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Graeme Holton DUNBLANE VIA GLENEAGLES CIRCULAR

Distance: Long route = 33 miles, Short route = 23 miles.

Map: OS Landranger 58 covers most of the route.
Roads in to and out of Dunblane are covered by OS Landranger 57.

Start and finish: Dunblane Train Station, which is adequately served by 2 direct trains per hour from Edinburgh, and 1 direct train per hour from Glasgow Queen Street, plus occasional trains from Perth and the North. Free car parking at Dunblane Station, and across the footbridge at Tesco supermarket.

Terrain: (Road Bikes) This circular route starts with a steady 2 mile climb out of Dunblane, which is rewarded with spectacular views before a 7 mile cruise downhill. The remainder of the route undulates on quiet country roads with panoramic views across to the mountains of Perthshire.

Places to eat: Sheriffmuir Inn beckons at the summit of the first climb where in fine weather you can sit outside and enjoy the spectacular views. Both the Blackford Inn and the Coaching Inn are well signposted as you enter Blackford (10 miles). If money is no object, the longer route takes you past the entrance to Gleneagles Hotel, otherwise continue on to Muthill where there is a teashop and the Village Inn on Main Street. At the end of the route, Dunblane offers several places to eat and drink, including the Stirling Arms Hotel overlooking the river, or the Allan Cafª in the High Street. An excellent selection of real ales can be found at the Tappit Hen opposite the Cathedral.

Points of interest: Dunblane Cathedral: 01786 823388, Cathedral Museum: 01786 823440,
Sheriffmuir battle: site (date 1715).

Contacts:
Dunblane Tourist Information (May-Sept): 01786 824428
Stirling Tourist Information (all year): 01786 475019/479901
Scotrail enquiries: 08457 48 49 50

THE ROUTE:

From Dunblane railway station building, turn right and follow the one-way system to join the B8033. At the Fourways roundabout, turn right up Glen Road signposted to Sheriffmuir. After 1 mile, turn left and continue uphill to Sheriffmuir. After another mile the road levels out with panoramic views of the Ochil hills on the right hand side, later passing a monument to the battle of Sheriffmuir.

At the T-junction turn left following the signpost to Blackford passing (or stopping at) the Sheriffmuir Inn, soon after which the road gently descends across moorland for 5.5 miles towards Blackford. Remember to take in the spectacular views towards Ben Vorlich and the Perthshire hills, whilst watching out for the numerous sheep and rabbits running across the road. At the bottom, the road meets the busy A9 dual carriageway. Cross this road with care and follow the farm road on the opposite side following the sign right to Boreland Farm. This road runs parallel to the A9 but you may have to negotiate a closed gate.

After 1/2 a mile the farm road (which was the old A9) runs into Blackford village - the home of Highland Spring water. Continue through Blackford and immediately after the level crossing, turn left signposted Kirkton & Seathaugh. At Kirkton Farm, follow the road round to the left and continue for 2 miles along a pleasant undulating narrow road. At the T- junction there is an option to turn right to follow the longer 33 mile route, or turn left to take the shorter 23 mile route following the signs to Braco, where the two routes join up again.

Longer route: After 1.5 miles, you pass the Queen's golf course of Gleneagles Hotel on the right hand side, and the Jackie Stewart Shooting School later on the left. At the crossroads, go straight on towards Auchterarder. After a short distance take the left fork along East Hill Road signposted to Tullibardine, Kinkell Bridge and Strathallan (alternatively, continue along the A824 to visit the Lang Toon´ of Auchterarder, then follow signs for Tullibardine to rejoin the route). Continue for 3 miles where the views again open out, passing a turning on the left to Tullibardine Chapel. Follow the road round to the right then turn left at the Strathallan Hall at Tullibardine, signposted towards Muthill (4 miles). Follow this road until you reach Muthill passing the church where Stephen Hendry tied the knot. At the T- junction, turn left onto the A822 passing the Village Inn on the right hand side. At the war memorial, turn right to go up the straight hill (Thornhill Street). On the way down, watch out for the sharp bends and narrow hump back bridge at the bottom! On reaching the crossroads, continue straight on, signposted to Braco 2.5m. At the T- junction, turn right to rejoin the A822, and continue into Braco.

Both Routes: On entering Braco, take the first right turn, signposted B8033 to Kinbuck (Feddal Road). Continue for 4 miles with views of the Ochil hills on the left hand side, through Kinbuck, and carry on back into Dunblane. The B8033 eventually arrives back at the Fourways roundabout where you can either continue straight on and follow signs back to the railway station, or turn right to drop down to the Cathedral and the Tappit Hen!