Families urged to get on their bikes this summer

With the school summer holidays off to a sunny start, families across Stirlingshire are being urged to get on their bikes and enjoy the great outdoors.

Forth Valley and Lomond Leader has teamed up with Visit Scotland to promote cycle routes taking in the stunning beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Jason Clark, Cycle Tourism Officer at Forth Valley and Lomond Leader, said: “There’s a wealth of fabulous local cycling routes in Stirlingshire which are suitable for all the family, from introductory off-road trails for wee ones, to more demanding rides for teens.”

Sustrans cycle maps of the Lochs and Glen Way and other inspiring routes can be downloaded for free at: www.visitscotland.com/cyclingroutes

Jason added: “The Lochs and Glens Way can be broken down into shorter day trip sections around Callander, Strathyre and Aberfoyle, which are perfect for families. Options include lots of off-road cycling following the old railway line, past shimmering lochs, magical forests and dramatic mountains. With plenty of cafés along the way, it all makes for a fabulous family day out.”

Sections of the route popular with families include:

• The Rob Roy Loop, from Strathyre to Balquhidder. An 8-mile ride through the rural scenery of the Strathyre Forest to see Rob Roy’s Grave.
• The Loch Katrine sail and cycle trip, where you take the boat across Loch Katrine to Stronachlachar and then ride the traffic free 14-mile route back to Trossachs Pier.
• The Callander to Doune and Dunblane loop, a 28-mile route combining history with stunning scenery. Highlights include Deanston Distillery, Doune Castle and Dunblane Cathedral.

Just off the Lochs and Glen Way, families can refuel at the newly reopened Brig O’Turk Tearoom. The quaint 1920’s café, which has been popular with cyclists for generations, has just been kitted out with a bike maintenance station, funded by Sustrans, and a Bosch fast charger for electric bikes, funded by Forth Valley and Lomond Leader.

Kay Hill, who recently took over the tearoom, said: “Since opening back in May, we’ve welcomed hundreds of cyclists through our doors.

“The addition of the fast charger and maintenance station makes us a great place to recharge your bike while you refuel with our home-made cakes.”

For further cycling inspiration see Leader’s film featuring broadcaster and Deacon Blue musician Dougie Vipond: click here.