This was one of those rides that I saw on a road map as opposed to having any route or OS Map planned. So, I think you'd use OS MAP 51 for it but it doesn't matter because it is a there and back ride anyway. With extensions to see the Falls of Dochart at Killin, we reckon no more than 10-12 miles, but make a day of it because this is a lovely, peaceful glen with some great views.

Beware though, because, within this glen, is a special breed of sheep that seem to enjoy eating mountain bike tyres. This, fortunately, is not when you're moving but if you stop. They wander over, tame as a pet cat and start to chew the tyres. You have been warned.

The starting point for this ride is just north of the Falls of Dochart at Killin, which is quite a busy place.

There is a parking area close to a hotel and close to the glen entrance (it may even be the hotel carpark, I forget). Anyway, at Finlarig, turn left into the glen following the road and beside the river. We sat by the river and watched deer cross shyly and quietly across, almost like Stealth Deer (perhaps they were avoiding the sheep with strange eating habits).

Continue into the glen with marvellous views of Ben Lawers behind you and onto the off-road trails.

It is not a taxing ride by any means but well worth it for the scenery. When we were there the weather became overcast and the temperature dropped rapidly. The glen took on a broody look and became colder the further in that we went.

Anyway, enjoy the ride and the views and take plenty of puncture repair bits in case a flock of tyre eating sheep molest you. It is a few years now since we did this ride and they may have evolved into a formidable cyclist mugging species. Look out for rusty bike frames and skeletons in crash hats.

Variation
The main A827 can be a very busy road in season and all year around has lots of lorries on it, but it is well worth visitng the Falls of Dochart at nearby Killin - magnificent when there is a lot of water about.

Authors: Neil and Janice Buxton.

References
This cycling route guide was republished by kind permission of Neil and Janice Buxton. You can see more of their cycle routes (including photos) for Scotland on their website.

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