The best traffic-free bike rides around Buchanan
4.5
(468)
3,840
riders
5
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Buchanan are characterized by their proximity to Loch Lomond, offering a blend of waterside paths and gentle climbs through the surrounding hills. The region features a mix of open landscapes and areas near natural water bodies like Endrick Water. These routes provide opportunities to explore the scenic Scottish countryside, with varied terrain suitable for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Buchanan
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Cashel Campsite & Shop – Ben's Bakes Honesty Box loop from Balmaha, a 14.5 miles (23.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a mix of lakeside views and gentle ascents.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Loch Lomond – Tom Weir Statue loop from Cashell, an easy 5.3 miles (8.6 km) path. This shorter route offers pleasant cycling along the shores of Loch Lomond.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Endrick Water Footbridge – The Clachan Inn, Drymen loop from Drymen, a 14.3 miles (23.1 km) trail leading through varied landscapes near Endrick Water, often completed in about 1 hour 37 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Buchanan is defined by the expansive Loch Lomond, the meandering Endrick Water, and the surrounding rolling hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside spins to moderate routes with more elevation.
- The routes in Buchanan are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 3000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Buchanan's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.7
(3)
41
riders
22.9km
01:33
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
14
riders
8.62km
00:35
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
7
riders
22.9km
01:36
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
4
riders
18.6km
01:14
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
14.5km
01:04
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Balmaha at 19 miles (30.5 km) is the first official checkpoint on the West Highland Way race. On the shore of Loch Lomond, it's accessible by road or ferry. There is a visitor centre, cafés and restaurants. Good spot to run Conic Hill if you aren't running the whole WHW. There is a statue of Tom Weir, staring across the loch. Tom was a lifelong lover of Scotland as well as a writer, broadcaster and climber.
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At the base of Ben Lomond and many other walks Balmaha is a beautiful village. The rangers in the visitors centre are very helpful, for West Highland Way walkers I’d recommend popping in for a map with the restricted camping areas on it.
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Great little camp site, just before you head down to Drymen. Does pizzas to order in the evening which were really good. Has an indoor seating area, under cover. No drying room but there are washing lines under cover. There is a small kitchen area for doing dishes etc. very limited plug space compared to some other sites we stayed at.
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A fine spot to stop for a break and a snack. There is plenty of wildlife to enjoy amongst all the boats.
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Cozy cabinet where you pass by as a WHW walker. In this cabinet you can buy all sorts of things for a small fee. Such as fruit, boiled eggs, soft drinks, mosquito nets, mosquito bracelets, tiger balm for the muscle pain you can get along the way and much more fun stuff is available!
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Very nice. Various things that the hiker might have forgotten. Also fresh sandwiches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Buchanan?
There are 5 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available around Buchanan, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty.
Are there any easy, car-free touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are two easy, car-free touring cycling routes. One example is the Loch Lomond – Tom Weir Statue loop from Cashell, which is just over 8.6 km long and features gentle elevation changes.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these no-traffic cycling routes?
The routes primarily offer scenic views around Loch Lomond, including lochside paths and quiet country lanes. You can expect picturesque landscapes with opportunities to see natural monuments and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
Are there any circular no-traffic bike routes around Buchanan?
Yes, all the routes listed are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Cashel Campsite & Shop – Ben's Bakes Honesty Box loop from Balmaha is a moderate 23.3 km circular route.
What are some interesting landmarks or viewpoints I can see along the routes?
While cycling, you can enjoy views of Loch Lomond. Nearby highlights include the View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill and the Ben Lomond Summit, though these may require a detour from the cycling paths. The Dukes Pass Scenic Drive is also in the vicinity, offering stunning vistas.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes around Buchanan?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.46 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the beautiful lochside scenery, and the opportunity to enjoy cycling away from busy roads.
Are there any routes that pass by traditional Scottish pubs or cafes?
One route, the Endrick Water Footbridge – The Clachan Inn, Drymen loop from Drymen, includes 'The Clachan Inn' in its name, suggesting it passes by or near this establishment, offering a potential stop for refreshments.
What is the longest no-traffic touring cycling route available?
The longest no-traffic touring cycling route is the Cashel Campsite & Shop – Ben's Bakes Honesty Box loop from Balmaha, which spans approximately 23.3 kilometers.
Are there any routes that are particularly good for a moderate challenge?
Yes, there are three moderate routes. The Tom Weir Statue – Sallochy Campsite, Loch Lomond loop from Balmaha is a good option, covering about 14.5 km with some elevation gain, offering a satisfying ride.
Can I find routes that offer a mix of loch views and village exploration?
Routes like the Endrick Water Footbridge – The Clachan Inn, Drymen loop from Drymen offer a blend of natural beauty along Endrick Water and proximity to local villages like Drymen, providing a varied touring experience.
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