The best MTB trails around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton
4.6
(43)
220
riders
27
rides
Mountain biking around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton offers routes through varied terrain, characterized by views of the Clyde Valley and surrounding hills. The area features a mix of paths, from established loops like the Greenock Cut to longer routes exploring the wider region. Mountain bikers can expect a landscape shaped by valleys, water features, and elevated viewpoints.
Best mountain bike trails around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton
- The most popular mountain bike trail is The Greenock Cut Loop, a 7.2 miles (11.6 km) trail that takes 48 minutes to complete. This easy route features gentle gradients and scenic views along the historic Greenock Cut.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is View of Clyde Valley and Cowal – The Kelly Cut loop from Cartsdyke, a moderate 17.8 miles (28.6 km) path. This route offers significant elevation gain and expansive vistas across the Clyde Valley and Cowal peninsula.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Ardgowan Fishery Café – View of Clyde Valley and Cowal loop from Fort Matilda, a 27.9 miles (44.9 km) trail leading through diverse landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 30 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton is defined by rolling hills, open moorland, and views over the Clyde estuary. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes with considerable elevation.
- The routes in Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 250 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.2
(5)
13
riders
11.6km
00:49
110m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(9)
28
riders
28.6km
02:16
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
riders
35.7km
02:32
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
8
riders
27.2km
02:13
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton
Tips from the Community
The CLOCH lighthouse was designed by Thomas Smith and his son-in-law Robert Stevenson, who is famous for the Bell Rock Lighthouse off Angus and was the grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson. The oil lamp was first lit on 11 August 1797. The lighthouse is now unmanned and fully automated, with an optical light mounted on a mast. The former lighthouse keepers' houses have been converted into three private dwellings.
0
0
A ferry departs every 20-30 minutes. https://www.western-ferries.co.uk/ On some days, queues can form on the road. However, pedestrians can usually always get on board. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
0
0
Beautiful for strolling along the promenade. Pedestrians and cyclists are often separated by a dividing line, but still keep an eye out. Many benches invite you to linger and dream.
0
0
Ideal starting point for walking or gravel biking in all directions.
0
0
Gorgeous little lighthouse between Lunderston Bay and Greenock, along National Cycle Route. It's a shared pavement section here, which can be a bit narrow in places and often has cars parked on it, stay awake!
0
0
This is an elegant building, now in use as a Wetherspoons bar. It has multiple floor levels
0
0
Still riding on the cycleway on the esplanade, the view looking back to Gourock is a nice sight
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton?
There are over 25 mountain bike trails in the Larkfield, Braeside, and Branchton area. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy loops to more challenging rides with significant elevation changes.
What are the difficulty levels of mountain bike trails in this area?
The trails around Larkfield, Braeside, and Branchton cater to various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 21 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails suitable for beginners?
Yes, for families and beginners, The Greenock Cut Loop is an excellent choice. It's an easy 7.2-mile (11.6 km) route with gentle gradients and scenic views along the historic Greenock Cut, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the mountain bike trails?
The mountain bike trails in this region offer diverse scenery, characterized by rolling hills, open moorland, and expansive views over the Clyde estuary and surrounding hills. Many routes feature valleys, water features, and elevated viewpoints, providing beautiful vistas of the Clyde Valley and Cowal peninsula.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in the area?
Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For example, The Greenock Cut Loop is a popular circular trail. Another option is the moderate View of Clyde Valley and Cowal – The Kelly Cut loop from Cartsdyke, which offers significant elevation gain and panoramic views.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton?
The mountain bike trails in Larkfield, Braeside, and Branchton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the Clyde Valley, and the well-maintained paths that cater to different ability levels.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the mountain bike routes?
While riding, you might encounter several interesting points. You could pass by Loch Thom or the historic Greenock Cut. Other nearby attractions include Cloch Lighthouse and various viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the Clyde Valley.
Are there any trails that offer views of the Clyde Valley?
Absolutely. Many routes provide stunning views of the Clyde Valley. A great option is the moderate View of Clyde Valley and Cowal – The Kelly Cut loop from Cartsdyke, which is specifically known for its expansive vistas across the Clyde Valley and Cowal peninsula.
Where can I find parking for mountain biking trails near Larkfield?
Specific parking information varies by trailhead. However, many popular starting points for trails like The Greenock Cut Loop typically have designated parking areas nearby. It's always recommended to check the individual route details on komoot for the most accurate parking information.
What is the longest mountain bike trail in the area?
One of the longer routes available is the Ardgowan Fishery Café – View of Clyde Valley and Cowal loop from Fort Matilda. This trail spans 27.9 miles (44.9 km) and typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, leading through diverse landscapes.
Are there any trails that pass by Loch Thom?
Yes, the Loch Thom – Ardgowan Fishery Café loop from Inverkip is a moderate 35.3 km (21.9 miles) route that takes you past Loch Thom, offering scenic views of the loch and surrounding areas.
Most popular routes around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton
Most popular attractions around Larkfield, Braeside, And Branchton
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.
