Ride 1
We have these listed as 22 miles but I'm sure one started from Aberfoyle and the other from the Lake of Menteith.

The Loch Ard Forest is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the starting point for both rides is Aberfoyle. Perhaps park at the Woolen Mill (car park, refreshments).

Enter the forest by the Covenanters Inn and head west to Lochan Spling, past Duchray House & Castle. Continue to Duchray Cottage & Bridge then head north west-ish to the aquaduct marked on the map. Cut back north east towards Loch Ard and continue along the banks to Milton, taking the road back to Aberfoyle. These are lovely biking trails and nothing too strenuous. Watch out for deer - Neil nearly ran into 2 on a blind bend once.

Ride 2
Again, in the forest but this time enter the forest at Balleich, south of the cemetry. We did this on a winters day after black ice and it started raining - great fun though.

This one has more climbs in it, but they are gradual. Head off south west for Deer Craig, Clashmore Loch, Drum of Clashmore, Maol Ruadh. Pass Lime Hill and head east to High Corrie and eventually to Drymen Road Cottage. There are lots of birds of prey in this area, so take your binoculars.

From the car park and picnic area by Drymen Rd Cottage head north east to Dalmary to pick up the road and then bike north through Gartmore to Bridgend Cottage where you can then head back into the forest off road, passing Fairy Knowe and back to Aberfoyle. The road gives you a bit off downbank payback for the work you've put in.

Other possibilities
As with any forest area, there are lots of additional logging roads and trails to try out. Some will be better surfaced than others, some steeper and so on.

Try out some of the other trails in the forest. There are lots to choose from but don't get lost!

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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