BIKE Trossachs, a community company in Aberfoyle, is today launching the UK’s first gravel cycle routes.
The 10km, 20km and 30km routes start and finish in the center of Aberfoyle, covering the forest of Lough Ard, Lough Ard and Lough Chon.
Enda McLaughlin, Chairman Trossachs bikesaid, “We’re seeing some growth in active outdoor tourism in the area [past] several years, and cycling has led this change.
“We are building on this success and are delighted to be a community leader in this local initiative, providing beautiful and safe routes for locals and tourists to explore Loch Ard Forest.”
The opening of routes coincides with the launch of “Gravel foil‘, a tourism brand to promote Aberfoyle to gravel cyclists.
Kenny Auld, Head of Visitor Services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, added: “We are delighted that the Gravelfoyle Trails are opening and more people can discover this great area for gravel riding.
“Aberfoyle is already a great location for all types of cycling and these three routes highlight the best of the network of forest roads with wonderful views of Ben Lomond and Loch Ard.
“The routes give people a fantastic opportunity to leave the car in Aberfoyle and explore Loch Ard Forest by bike and we encourage everyone to go.
“We know that the ‘Gravelfoyle’ brand has been popular with the local cycling community even before the routes have been launched and this just shows the level of demand for cycling in the area.
“We hope that the marked trails will now be up and running and we hope that Gravelfoyle will be added to Scotland’s list of essential cycle walks.”
Read more stories at Scottish fieldnews pages.
Also, don’t miss our readers’ reviews of hiking accommodations in August issue Scottish field magazine.
