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Glentanar National Nature Reserve loop from Tanar – Cairngorms National Park

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Glentanar National Nature Reserve loop from Tanar – Cairngorms National Park

Hard

riders

Glentanar National Nature Reserve loop from Tanar – Cairngorms National Park

02:45

28.5km

460m

Cycling

Embark on a challenging touring bicycle ride through the Glentanar National Nature Reserve, a difficult 17.7 miles (28.5 km) loop that demands very good fitness. You will climb 1520 feet (463 metres) over roughly 2 hours and 44 minutes, navigating mostly unpaved surfaces through ancient Caledonian pine forests and heather-clad…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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2.88 km

Tower O'Ess

Highlight • Other

On the edge of a valley, at the entrance, you'll discover the Tower O'Ess. This lovely gatehouse conversion is situated by the River Tanar, surrounded by tall Scots Pine trees. …

Tip by

5.75 km

Fairy Lochan, Glen Tanar

Highlight • Forest

Fairy Lochan is a great place for spotting wildlife, and is part of the Dragonfly Trail from Glen Tanar. Keep your eyes peeled for dragon flies, particularly the Northern Damselfly species.

Tip by

23.4 km

River Plunge Pools in Cairngorms National Park

Highlight • River

A couple of deep enough plunge pools just off the forest track!

Tip by

28.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

23.8 km

3.48 km

878 m

407 m

Surfaces

23.2 km

2.63 km

1.82 km

849 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (560 m)

Lowest point (150 m)

Weather

Tuesday 5 May

9°C

-4°C

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Glentanar National Nature Reserve loop from Tanar – Cairngorms National Park

Tower O'Ess

Fairy Lochan, Glen Tanar

River Plunge Pools in Cairngorms National Park

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