Many of you will be familiar with the route of the Etape Caledonia: Pitlochry to Loch Rannoch and back, via Schiehallion and Strathtay. It’s an iconic and now very popular route, even outwith the official event which takes place in Highland Perthshire on Sunday.
One of the great things about road cycling in Highland Perthshire is the possibility of mixing up already familiar routes. It’s not a case of out and back rides here; the network of roads is so vast there is always something new to discover.
Take the Etape Caledonia route for example. Did you know that there are four fantastic climbs in the first 20 miles of the Etape Caledonia route that aren’t part of the official course?
The first of these is the 4.5 mile climb from the centre of Pitlochry on the A924 up to Moulin Moor. The views from the top over Strathtay are fantastic and if you wish you can carry on towards Kirkmichael and Bridge of Cally, or head back down through Edradour towards Pitlochry.
Another shorter climb, but a lot steeper is the little road from the Garry bridge on the B8019 up to Tenandry Kirk. It is only half a mile, but is will have you looking for some easy gears on the way up. Drop down the other side from here and you can complete a nice wee loop via Killiecrankie.
Perhaps my favourite two climbs start at Tummel Bridge and Kinloch Rannoch and meet at the summit above Trinafour. The first, Bohespic, leaves the B846, just after Tummel Bridge and climbs steadily towards the summit with increasingly great views of the surrounding countryside. A short descent leads down to the junction with the B847 which has risen from just before Kinloch Rannoch.
Both climbs are stunning and can be completed as a loop in either direction, or included as part of a longer ride down Glen Errochty and back via Blair Atholl; or if you want to try one of the best kept road climb secrets in Highland Perthshire why not try the stunningly, amazing ascent of the Errochty Water climb that heads over to Dalnacardoch. It’s quiet, it’s challenging, there are hairpin bends, the road surface is great and the views are fantastic – what more could you ask for?
If you prefer a little less climbing, then the loop of Loch Tummel is always a favourite of mine, although if you ride it clockwise there is still a steep little ascent as you come over towards Clunie Dam. The south side of Loch Tummel is usually very quiet and is a beautiful ride back into Pitlochry.
If you are in Highland Perthshire this weekend for the Etape Caledonia and haven’t ridden any of these roads before then get exploring. I firmly believe that some of the best road cycling in the UK can be found in this one small area and there is so much to choose from that there really isn’t any excuse not to keep coming back.
| Where to ride: | South Loch Tummel |
| Distance: | 37 miles |
| Start: | OS 1:50,000 Map 43 and 52
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| Description: | This is the route Gayle Ritchie and I rode (see opposite). Starting in Pitlochry follow the Etape Caledonia route along the north side of Loch Tummel to Tummel Bridge. As you leave Tummel Bridge turn left onto the B846 past the power station and continue on here for just over a mile. At the next junction turn left on the unclassified Foss road which leads you back along the very scenic south side of Loch Tummel. The next junction is at the A9 at Cluniemore, but on your left a small cycle path keeps you off of this main road and takes you down past Pitlochry Festival Theatre and back onto the Etape Caledonia route in Pitlochry. |
