stuck near Loch Lomond any suggestions for routes?

spingle

Hello,
I am staying with family for a few weeks near to Helensburgh and was wondering if anyone could suggest any routes for me. I don't have any car type transport so routes from trains would be good.

Thanks.

BoardinBob

Ben Lomond?

nick1962

Fanatstic route at Arrochar if you can get a train to Arrochar and Tarbet station from Helensburgh.
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15059709
I just take the up hill path from the main car park on the west side of the loch to start with.

Doesn't the Fort Willaim train stop at Helensburgh?

spingle

Thank you. The Arrochar loop looks great.

nick1962

Hi
The first half of the Arrochar loop is all uphill on fireroad but don't let that put you off.There is a great downhill return also on fire road and then some lovely single track- a bit rocky in places-back down to Arrochar.

If you have a trawl on the net you can plan some decent routes using ferries and trains along the Clyde estuary towards Glasgow or Greenock,mainly cycle paths and minor roads but enjoyable.
http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home ... enDocument
this route cuts through Pollock park in Glasgow which ahs a half decent skills loop and some nice routes through the park.
or for more road orientated routes
http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Glasg ... es-15.html

You could also try these local groups to see if they have anything on near to you or accessible by you during your stay.
http://www.meetup.com/Mountainbikeglasg ... ndar/list/
http://www.lanarkshiremtbclub.co.uk/
http://www.gmbc.org.uk/

I will probably be doing the Arrochar loop again myself sometime in the next few days as I am on holiday myself. Let me know if you want a guide and I'll be happy to show you

busta gonad

The Arochar route is great, another option that starts on the fire road in the same place, is going west above loch long, then following forrestry roads up to the Rest and Be Thankfull pass, on the opossite side of the valley to the A86. All on forrest road i'm afraid but a good bit of climbing to be had, check out the OS map very obvious.

spingle

Thanks for all your replies. Hopefully get up there sometime next week. For the Arrochar loop, will I be okay on a good quality hardtail?

busta gonad

A hardtail is ideal, depending on speed and downhill skills just be a little wary, on the singletrack descent at the top of Glen Loin, now loose and badly rutted by off road motorbikes.

Northwind

West Highland Line goes right up the side of Loch Lomond and will take you to Fort William, it's a fair way but then it's a stunning train journey. Arrochar, Tarbet, Ardlui and Crianlarich all have stops though not all trains stop at every stop.

Wallace1492

Arrochar and Ardgarten routes recommended - superb scenery and views. I ride with the MeetUp group previously mentioned, and there are a few rides on this weekend.

GhallTN6

Just wish I knew about the trails when I lived there about 12 years ago!!