Carron Valley Circular Cycle (Croy)
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Join us for a relatively short, but hilly, cycle ride across the Campsie Fells.
This has long been a classic route for many Glasgow based cycling clubs, adapted slightly to suit ODL's wider geographical demographic.
With a start point part-way between Glasgow and Edinburgh that is easily accessible by rail from both cities, we will begin with a ride along a short section of the Forth and Clyde canal before heading towards Lennoxtown and our first major climb of the day - the Crow Road - which climbs to a height of 337m in just 5.5km! The rewards will be more than compensation though - with fantastic views across the entire city of Glasgow and an exhilarating descent to the village of Fintry, where we can stop for a pub lunch.
We'll then head eastwards throught the Carron Valley past its huge reservoir towards Carron Bridge, by which time we should have digested our lunch sufficiently in readiness for the second big climb of the day - the Tak Ma Doon road - across the Kilsyth Hills. This is a shorter climb of around 2.5km, reaching a viewpoint towards the Forth Valley at a height of 322m. After another rapid descent into Kilsyth we'll complete our circular route back to Croy possibly enjoying a beer by the canal on the way!
This is a repeat of a ride that we did in 2016 - Strava users can see full details of the route by clicking here.
What to bring
Apart from your bike remember the following:.
- Puncture repair kit (or better still a spare inner tube) and tyre levers. Also any special tools that your bike needs.
- Food - bring small snacks such as chocolate bars and energy foods.
- A cycling bottle attached to your bike and plenty of water (minimum 2lts)
- Eye protection - impact from a bee, grit or even a fly at speed is extremely unpleasant, sunglasses may do if not made of glass and not too shaded.
- Clothing: choose suitable clothes and footwear for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Shorts are best even in rain, as they allow free movement of your legs. Jeans are useless if it rains but tracksuit bottoms need to be not too baggy or they may snag in the chain and cause an accident. You'll need trainers or similar with grippy soles for standard pedals.
- Cyclist's Helmet - Outdoorlads policy asks you to wear a helmet events.
- Bag you will need a small day-sack (or panniers on your own bike) to carry essential clothing, water and an emergency snack.
Food & drink
It is planned to include a pub stop for lunch at Fintry, but as much of the ride is isolated from towns and villages it would be a good idea to bring some spare food and plenty of fluids.