stuck near Loch Lomond any suggestions for routes?

spingle
spingle Posts: 35
edited August 2010 in Routes
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.

Comments

  • BoardinBob
    BoardinBob Posts: 697
    Ben Lomond?
  • nick1962
    nick1962 Posts: 156
    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
    spingle Posts: 35
    Thank you. The Arrochar loop looks great.
  • nick1962
    nick1962 Posts: 156
    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
    busta gonad Posts: 162
    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
    spingle Posts: 35
    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
    busta gonad Posts: 162
    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
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    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.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • Wallace1492
    Wallace1492 Posts: 3,707
    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.
    "Encyclopaedia is a fetish for very small bicycles"
  • GhallTN6
    GhallTN6 Posts: 505
    Just wish I knew about the trails when I lived there about 12 years ago!!