Cycling
Ride the trails in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs
Cycling Loch Lomond
Secure Storage & Washing Facilities
When you stay with us here at Ballat Smithy Cottage you’re welcome to bring bikes or you can hire them locally at Aberfoyle or Loch Katrine. There is secure storage for 4 bikes next to the cottage, complete with a sink, cold tap and hose for washing down at the end of the day. There’s also a power point here for e-bike charging.
Scotland welcomes cyclists, and there is an abundance of routes and trails nearby. The cottage is well equipped with maps and route plans for you to borrow.
There are trails and paths for all abilities in the National Park, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and Argyll Forest Park. Part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 7 traverses the area near Ballat Smithy Cottage. This offers easy road biking through magnificent scenery.
Gravelfoyle offers superb waymarked routes deep into the Loch Ard Forest, and hosts the magnificent Dukes Weekender event in September.
Ballat Smithy Cottage is also right next door to the Endura Lifecycle Trust’s mountain bike trails and training facility. This offers fantastic mountain biking practice routes between April & October in return for a donation.
From the casual family ride to harder mountain trails, there’s something nearby to suit every level.
Loch Lomond family bike rides
Explore together
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is an outstanding choice for a holiday with your family. Bring your bikes, or hire them, and discover mountains, lochs, forests, countryside and quiet roads all nearby.
Aberfoyle, a short drive from the cottage, has its own community bike park where youngsters and the less experienced can ride in safety, practicing for the more challenging trails nearby.
Everyone is sure to enjoy the BLiSS trail which runs along the Sustrans Route 7. Here you’ll find around 25 works of art along the trail in the four communities there – Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans.
You can find more family bike rides around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs here.
Mountain biking
Are you looking for something a bit more rugged? Ready to get mud in your face and wind in your hair? Then there are plenty of mountain bike trails here for you at Loch Lomond.
Take, for example, the Glen Loin Loop. This tough track takes you into the Arrochar Alps. You’ll face a long climb but are rewarded with stunning mountain views. It is 11.3 miles in total, and you will both start and finish in Arrochar.
There’s also the Loch Venachar Circuit. This moderately difficult route consists of both on- and off-road cycling. At 16 miles long, it takes in beautiful views of the loch as well as of the Menteith Hills.
You can find more mountain bike trails here. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy every second of cycling Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Book NowWatch Our Video Below
And See Ballat Smithy Cottage
Watch our video below and see our gorgeous cottage for yourself. Plus, get a taster of some of the wonderful attractions and activities nearby, including Loch Lomond. We are sure you will love all we have to offer so get booking today and enjoy a relaxing stay with us here at Ballat Smithy Cottage.
Book NowReviews
‘We spent 1 week in this beautiful cottage and straight away it felt like a home from home. Anne the owner is very friendly and welcoming. The cottage is really pretty and very comfortable (the beds in particular!) it has everything you need including decent wifi and you even get a welcome pack with a few food goodies.
‘We spent a week visiting the area and it’s a perfect base as you are only 20 minutes from places such as Stirling, Balloch etc. We did a day trip to Edinburgh and it only took 1h30 to get there from the cottage. There are local shops available only 5 minutes drive away which is very handy as well as lovely pubs such as the oldest one in Scotland in nearby Drymen.
We highly recommend this cottage in this really beautiful part of Scotland’
– Ballat Smithy Cottage Tripadvisor Review
Explore more below…
