Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route supported by DexShell

This coast-to-coast bikepacking route crosses the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park from east to west. Join us on a cycle ride from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde.

While the boat journeys require forward planning, this is a route with multiple places to join by public transport. You can easily split it across a few rides too.

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Along this coast-to-coast bikepacking route you’ll find not only grand scenery, expansive woodlands, stunning lochs and great gravel. You will also discover fascinating tall tower houses from the late 14th and 15th centuries, inviting towns and Roman hillforts. And loads of places to stop and linger for a bit.

This route is best cycled from Easter to late October, when the water bus over Loch Lomond is in operation. At other times it’s recommended to leave the route at Aberfoyle, and follow NCN 7 to Balloch. From here follow the John Muir Way to Helensburgh and the Wild About Argyll Trail to Garelochhead.

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Getting there

The coast-to-coast bikepacking route begins outside the Town House in Culross. As it is a point-to-point ride, the easiest option is to arrive and finish by public transport. In summer, the free Inner Forth Bike Bus runs on Sundays to Newmills, just a short ride from Culross. At other times, you can cycle to the start from Dunfermline or Rosyth train stations. Or start from the Ember bus stop in Rosyth. If you’d like to shorten the ride, Alloa makes a good starting point. The town has regular train links to Stirling and beyond. Another option is to connect the route with the Round the Inner Forth Cycling Route. Either from South or North Queensferry, both easily reached by train.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Newmills/Culross to Kincardine

From the start, turn right onto Low Causewayside and after about 100m left onto a path through the park. This links to the Round the Inner Forth route (NCN 76) and the Fife Coastal Path along the Forth shore. Turn right along the shore, then continue as the path runs beside the road towards Longannet. Rejoin the road briefly for 80m before turning left to stay on NCN 76. This follows a quiet road before becoming a track alongside the A985. Continue under the Kincardine Bridge into the village. After a few houses, leave the Sustrans route by turning right onto Keith Street and follow it through the village. Cross the A977 with care, then continue straight on Kirk Street, following Wood Lea to its end.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Kincardine to Devilla Forest

Next you pass the remains of Woodlea Kirk (the ruined Tulliallan Old Parish Church) and the Old Cemetery. They are now a beautifully kept memorial garden with intriguing gravestones. Dismount to step through the stone gate. Then follow the path into the grounds of Tulliallan Castle, home of the Scottish Police College. Turn right on the road past the castle, and continue until a path turns off right into Tulliallan Wood. Ignore the first left turn and stay on the main path to a three-way junction, where you turn right. Follow the track along the southern shore of Moor Loch. Then take the next left onto a broad gravel track into Keir Plantation/Devilla Forest.

At the next junction turn right, then after 400m turn left, following signs for the ‘Cycleway to Dunfermline’. Keep left at the following fork, then turn right at the next junction. With many trails here, there are alternative ways through. Continue to the southern end of a quarry. Turn right along its edge, then follow the track as it bends right at the woodland. Ignore the first left at Bogside Wood, then take the next left. Finally, turn left onto the Dunfermline to Alloa cycle path.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Devilla Forest to Alloa

The coast-to-coast bikepacking route continues on the West Fife Way. This follows a former railway line which offers excellent riding for the next 6km. Just before Clackmannan the cycle route swings sharply left, then follows a former road to the A907. Cross with care, as this can be a busy road. Then continue on the signed route into Clackmannan, where you briefly rejoin NCN 76.

A short detour to Clackmannan Tower on this coast to coast bikepacking route is well worth it. Turn right at the Clocktower, follow High Street, then continue on the path before retracing your way back. From here, stay with NCN 76 until you turn right onto Craigrie Road. The tarmac soon gives way to track after passing a farm on the right. You’ll get superb views of Clackmannan Tower and the Ochil Hills. Cross the bridge over the Black Devon, then turn right to follow the track through the Black Devon Wetlands. Keep left at the next junction, then turn right and continue straight on into Alloa via residential streets.

At the end of Engelen Drive, turn right and then sharp left to rejoin NCN 76. This passes another historic landmark, Alloa Tower. From here, follow the NCN signs through town. If starting in Alloa, you can join the route at North Castle Street. The Old Waggonway from the train station is the best route.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Alloa to Bridge of Allan

Beyond Alloa the route follows a mix of roads and cycle paths towards Cambus. Here, the air smells strongly of whisky. And trees are darkened by the black fungus caused by the ‘Angels’ Share‘. This is the evaporation of alcohol from ageing casks. Once a distillery site, it now hosts a large cooperage and vast whisky warehouses. Continue on the cycle path past the ruined Tullibody Doocot on your left. Then turn left to follow alongside the A907.

At the end of the cycle path, join Manor Powis Road, turn right to cross the main road. Then continue on Manor Loan. This quiet stretch offers fine views of the Ochil Hills. Cross the A91 and ride into Blairlogie. Turn right and continue on the singletrack on the foot of the steep sided cliffs to Blairlogie Kirk. To avoid this section, turn left immediately after crossing the A91. Then rejoin the route by turning right towards the church.

From the kirk, turn right and continue north, passing the remains of the old church on your right. Take the next track on the left, skirting the edge of the University of Stirling grounds. The track is generally good, but watch for sharp drainage ditches and control your speed. Turn left to rejoin Sheriffmuir Road in Bridge of Allan, then left again onto Kenilworth Road. Turn right onto Henderson Street, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat. Then rejoin NCN 765 at the Westerton Arms and following signs towards Dunblane.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Bridge of Allan to Doune

The route turns right just before the Allan Water and begins to climb on residential streets towards Glen Road. Bridge of Allan, well connected by train, offers another convenient starting point. Continue on the cycle path along Glen Road through Kippenrait Glen, a stretch of dense woodland. Then rejoin the public road after crossing the Wharry Burn. From here, follow the signed route into Dunblane.

Cross the roundabout with care, and continue along High Street. Then take the second exit at the next roundabout towards Dunblane Cathedral. Feel free to enter as it‘s well worth a visit. From the cathedral, follow the Sustrans route along the Haining beside the Allan Water, crossing the river by bridge. Turn right onto Auchinlay Road, then left onto Strathmore Avenue. Continue with a left turn onto Grant Drive before crossing Doune Road. Pick up Wallace Road on NCN 765, signed for Doune.

Climb Wallace Road to its top, then turn right and cross the A9 via an old bridge. Follow the NCN signs across the A820 and onto the former railway line between Dunblane and Doune. This is now a quiet cycle path.

In Doune, the impressive castle is famous as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The town itself is home to the renowned Harvey Maps. A short detour takes you to Deanston Distillery, featured in Ken Loach’s film The Angels’ Share.

Continue on the cycle route into Moray Street, then turn right onto Main Street and on to Balkerach Street. From here, turn right onto the A84 towards Callander.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Doune to Great Trossachs Path

The busy main road is no pleasure to ride. But with no real alternatives you’ll be glad to leave it after 2.5km. To continue on the coast to coast bikepacking route, turn right after the Burn of Cambus Lodge onto Drumloist Road. The strip of moss growing down its centre is a sure sign of quietness. Furthermore the road offers fine views towards the Trossachs. A steady 5km climb is rewarded with a fast descent to Bridge of Keltie. Continue straight to join the cycle path into Callander.

Follow the path into town, turning left onto Murdiston Avenue, then continue on another cycle path before joining Glenartney Road. Turn left onto Cross Street, then right onto Main Street, which becomes Leny Road. About one-third into the route, Callander makes a good overnight stop if you are spreading the ride over three days. The town has plenty of places to eat and sleep.

At Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Cairn, turn left to join NCN 7 and follow the signed route. You will pass the remains of a Roman hillfort on your right. Cross the A821 and turn left onto the Great Trossachs Path.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Great Trossachs Path to Loch Venachar

Climb steadily through the switchbacks, following the path along the flanks of Bochastle Hill and Dunmore Fort. Once a stronghold of a powerful Pictish leader, the fort occupied the summit of the steep hill. It overlooked Loch Venachar and the Eas Gobhain River. The cycling here, on this stretch of the Great Trossachs Path, is particularly rewarding.

You can stay on the path as an alternative by continuing to Brig o’Turk. From there you can rejoin the route later at the Three Lochs Forest Drive. For a bigger detour, try Glen Finglass.

Our route turns left at Dunmore Fort, crossing the A821 and then the Gartchonzie Bridge over the Eas Gobhain River. Shortly afterwards turn right onto NCN 7, which traces the shores of Loch Venachar. If camping, be aware of seasonal restrictions that apply from March to September. Please book sites in advance where required.

Interested in bikepacking with like-minded people? Come and join us for the annual Dunoon Dirt Dash in September – only an additional ferry ride from Kilcreggan. Check out dirtdash.cc/dunoon for more infos.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Loch Venachar to Aberfoyle

The first section follows a quiet road, before a track leads along the loch’s wooded shoreline. After about 8km, turn sharply left to join the Three Lochs Forest Drive. Note that you’ll be travelling against the flow of cars and campervans. This road is one-way for motor traffic but two-way for bikes, walkers and horses. It closes to vehicles from 1 November, making it particularly peaceful outside the main season.

Continue on the gravel drive around the shores of Loch Drunkie. Afterwards you climb to reach the second-highest point of the route. Leave the drive at Achray Forest and rejoin NCN 7, following the Sustrans signs through a stretch of beautiful woodland. Turn right at the next junction, then continue straight before turning right once more to descend to a gate. From here, turn left onto the A821 and roll into Aberfoyle.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Aberfoyle to Loch Ard

Aberfoyle is often described as Scotland’s gravel capital. The town has a with a maze of forest roads and tracks spreading out on either side. Three fully signposted gravel loops start here—one of them, the Aqueduct Loop, is described in Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & the Trosschs and Argyll.

From the centre of Aberfoyle, turn right at the first junction and immediately left onto Manse Road. If you’re looking for refreshments, take the first left instead and follow Main Street. Continue on Manse Road, then turn right into Duchray Road, following the waymarks for the gravel loops. The road soon becomes a gravel track.

At a four-way junction, leave the signposted loop and turn right. You pass the striking pike sculpture on the shore of Lochan Spling. Turn right again after the loch and cross the bridge over the Duchray Water. This is a busy spot, so take care around other path users. At the car park, turn left and pick up the Aqueduct Loop, but follow it in the opposite direction. Keep right at the fork before Lochan a’ Ghleannain, a lovely place for a break. On the shore you’ll spot a wire bird sculpture. This is another one of several artworks by local artist Rob Mulholland that make up the Loch Ard Sculpture Trail.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: Statute Labour Road to Loch Lomond

Continue the route along the track above the shores of Loch Ard until you reach another junction. Turn right here to follow signs for the Statute Labour Road. This is an undulating old drove and military track that runs for 18km towards Loch Arklet. Keep left at the next fork, then right. And enjoy the superb gravel riding along the shores of Loch Ard and beside the Water of Chon. The route carries on past Loch Chon through Loch Ard Forest, before reaching Lochard Road. Cross carefully and continue straight onto a smaller track, still on the Statute Labour Road.

After about 2km you’ll reach the Queen’s View. This is a dramatic viewpoint with sweeping vistas across the mountains around Loch Lomond, Loch Arklet and Loch Katrine. From here, the track crosses the road twice more before continuing along the northern shore of Loch Arklet. Follow it to the end of the loch, then turn left at the fork. At the road, turn right and ride down to the pier at Inversnaid on Loch Lomond.

Here you’ll pass the Inversnaid Bunkhouse, a converted church offering excellent food, accommodation and a campsite. Be prepared if camping in summer. This is prime midge territory, so long sleeves, repellent and a head net are highly recommended.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: Crossing Loch Lomond

The water taxis from Inversnaid Pier are operated by Cruise Loch Lomond and run from March to October. This route uses the shortest crossing from Inversnaid to Inveruglas. For sailing times and bookings, call 01301 702 356, as this service is not listed on the website.

Outside of these months we do not recommend this route. The only way in and out of Inversnaid is along the West Highland Way. This involves carrying your bike over rocks. With luggage, this section is neither rideable nor enjoyable. If you want to ride in winter, leave out this crossing and instead follow NCN 7 from Aberfoyle to Balloch. Then continue on the John Muir Way to Helensburgh and the Wild About Argyll Trail to Garelochhead.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Loch Lomond to Arrochar

From the pier at Inveruglas, turn left through the car park and follow the A82 south for about a kilometre. Ignore the footpath on the right—it has steps and is unsuitable for bikes. Shortly after passing a few houses on your left, turn right onto the Loch Sloy service road. And join the Three Lochs Way. With Inveruglas Water to your left, climb steadily for 5km to the route’s high point.

Carry on straight into Coiregrogain Glen, where steep mountainsides and waterfalls make for majestic scenery. At the highest point turn left, cross the bridge, and follow signs for the Glen Loin Loop. Keep left after the bridge and enjoy a 6km-descent to a junction. Then turn left again to drop into a small car park near Succoth. Keep right, follow the track, then Succoth Road. Turn left, then right onto a small track to reach the A83. Turn left for 700m, then keep right to join the A814 along Loch Long. This sea loch connects directly to the Firth of Clyde, marking your first crossing to Scotland’s west coast.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Arrochar to Garelochhead

Follow the A814 south for 6km. The Three Lochs Way offers an off-road option here, but it is steep and rough, so the road is recommended. Turn left up the Glen Douglas Road, which climbs sharply on the flanks of Craggan Hill. After 2km, at the MOD munitions depot, turn right to rejoin the Three Lochs Way on gravel. Keep left at the next fork. After about 3km, turn left onto a more technical singletrack that may require short sections of pushing. After crossing under the railway, continue on gravel. Keep right at the next junction and follow straight on to the Glen Fruin Haul Road.

The last section passes through an active firing range. Check access restrictions before setting out by calling Range Control on 0141 225 8135 or 0141 225 8125 (8am–5pm). Cross the Haul Road to the Glen Fruin Road and turn right. From here you can enjoy sweeping views and a fast descent on switchbacks through native woodland to the A814.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: From Garelochhead to Rosneath Peninsula

You have now reached the perimeter fence of Faslane Port. This is a high-security naval base where the UK’s nuclear submarines are stationed. Cross the road and follow the cycle path alongside the fence. After the roundabout, merge onto the B872 and stay on this road for 2km to reach Garelochhead. This is a convenient exit point if you wish to shorten the coast to coast bikepacking route. There are frequent train services to Oban, Fort William, or Glasgow. A shop and café are located on the right; soon after, turn left onto Shore Walk.

Continue along the shore of Gareloch until the path rejoins the road. Turn right, then left at the end of Shore Road onto Whistelfield Road. This is where the final major climb of the route begins. Follow the road to a roundabout, take the first exit, and continue onto the Rosneath Peninsula.

Coast to Coast Bikepacking Route: To Kilcreggan

The road passes RNAD Coulport, the secure storage and loading facility for the UK’s Trident warheads. After 6km, turn left at a junction and ride for 1km to a small car park with a bird hide. Turn left again and follow the track through woodland. Cross Peaton Road and continue on a gravel track with wide views across the Firth of Clyde. Helensburgh lies to the east, Greenock and Gourock lie to the south, and Dunoon to the west.

Stay on this track for 7km until it meets Barbour Road above Kilcreggan. Turn right for a short climb, then left onto Donaldson’s Brae for the descent into the village. At the shore road, turn left to reach the Kilcreggan ferry terminal. The passenger-only ferry runs daily except Sundays to Gourock. From here you can either continue by ferry to Dunoon or take the train from Gourock to Glasgow Central.

In a nutshell

Cycling distance: 177km (110 miles)
Ascent: 2,370m (7,776ft)
% of route off-road: 47
Difficulty: Challenging

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Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Scotland’s outdoors provides great opportunities for open-air recreation and education. This comes with great benefits for people’s enjoyment, and their health and well-being. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 ensures everyone has statutory access rights to most of Scotland’s outdoors. But only if these rights are exercised responsibly, with respect for people’s privacy, safety and livelihoods, and for Scotland’s environment. Equally, land managers have to manage their land and water responsibly in relation to access rights.

The Code is based on three key principles: