The best E-Bike, Gravel, MTB and family trails straight from Aberfoyle Bike Co!
Explore our favourite cycling routes from Aberfoyle, from gentle family rides around Loch Ard to Gravelfoyle gravel trails and full-day e-bike adventures through the Trossachs.
For experienced mountain bikers, the local downhill trails offer a tougher challenge. They’re not for the faint-hearted and demand confident bike handling and experience on steep, technical terrain. Aberfoyle Bike Park also features a new pump track and a jump line with three tabletops.
Get a taste of the riding before you visit, check out these videos:
Start your adventure at Aberfoyle Bike Co., where you can hire a bike, get local route advice and grab a coffee or breakfast roll from our café before heading out. We offer quality e-bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes, plus kids’ bikes, trailers and tag-alongs for family days out. Book your bike ahead and we’ll help you choose a route to suit your group.
Bringing your own bike? Our workshop offers repairs and servicing while you’re visiting — get in touch beforehand or pop in to check availability.
Easy - Family Rides
Perfect for families, casual riders or anyone looking to explore the Trossachs at a more relaxed pace. These routes stick mainly to cycle paths and easy-going forest tracks, with manageable distances and plenty of places to stop, explore or grab a snack along the way. We have kids bikes, trailers, tag alongs and baby seats available for hire.
No need to be a seasoned cyclist — pick a route, follow the Komoot GPS guide and enjoy the ride at your own pace.
Lochan Spling & Loch Ard Family Loop - 14km
A family adventure with sculptures, wildlife and a hidden beach
This family-friendly loop is a brilliant little adventure and is perfect for kids' bikes, trailers and tag-alongs. It's got enough going on to keep everyone entertained without being too long or challenging — forest tracks, sculptures, wildlife, a river crossing and one of our favourite little swimming spots on Loch Ard.
Start by heading up through the forest towards Lochan Spling, where you'll find the huge mirrored fish sculpture sitting above the water with a gorgeous backdrop of the surrounding hills. The sculpture was created in 2008 by local artist Rob Mulholland, whose work you'll spot again as you explore the Loch Ard Forest.
Keep your eyes on the trees as well as the trail. Ospreys nest in the woodland around the loch and can often be seen circling high above the forest.
From Lochan Spling, continue along the forest tracks towards the bridge over Duchray Water. If you're towing a trailer or using a tag-along, there's a short section here where you'll need to get off and walk. Don't let it put you off — it's short, manageable and all part of the adventure.
Once across, the route joins the shores of Loch Ard and follows the water through the forest. Keep an eye on your navigation here, because there's a turn-off you really don't want to miss.
Hidden just off the main route is a beautiful little beach and shallow bay on the loch. On a warm day it's an amazing place to stop with the kids, unpack a picnic and go for a swim. The shallow water makes it particularly good for families, although Loch Ard is still an open body of water, so children should always be closely supervised.
Once you've dried off and managed to convince everyone to get back on their bikes, there's one short climb away from the loch.
And that's the hard work pretty much finished.
From the top, it's almost all downhill back to Aberfoyle, with a lovely flowing ride through the forest to finish off a cracking little family adventure.
Bike: Mountain bike, gravel or e-bike
Distance: 14km
Trailers & tag-alongs: Yes — with a short walking section near Duchray Water
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Family day out, younger riders and a relaxed half-day adventure
Highlights: Lochan Spling, Rob Mulholland's fish sculpture, wildlife spotting, Duchray Water, Loch Ard and a hidden swimming beach
Don't forget: Swimsuits, towels, picnic and snacks
Loch Ard Lochside Cycle Route – 21 km
This easy-going 21km route meanders along quiet forestry roads beside the shores of Loch Ard, with ancient Scottish woodland on one side and, on the right day, a glassy loch reflecting the slopes of Craigmore on the other.
Along the way you’ll pass two gorgeous lochside beaches that are perfect for stopping, having some scran and, if you’re feeling brave, going for a dook. Bring your trunks, a towel and something warm for the inevitable post-swim chitter.
At around 21km with 280m of climbing, the route can comfortably be ridden in around three hours, but this really isn’t one to rush. Pack a picnic, stop at the beaches and make a day of it.
Distance: 21km
Elevation: 280m
Time: Around 3 hours — longer with swimming and picnic stops
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Families, casual riders and anyone after a relaxed day by the loch
Surface: Forestry roads
Don’t forget: Swimsuit, towel and some scran
Gravelfoyle 10km - Faerie
The perfect introduction to riding in Aberfoyle
Short, scenic and almost entirely traffic-free, this 10km Gravelfoyle loop is a brilliant introduction to the forest trails around Aberfoyle. It's one of our top picks for families, younger riders or anyone who just wants an easy spin without committing to a big day on the bike.
Starting from Aberfoyle, you'll quickly leave the village behind and head into Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, following wide, well-surfaced gravel forestry roads through the trees.
The route forms part of the Gravelfoyle trail network, so navigation is nice and straightforward. Follow the waymarkers as the trail gently climbs through the forest, with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore and let little legs have a rest.
Don't be fooled by the short distance — there's still a little bit of climbing involved. Take your time on the way up and you'll be rewarded with some lovely views through the trees and, more importantly, a brilliant long downhill back towards Aberfoyle.
It's a great choice for kids getting more confident on their bikes and works well for adults who haven't ridden in a while too. There's no need for fancy equipment or serious mountain-bike skills — just bring some snacks, take your time and enjoy being out in the forest.
And because you're never too far from Aberfoyle, it's an easy one to squeeze into a morning or afternoon before heading back to the village for a well-earned coffee and cake.
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Easy
Bike: Mountain bike, hybrid or e-bike
Kid friendly: Yes
Best for: Families, beginners and younger riders
Surface: Wide gravel forestry roads
Time: Around 1–2 hours at a relaxed family pace
Highlights: Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, traffic-free riding, easy-to-follow Gravelfoyle trails and a fun downhill finish
Moderate Routes
Ready to explore a little further? These routes take you deeper into the forests, lochs and hills around Aberfoyle, combining quiet roads, gravel tracks and forest trails into some of our favourite half-day rides.
Expect a few longer climbs, rougher sections and bigger distances than our easy routes, but nothing that requires expert riding skills. A reasonable level of fitness and confidence on mixed surfaces is all you need.
Gravel bikes and mountain bikes are ideal for most of these rides, with e-bikes a great option if you'd rather enjoy the views without worrying too much about the climbs.
All routes start from or close to Aberfoyle, with GPX files available to help you find your way.
Gravelfoyle 20 km – Aqueduct Loop
A brilliant introduction to gravel riding around Aberfoyle and one of our favourite routes for families. It’s also one of the easiest routes to navigate, as it’s waymarked the whole way.
From Aberfoyle Bike Co, head towards the bridge where you’ll find your first waymarker. From here, follow the yellow Aqueduct route over the bridge and around 500 metres up Manse Road, before turning right and climbing into the forest. There’s a waymarker at every major junction, so once you’re on the route it’s really easy to follow.
The first half takes you deep into Loch Ard Forest, with some lovely climbs, flowing descents and fantastic stretches of gravel. Eventually you’ll reach the aqueduct — one of several hidden throughout the forest, but probably the most impressive of the lot.
From here, the route joins the old Statute Labour Road for the journey back towards Aberfoyle. Running high above Loch Ard, this section rewards you with fantastic views towards Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and Craigmore before gradually descending back towards the village.
There’s plenty to keep younger riders interested along the way, from wildlife and big forest descents to some gorgeous views across the Trossachs. The riding is mostly straightforward gravel and forest track, although anyone using a trailer or tag-along should expect a short walking section near Duchray Water towards the end.
Allow plenty of time for stops — this one is as much about exploring the forest as it is about the riding.
Distance: 20 km
Bike: Gravel bike, e-bike or mountain bike
Kid friendly: Yes — highly recommended, although it’s a step up in distance from our easy routes
Trailers & tag-alongs: Yes — with a short walking section near Duchray Water
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Best for: Families, younger riders and anyone looking for a relaxed half-day gravel adventure
Highlights: Loch Ard Forest, the aqueduct, fast forest descents, Statute Labour Road, views of Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and Craigmore, and Duchray Water
Don’t forget: Water, snacks, an extra layer and a sense of adventure
Gravelfoyle 30 km - Lomond Route
Want to venture a little further? The 30 km Gravelfoyle route is a great next step, giving you more time out in the landscape and a proper taste of the gravel riding Aberfoyle has become known for. This route follows the aqueduct route with an additional 10km loop taking you deeper into the forest.
It’s still an accessible ride, but the extra distance and climbing make it better suited to riders with a reasonable level of fitness or families with confident older children. There’s no need to rush — give yourself half a day, stop to enjoy the views and make an adventure of it.
A gravel bike or mountain bike is ideal, while an e-bike makes this a particularly enjoyable way to cover more ground and explore further from the village.
Distance: 30 km
Bike: Mountain bike, gravel bike or e-bike
Kid friendly: Yes — best for confident older children comfortable with the distance
Trailers & tag-alongs: The 20 km route is the better option for trailers and younger children
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Confident families, recreational riders and anyone wanting to explore further into Gravelfoyle
Highlights: Forest gravel, lochs, wildlife, big views and some of the classic riding around Aberfoyle
Don’t forget: Water, snacks, an extra layer and your downloaded GPX route
Epic Rides
Big days out, proper adventures and some of the best riding the Trossachs has to offer.
These routes are for riders looking to go further, climb higher and explore well beyond Aberfoyle. Expect long stretches of remote gravel, big climbs, fast descents and incredible views, linking lochs, forests and mountain passes into unforgettable days on the bike.
You’ll need a good level of fitness, plenty of food and water, and the confidence to deal with changing weather and more remote terrain. A gravel bike or e-bike is ideal for most of these routes.
If you’ve got the legs, these are the rides you’ll remember.
Full Day E-Bike Epic - Callander & The Great Trossachs Trail
53.4km · 850m climbing · Challenging
Big views, brilliant singletrack and plenty of good food
One of my personal favourite rides in the area. This is a proper day out, combining quiet forest roads, lochs, fast descents and some of the best sections of singletrack in the Trossachs — with a few very worthwhile food stops thrown in.
Start by following NCN7 towards Callander, passing Little Fawn Waterfall before winding your way past Loch Drunkie and Loch Venachar. Arrive in Callander hungry and make a stop at Mhor Bread for lunch. The sandwiches and pies are banging and you'll want the fuel for what's coming next.
Head west out of Callander and rejoin NCN7 before the real fun begins. You'll soon pick up the Great Trossachs Path, with around 10km of fantastic singletrack skirting the side of Ben Ledi, high above Loch Venachar.
This is the highlight of the ride. Expect steep punchy climbs, fast descents and sections where keeping your eyes on the trail is surprisingly difficult — the views across the Trossachs are unbelievable.
Eventually, you'll be very happy to hit the long, steep descent into Brig o' Turk. If you're running low on fuel, there's a lovely little independent tearoom before you reach the main road, followed shortly afterwards by the ice cream farm. The affogato might not be on the menu, but ask for one. Banging.
From Brig o' Turk, pick up NCN7 for the final leg home. There's still some climbing to do, but your reward is a beautiful, long descent through Queen Elizabeth Forest and all the way back towards Aberfoyle.
This isn't one to rush. Give yourself the day, stop for food, take in the views and enjoy one of the best big loops the area has to offer.
Distance: 53.4km
Elevation: 850m
Time: Allow a full day with stops
Difficulty: Challenging
Bike: E-Mountain Bike recommended. Very fit riders can tackle it on a regular MTB. Gravel bike possible for riders with experienced bike-handling skills.
Kid friendly: No
Best for: Confident riders looking for a proper Trossachs adventure
Highlights: Loch Drunkie, Loch Venachar, Callander, Great Trossachs Path, Ben Ledi, Brig o' Turk and the long descent home through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
7 Lochs Gravel or E-Bike Epic – The Full Monty
63km | 850m elevation
The big one! This is a proper day out and requires a high level of fitness if you're tackling it on a gravel bike. We wouldn't recommend a standard mountain bike for this route unless you're on an e-bike — there's a fair bit of distance to cover.
Start with a mega climb through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park on the NCN7, passing the Little Fawn Waterfall on your way up. Your first loch of the day is Loch Drunkie, where you'll skirt around the shoreline before following a short section of singletrack down towards Loch Venachar.
Turn right when you reach the loch to pick up the NCN7 again and head towards Loch Achray. From here you have two choices: take on another climb followed by the descent, or carry your bike down a short set of steps and cut it out. Our navigation takes you down the steps — you've still got plenty of riding ahead!
A short section of road brings you to the eastern end of Loch Katrine. There's a tearoom here if you're already in need of some fuel, or hold off until the far end and reward yourself with a stop at The Pier Café.
Loch Katrine is one of the Trossachs' classic cycles. It's tarmac all the way and mostly rolling, with one pretty steep up-and-over to keep the legs honest. It's longer than it looks on the map too, as you wind right around the head of the loch before eventually reaching Stronachlachar.
Grab some food at The Pier Café, or keep the pedals turning towards Loch Arklet. The view from here towards the Arrochar Alps is one of our favourites in Scotland and, on a clear day, is pretty hard to beat.
From here, tired legs can stick to the road, or you can rejoin the gravel for the final stretch. Skirt alongside Loch Chon before making your way towards Loch Ard and the final run back to Aberfoyle.
Seven lochs, some brilliant gravel, waterfalls, huge views and plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way. Bring your trunks, plenty of energy bars, a charged battery if you're on an e-bike and, most importantly, some nice fresh legs.
Distance: 63km
Elevation: 850m
Difficulty: Hard
Best suited to: Gravel bikes & e-bikes
Allow: 4-7 hours including stops
Food stops: Loch Katrine & Stronachlachar
Don't forget: Water, snacks, swimming gear and a fully charged phone for navigation