day out in the Scottish borders.  The plan was to run down the fast and twisty Dalveen pass then head north and back over the Mennock pass through Wanlockhead and follow the A & B roads back home.  It all started out great, the Dalveen pass is always a winner in my book and the deceptively fast road that carves through the stunning Lowther hills always ends way too soon.  My high was soon a low though as I approached the turn off for the Mennock pass and the road closed signs brought proceedings to a halt.  I headed for Sanquhar to get fuel and have a look at Google Maps.  Crawfordjohn looks like it might be an interesting wee diversion.  Ha! was I right or what.  The road starts off looking decidedly unpromising, narrow and lined with muddy ditches and farm detritus.  Give it a mile or two and it opens up as the road follows the sinuous burn that flows along the bottom of the shallow valley.

On the Sanquhar to Crawfordjohn road

The run back home is over the Lanark hills and through the Levenseat / Tormywheel wind farm, how can the scenery change so much in half an hour?

Desperate for a night away a few weeks later we booked a night in Gretna.

We trundled down the west coast, picking up the A77 after passing Trumps big white hoose at Turnburry.  The A77 is one of those roads that really should be rubbish and only for getting to the Ferry terminals, but I actually quite like it as it hugs the rocky shore with the sea on your right and Ailsa Craig off in the distance.

 

After a quick coffee and cake stop at the excellent Dnisi in Stranraer we headed back inland making progress along the wide open A75 for Newton Stewart.  Jumping off the main roads we swept through the bottom of the Galloway Forest Park.  As the trees closed in around us the scenery became decidedly more rugged with hills rising steeply on both sides of the now twisting and turning road.  All of a sudden the Clatteringshaws dam rises up in front of us as we climbed up to the loch of the same name.

Strangest name of the day goes to...

After leaving Clatteringshaws I just set the sat nav to get us to the digs, I have come to the conclusion that there is hardly a bad road to be had down here!  Two hours later we were booked in relaxing with beer and wine in the Hunters Lodge hotel.

Sunday morning dawned grey and misty, but at least it was dry and the forecast looked good as well.  Over breakfast Audrey decided that she wanted to go north up the Dalveen pass, that suited me as I was keen to get back on the Mennock pass as well since I had missed it the previous month.  After breakfast the sun had come out and we headed north for Dumfries and then onto the A76 to pick up the Dalveen pass at Carronbridge.  It was OK, as usual!

Dalveen Pass

  At Elvanfoot we headed straight for Abington and down the Mennock pass through Wanlockhead.

I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere as we ended up in Lanark when I though we were heading for East Kilbride.  Never mind, it is all good!  After a quick stop for a coffee it was the usual bleak roads home.

September saw me in Wales on my own hunting down roads and sights for, hopefully, a longer two up trip next year.  You can find the full Wales story here.

So that was really it for 2020, apart from a few days out.  At least we got out and about and managed to get in a lot more miles and sights that a lot of people.  The tribe has been healthy up to now, so for that I must count myself lucky.

 

Who knows what 2021 will bring, will we be able to tour again as in years pre COVID?  Like I said I have been lucky so far, but the dark clouds of redundancy are gathering on the horizon, so who knows what the new year will bring.

 

Thanks for reading, stay safe and enjoy every mile!

Ride Guide: Lawers Dam and the Sma' Glen

Getting fed up with the usual A85 rides and all the traffic chaos that goes with it?  Looking for something a little more off piste?  Try this one, it has it all - fast sweeping A roads, technical and tricky single tracks, great scenery and relatively quite roads. 

Starting off in Callander head north on, in my opinion, the best part of the A85 as it snakes its way along the side of Loch Lubnaig.  Continue through Lochearnhead, stick to the 30mph limit as this is a favourite spot for the local police, and over Glen Ogle to Lix Toll.  Turning right for Killin and Loch Tay you ride over the impressive Falls of Dochart before turning left for the single track climb up to Lawers Dam and Lochan na Lairige.  From here to Bridge of Balgie the single track road dips and dives through fields as the livestock look on.  Keep a look out for stray sheep and gravel on the tight and technical bends.  After a quick stop for refreshments at the Bridge of Balgie Post Office and Tea Rooms the road heads east through small hamlets and farms, following the river Lyon.  The road then turns south before once again once again running along the side of Loch Tay for a fast and glorious 20 miles through Kenmore before you arrive at Aberfeldy.  Picking up the road for Crieff from Aberfeldy the now incredibly fast, sinuous, but most importantly empty road carves through Amulree and the Sma' Glen before you arrive at journeys end in Crieff.

Lawers Dam on Lochan na Lairige

Callander to Crieff    Image © Google Maps

Turn by turn:

• Head north from Callander on the A85
• After 31 miles turn right onto A827 at Lix Toll
• After 7 miles turn left onto unnamed road signed for Bridge of Balgie
• Continue on unnamed road for 6 miles and turn right after crossing the river Lyon
• Continue east for 11.1 miles and then turn right
• Continue for 1.9 miles and then turn left onto A827
• Continue on the A827 for 9.7 miles through Kenmore to Aberfeldy
• At the traffic lights turn right onto the A826
• Continue on the A826 for 9.1 miles
• Turn right onto A822
• Continue for 12.2 miles before turning right for Crieff 
• Total: 81 miles 

Starting out just north of Callander on the banks of Loch Lubnaig

 

The Falls of Dochart at Killin

Single track road climbing from Loch Tay to the Lawers dam

Beware the locals will try and steal your lunch at Bridge of Balgie!

The single track road that follow the river Lyon from Bridge of Balgie

The Sma' Glen

Lochan na Lairige

Links:
Visit Loch Tay:  Visit Loch Tay
Bridge of Balgie tea room:  Tea Room

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