The best cycling routes around Earn

The Earn region offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find a mix of quiet roads, off-road sections, and old railway lines. The landscape is characterized by wonderful loch and glen scenery, with the River Earn flowing through the broad valley of Strathearn. While some areas, particularly downstream of Crieff, offer flatter, meandering paths, you can also expect challenging ascents in areas like Glen Ogle and around majestic mountains such as Ben Vorlich and Moncrieff Hill.

Yes, the Earn region provides options for various ability levels. While some routes feature significant elevation, there are easier paths available. For example, The Old Mill loop from Bridge of Earn is an easy 15 km route with minimal elevation gain, ideal for a relaxed ride. The National Cycle Network (NCN) also includes family-friendly rail trails in the broader Perthshire area.

There are over 15 touring cycling routes available in the Earn region, catering to different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with over 2400 touring cyclists using komoot to discover the area.

Cycling around Earn offers breathtaking natural scenery. You'll experience stunning loch and glen views, particularly around Loch Earn. The River Earn itself provides picturesque routes through Strathearn. Majestic mountains like Ben Vorlich and Moncrieff Hill offer rewarding vistas, and you can explore areas with dense forests and glens, such as those found in Atholl Estates.

The Earn region is rich in history and landmarks. You can cycle past ancient sites like Dundurn Hill, an Iron Age hill fort near Loch Earn. The area also features several castles and historic buildings. Notable attractions include Scone Palace and Gardens, Burleigh Castle, and Huntingtower Castle. You might also catch a glimpse of Lochleven Castle.

Yes, the natural environment of Earn supports diverse wildlife, making it a great region for nature observation during your rides. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, ospreys, deer, kingfishers, herons, and other birds of prey. In the higher hills, you might even spot mountain hares, red deer, and wild goats.

While specific parking locations for each route are best checked on individual tour pages, many routes around Earn, especially those starting from towns like Bridge of Earn or Ardargie, will have designated parking areas nearby. Look for public car parks in villages or trailheads that often provide facilities for cyclists.

The Earn region is beautiful throughout the year, but the best time for touring cycling is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the days are longer, offering ideal conditions to enjoy the loch and glen scenery. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Earn pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and other amenities. For example, the area around Loch Earn has villages like St Fillans and Lochearnhead, which offer options for refreshments. The BLiSS art trail also links locations with art installations, some of which may have nearby facilities.

The Earn region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet roads to scenic off-road sections, and the stunning loch and glen scenery. The variety of routes, catering to different ability levels, is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Earn region offers routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. An example is the Road through Dunning Common – View of Castlehill Reservoir loop from Bridge of Earn, a difficult 77.9 km path featuring substantial climbs and expansive views. Another challenging option is the Path of Condie Country Road – Burleigh Castle loop from Bridge of Earn, which covers over 51 km with considerable elevation.

Yes, the Earn region is known for its picturesque loch and glen scenery, and you can find circular touring cycling routes. While specific komoot routes directly circling Loch Earn are not listed in the top routes, the region's network of quiet roads and paths, including sections of the Loch Earn Railway Path, allows for creating or finding circular tours that offer captivating views of Loch Earn and the surrounding mountains from villages like St Fillans and Lochearnhead.