The best traffic-free bike rides around Backwater Reservoir

There are 7 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Backwater Reservoir featured in this guide. These range from easy, shorter loops to more challenging, longer adventures, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Yes, there are a couple of easy, traffic-free touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Bridgend of Lintrathen is a gentle 7.6 km ride with minimal elevation, offering a pleasant experience. Another easy option is the Loch of Lintrathen – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Bridgend of Lintrathen, which is 6.9 km long.

The routes around Backwater Reservoir offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find well-maintained tracks, minor roads, and quiet tarmac sections, particularly along the reservoir perimeter. Some routes also incorporate forest tracks, landrover tracks, and even single trails, making the area suitable for gravel bikes and offering varied surfaces for an engaging touring experience.

Yes, several routes incorporate popular refreshment stops. The Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Bridge of Craigisla, for example, passes by Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop, a well-known spot near Lintrathen Loch. The historic Glenisla Hotel in Kirkton of Glenisla also provides a convenient stop for refreshments on longer tours.

Absolutely. Many of the touring cycling routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Loch of Lintrathen loop from Bridgend of Lintrathen and the moderate Quiet Glen Road – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Bridgend of Lintrathen, providing scenic circular journeys.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll cycle past the impressive Backwater Reservoir and its 800-meter-long dam, enjoying expansive views of rolling green mountains and serene woodlands. Keep an eye out for distant vistas of the Southern Cairngorms National Park. For a refreshing natural diversion, the beautiful Reekie Linn Waterfall is a short walk from cycling routes near Bridge of Craigisla.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning, tranquil landscapes, the variety of no-traffic routes suitable for different skill levels, and the peaceful atmosphere that allows for an immersive cycling experience through open countryside and quiet woodlands.

While primarily known for its natural beauty, you can glimpse Balintore Castle situated on the moorland from some cycling routes, adding a touch of historical and architectural interest to your journey. The Glenisla Hotel, a 17th-century establishment, also offers a historical stop for refreshments.

Yes, the area is home to diverse wildlife. The nearby Loch of Lintrathen, often integrated into longer cycling loops, is known for its birdlife. A few miles southeast, the Loch of Kinnordy RSPB nature reserve provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and additional waterside trails, making it a great stop for nature enthusiasts.

The region offers beautiful cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide vibrant colours and pleasant temperatures, while summer allows for longer daylight hours. Even in misty conditions, the reservoir offers captivating scenic views. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially during colder months.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are routes with considerable elevation changes. The Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop – Wee Bear Cafe loop from Bridge of Craigisla, for example, covers 59.1 km with over 800 meters of elevation gain, offering an all-day adventure through the scenic heart of the Cateran Ecomuseum.