Strathyre Cabin loop

The Strathyre Cabins are located on the south-west bank of Loch Ubnaig directly on national cycle route 7. The ride from there to to Callander and along the southern shore of Loch Venachar is stunning. When the track cuts back on itself as you start the climb towards Loch Drunkie the scenery is much less appealing - classic Forestry land with course gravel pot-holed track with pockets of deforested uninspiring wood. [If I was to do it again I would continue the low track past Loch Achray via the fantastic Byre Inn half a mile to the west of Brig O'Turk. You can always go both ways over the Dukes pass if you want the climb.]

We overshot the turning to Aberfoyle. Take extra care as you approach Go Ape and try not to take the wrong fork leading by the golf course like we did. Aberfoyle has a selection of cafes all open on Sunday and seems to be a honeypot for cyclists. The Dukes Pass is a great climb - a nice steady gradient and smooth road allowing you to go as fast as you want to push it. Worth visiting Loch Katrine which has many more miles of lochside tarmac with restricted access to cars and a good boat ride and cafe. I'd also recommend the Byre Inn - good food and plenty of tables outside. The main road on the North side of Loch Venachar is reasonably quiet (maybe 20 cars passed us on the slow poodle back).