Guyra, Ben Lomond, Glencoe, Mt Mitchell loop

This ride was a bit of an adventure. We have only done it once and its definitely worth a repeat. It's nearly all on quiet roads except for a couple of short sections of shoulder along the NE highway both of which have a decent shoulder. There are significant unpaved sections which can be a bit rough. From Guyra to Llangothin following the old highway on the opposite side of the railway line gives an almost traffic free ride. The section of highway is less than 1 km and has a wide shoulder. The ride then turns onto another superquiet paved road to Ben Lomond. The village of Ben Lomond used to be a key rail hub but unfortunately its now mostly a ghost town and its shop shut years ago. It does however have a picnic table and toilets.

In Ben Lomond keep on left of railway following Maybole Rd until turn onto unsealed Old Ben Lomond Rd which follows the railway line to Glencoe. When ridden the surface was moderately good though a bit rough. Take care on bends on long downhill (steepest part is sealed) but writer still managed to hit the deck on an unsealed corner. There is another short (approx 2 km) section of NE highway, has moderately good shoulder before reaching Glencoe. Mt Mitchell Rd is sealed up to Mt Slow Rd turn off; then hard packed pretty good surface unsealed to Backwater. Take care on fairly steep descent into Backwater. Look out for the Backwater postoffice museum, just after the church. Continue taking Wards mistake Rd, Falconer Rd back to Guyra. We found pleasant lunch spot near Mt Mitchell under trees with big granite boulders to sit on. There are no cafes on this route at the moment; hopefully Glencoe pub will reopen.