The best traffic-free bike rides around Loch of Forfar
4.3
(10)
214
riders
7
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Loch of Forfar offer a mix of accessible lochside paths, extensive forest tracks, and routes with hilly vistas. The region features a prominent 2.5-mile (4 km) circular path around Forfar Loch, known for its flat and surfaced terrain. Beyond the immediate loch, routes extend into areas with varied elevation, including Balmashanner Hill and Montreathmont Forest. This landscape provides diverse options for touring cyclists seeking different levels of challenge and scenery.
Best no traffic touring…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
5
riders
66.4km
04:03
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
23.9km
01:31
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
51.4km
03:05
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
39.0km
03:00
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
37.6km
03:01
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Loch of Forfar
Tips from the Community
A pleasant town with the expected shops etc. A good location for a planned break.
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You can gain access through the locked gate - ask a local person about the key.
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The Alyth Arches are three imposing stone arches from a 16th-century extension to the old parish church in Alyth, Scotland, which was abandoned in 1839. The site is believed to have housed the first Christian church in Alyth, founded in the 6th century by St. Moluag. Remnants of a 13th-century stone church are still visible, alongside a medieval graveyard with notable memorials, including the Ramsay family burial chapel. One Ramsay family member died in a historic duel with James Macrae. The site is currently not open to the public.
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James Sandy, born in Alyth around 1766, overcame severe disabilities from two accidents to become a renowned inventor known as 'the Alyth Genius.' Living in what is now the Alyth Hotel, he crafted musical instruments, optical devices, clocks, artificial limbs, and false teeth, and even improved flax-spinning machinery. His most famous creation was a wooden-hinged snuff box with a concealed hinge that prevented clogging and sealed airtight. Sandy’s home became a hub for distinguished visitors, and his contributions to innovation were honored with a public-funded tombstone in the Alyth Arches graveyard.
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Alyth, a historic town near the Perthshire–Angus border, has origins possibly dating back to the Picts and was first recorded in a 1200 charter by King William the Lion. It grew through agriculture and linen production in the 1700s, with further expansion after the railway's arrival in 1861, bringing textile mills and increased commerce. Today, Alyth thrives with a mix of local shops, a vibrant arts scene, and a growing tourism sector celebrating its rich natural and cultural heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Loch of Forfar?
There are 9 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Loch of Forfar featured in this guide. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 3 easy, 3 moderate, and 3 difficult options.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Loch of Forfar?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Loch of Forfar, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil lochside paths to the challenging forest tracks, and the opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) circular path around Forfar Loch is flat, surfaced, and ideal for families and beginners. For a slightly longer, easy option, consider the Bike loop from Forfar, which covers about 11 kilometers.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic touring routes?
The terrain varies significantly. You'll find flat, surfaced paths around the loch, mostly paved roads on easier routes, and some more demanding rides that may include unpaved sections or wide tracks through forests like Montreathmont Forest, which are suitable for touring or gravel bikes.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes available?
Yes, many of the routes are circular. The most accessible is the 4-kilometer path directly around Forfar Loch. For a moderate challenge, the Bon Scott Statue – Alyth Packhorse Bridge loop from Kirriemuir offers a 51-kilometer circular tour.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see along the routes?
The area is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy scenic lochside views, spot migrating wildfowl and other wildlife like kingfishers and otters, and from higher points like Balmashanner Hill, you'll get rewarding vistas of the surrounding Sidlaw Hills and even the Grampians. Montreathmont Forest offers extensive forest tracks with opportunities to see rare capercaillie.
Are there any historical or cultural attractions accessible by bike?
Absolutely. You can incorporate visits to historical sites into your rides. The Forfar Witches Memorial – Forfar loop from Forfar is an easy 23-kilometer route that passes by a significant local memorial. The broader region also features attractions like the Pictish Stones at Aberlemno and the Nechtansmere Stone at Dunnichen.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic cycling routes?
The Forfar Loch Country Park offers a visitor centre and is a common starting point, providing parking facilities. Many routes also begin from towns like Forfar or Kirriemuir, where public parking is generally available.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Loch of Forfar?
The area is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Winter cycling is possible, especially on the well-maintained lochside path, but be prepared for colder weather and potentially wet conditions.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic touring routes?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a longer challenge, the Lundie Loop – Forfar loop from Forfar is a difficult 66-kilometer route with significant elevation gain. Routes extending into areas like Glen Clova also offer more strenuous options, sometimes involving unpaved segments.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, the towns of Forfar and Kirriemuir, which serve as starting points for many routes, offer a good selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. The Forfar Loch Country Park also has a visitor centre, which may offer refreshments.
Most popular routes around Loch of Forfar
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