Cycle Scotland's Lochs & Bens

Make your own way to Perth. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to stroll to the shops, walk by the River Tay or climb Kinnoull Hill for a magnificent view of Perth and the Tay Valley. In the evening you will collect cycles and equipment, and there will be a route briefing. Accommodation: Elegant Victorian villa, all rooms ensuite.

Cycle two miles from Perth to visit Scone Palace, a treasure house of furniture, ivories, fine porcelain, needlework and the unique Vernis Martin. From there you cycle north through the rolling farmland of Perthshire to the historic Cathedral town of Dunkeld, situated on the banks of the River Tay. It has a peaceful character and charmingly restored eighteenth century houses forming a small Square. Cathedral Street leads from there to the partly restored Cathedral, construction of which began in 1318. Accommodation: Family run small B&B with ensuite rooms. Breakfast is taken in the Conservatory overlooking the garden.

You are never far from the swift flowing River Tay. Leave Dunkeld passing the Cathedral and follow the path along its north bank: join the quiet road northward to cross the river by an old railway bridge at Logierait. From there to Strathtay, a popular spot with canoeists and river rafters. Continue by the river to the small village of Weem. Only a short distance now to cross General Wade's Bridge into Aberfeldy. Visit the Distillery, the Water Mill or explore the beautiful walks in the “Birks of Aberfeldy”. Accommodation: A stunning Edwardian Guesthouse overlooking the River Tay.

Leave Aberfeldy by General Wade’s Bridge and stop to visit Castle Menzies, the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies, currently being restored. Past Drummond Forest to the conservation village of Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. Visit the Crannog Exhibition, which illustrates life on the Loch in the Bronze Age. By taking the south shore road you can enjoy to the full the unrivalled beauty of the Lochs and Bens on the way to Killin. Accommodation: Two nights staying in a late Victorian country house offering excellent Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Overlooking the River Lochay, it has a private riverside garden with its own moorings and access to Loch Tay. There are spectacular views of the mountains from the house, including Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in Perthshire.

Today can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can visit the Falls of Dochart, walk in the quiet countryside, or cycle to Ben Lawers visitor center (9.5km) and walk up Ben Lawers, Perthshire's highest mountain. Another option is to cycle to scenic Glen Lochay and Glen Lyon.

Enjoy a traffic free cycle through Glen Ogle to reach the small lochside village of Lochearnhead. From there continue along the south shore of Loch Earn enjoying the beauty of the loch and Ben Vorlich to reach St Fillans at the eastern end of the Loch. Follow the valley of the river Earn through Comrie to arrive at Crieff. Perhaps visit the Glenturret Distillery and the ‘Famous Grouse Experience’ or the ‘Crieff Visitor Centre’. Accommodation: Comfortable B&B accommodation in large and spacious rooms with ensuite facilities.

Take the opportunity to visit the famous formal Italian gardens at ‘Drummond Castle Gardens’ which are just over 3 kilometres south of Crieff before an easy ride through quiet countryside to return to the riverside town of Perth. Accommodation: Elegant Victorian villa, all rooms ensuite.