The best cycling routes in Perth and Kinross

Perth and Kinross offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 860 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy lakeside paths to more demanding hill climbs.

Yes, Perth and Kinross has numerous easy routes perfect for beginners and families. A popular choice is the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, a traffic-free 13.5-mile loop offering stunning views of Loch Leven and its historic castle. The region also features flatter rail trails, such as parts of NCN7 towards Loch Tay, which are suitable for adventurous family cycling.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Perth and Kinross offers routes with significant elevation gains. The Tay Estuary loop from Perth is a difficult 52.9-mile trail. Another demanding option is the Falls of Tarf and Pitlochry loop from Blair Atholl, which features nearly 1000 meters of ascent.

Yes, Perth and Kinross is home to sections of major National Cycle Network (NCN) routes. NCN77, known as "The Salmon Run," follows the River Tay for 54 miles, largely on quiet roads. NCN7 also traverses the region, forming part of a longer route from Sunderland to Inverness, offering both challenging off-road sections and flatter rail trails.

Many routes in Perth and Kinross are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Loch Rannoch loop from Kinloch Rannoch, the Five Lochs loop from Dunkeld, and the Loch Tummel & Blair Atholl loop from Pitlochry.

The region is famous for its dramatic "loch and glen" scenery. You'll cycle past numerous picturesque lochs like Loch Tay, Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel, and Loch Faskally. Routes also take you through beautiful glens such as Glen Lyon and Glen Devon, and along rivers like the River Tay. For those seeking panoramic views, hills like Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park offer stunning vistas.

Absolutely. Cyclists can incorporate visits to historical sites into their tours. Scone Palace, a significant site for Scottish kings, is viewable along NCN77 north of Perth. The historic town of Dunkeld, with its ancient buildings, is also accessible via NCN77. You can also explore natural monuments like Ben Lawers summit or Ben Vrackie summit.

The touring cycling routes in Perth and Kinross are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the variety of routes for all abilities, and the stunning natural beauty of the lochs and glens.

Perth is considered the "Gateway to the Highlands" and is well-connected by public transport, making it a convenient starting point for many routes. While specific public transport details for each route vary, many towns along the routes, such as Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Kinloch Rannoch, have bus or train connections. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for bike carriage policies.

Many routes in Perth and Kinross are renowned for their scenic beauty. The River Tummel & Loch Faskally loop from Pitlochry offers picturesque riverside and lochside views. The Loch Rannoch loop provides continuous scenic views of the water and surrounding countryside. For panoramic vistas, routes around Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park are excellent choices.

The best time for touring cycling in Perth and Kinross is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Summer offers the warmest temperatures and longest days, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Some routes may be accessible in winter, but conditions can be challenging due to colder weather and potential ice or snow.

Yes, Perth and Kinross is characterized by its glens and rivers, offering many cycling opportunities. You can explore routes through tranquil glens like Glen Devon with the Dunning Common & Glen Devon loop from Auchterarder. The River Tay, Scotland's longest river, features pleasant riverside cycling paths, including parts of the River Tay Way and NCN77, "The Salmon Run," which largely follows the river.

Perth and Kinross is rich in natural beauty, including several parks and nature reserves. The Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is a prime example, known for its diverse wildlife. For more information on local parks and countryside areas, you can visit the Perth & Kinross Council website: pkc.gov.uk/Parks-and-Countryside-areas. For nature reserves, see pkc.gov.uk/Nature-reserves.