Mountain Bike Trail - Three Forest Drive

Cycle Route - Aberfoyle

There are many great mountain bike trails, but one I am particularly fond of is the "three forest loch drive".  It is located just north of Aberfoyle, making it is only an hour away from Glasgow.  A great perk to this cycle route is that a mountain bike hire shop is nearby, meaning you do not need any roof racks or bikes of your own.  (Katrine Wheelz, FK17, 8HZ).

When you are all set up, head back out the road you came in, and once you get to the junction turn right.  At this point you will be cycling anticlockwise round Loch Achray, with the Loch Achray Hotel coming up on your right.  You will be cycling along, maybe with your partner, thinking "why don't we do this more often?",  maybe your just really appreciating the view of your partner in lycra....Enjoy this moment.  In 2 corners you will start going uphill, and pray to whomever your God is.

20 minutes and a few tears later, you will find a junction with signs for the Three Forest Loch opposite a small stone wall.  Alas, the cycle Gods has done this to test you, ignore the junction and continue.....uphill.  10 minutes later you will arrive at the actual starting point for the cycle route, again sign posted Three Forest Loch drive.

From here, you have 7.25 miles of one way forest track.  You start to think, "I am exhausted, I can't go another 7 miles!" But here is the best part.....it's mostly downhill.  

Follow the track, giving way to vehicles coming from behind.  Some parts of the track are very loose gravel, so be careful when going at speed.  After a short distance you will reach the excellently named Loch Drunkie.  This is an ideal place for break, complete with park bench and beautiful views.

Continuing along the track you will most likely stop several times to take in the view.  There are signposts along the way highlighting local points of interest and information on the local wildlife.  Eventually you will cross a cattle grid, leading into a field occupied by highland cows.  It's a great moment when you are cycling by all these great beasts.  If you are feeling peckish, and fancy going slightly off route, there is a farm that you pass shortly after entering the cattle field.  Leave the normal route and head down the the small path going past the farm.  You will have to go through the gate.  Yes it is the farmers gate, and yes the farmer has a shotgun.  Follow the path and minutes later you will cross a charming stone bridge which will lead you to "The Byre", a small pub & Restaurant.  A bit pricey, but they do great food

Now back on the main route, once you start going uphill again you don't have long to go.  When you come across a set of newly built toilets, you are only a few thigh burning pedals away from the exit that you passed earlier.  Turn right and enjoy the victory downhill back to the bike shop.

If you fancy a harder cycle, why not do the entire route in reverse.....more uphill.  For those who fancy a flatter and longer challenge, next time you can try the Loch Katrine Cycle path, which is really what the bike shop was set up for.  The tarmac path is 13 miles long to the eastern side of the Loch Katrine, making it a 26 mile round trip, so leave early!  There is a small cafe at the far end of the loch and if you are feeling exhausted there is a ferry than runs during the day transporting passengers from end to end.