Chilled-out Gravel in the Queen's Forest
2 people attending
6 places left
This tour of the Achray forest is one to savour for the views as I regard it one of our most beautifully scenic forest rides.
Shorter than our average gravel ride at just 28k it still packs a punch with 630m of total ascent.
From our start point near Aberfoyle we will climb along the Rob Roy Way skirting the Menteith Hills and reaching our first high point by the picturesque loch Allt a' Chip Dhuibh, taking in views across Loch Venechar to Stuch Odhar and Ben Ledi.
We'll then descend and wind our way along the lochside to its very end before returning via National Cycle Route 7, ascending along the picturesque Forest Drive by Loch Drunkie to reach our second high point of the day.
Then it's a circuit of descent again to take us back to the start with a nice set of waterfalls on the way.
A reasonable level of fitness and confidence on tricky surfaces is essential for this route.
Suitable rides for this event are mountain bikes with either front or full suspension, gravel bikes or sturdy hybrids with off-road tyres, all powered by 100% manual pedal power.
Sorry, no e-bikes of any sort will be accepted[1].
Be aware that some short sections of this route contain narrow paths with some technical features that would move this ride towards off-road trail riding rather than gravel. It is planned to simply dismount and push our bikes over these obstacles as we encounter them to maintain our gravel grade.
Parking: Reasonably plentiful with no charge.
Dogs: This event it not suitable for dogs.
Photos: Provided by ODL member david252 and used with permission.
[1] This leader does not support the use of motor assisted cycles on off-road routes.
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
What to bring
Bike: a mountain bike, gravel bike or sturdy hybrid with off-road tyres (no road bikes)
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, shorts are great even in rain as they allow free movement of your legs.
Footwear: grippy soles if your bike has standard pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes; sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, plenty of water and energy snacks if that is your thing.
We will likely take 'fuel stops' at convenient or picturesque points on the route rather than a single timed lunch stop.