Perthshire’s Top Cycle Tracks for Families

Every parent knows that finding activities to keep children entertained on holiday can be challenging to say the least! Luckily, families visiting Perthshire can take advantage of the some of the best cycle routes in Scotland.  With its rugged hills, vibrant forests and lush lochs, Perthshire has a wealth of natural beauty spots, most of which can only be accessed by bike. You don’t have to have to brave perilous climbs and daredevil tracks to discover the best panoramic views either, within Perthshire’s miles of tracks you’ll find gentle family friendly routes that meander through the area’s stunning landscape. So grab your bike and get geared up for these top cycle tracks:

Loch Dunmore

This gentle cycle around Loch Dunmore is perfect for families with young children as the figure of eight shaped track means that the journey can be shortened if your little ones need a break. The route guides you around the loch, taking you through the surrounding forest and over the picturesque bridge. There are plenty of picnic spots along the way so you can stop-off for a bite to eat and see who can spot the most squirrels amongst the trees. Look out for Kingfishers and frogs on the loch as well. To reach the cycle track at Loch Dunmore, travel north of Pitlochry along the B8019 for around a mile.

The Salmon Run

The Salmon Run follows the River Tay for 54 miles and stretches from Pitlochry to Dundee. The distance makes this route best for older children as younger kids may get tired along the way. This national cycle route takes its name from the abundance of salmon that can be seen swimming along the River Tay. This route is great for those who are easily bored as it encompasses mellow farmland paths, rugged Highland terrain and picturesque villages. On route, look out for the ancient Cathedral in the village of Dunkeld.

Loch Rannoch

The sandy beaches along this lochside route makes it the perfect cycle track for a warm summer’s day. The cycle route around Loch Rannoch is the quintessential Scottish lochside track and offers everything from panoramic views of rolling hills to an abundance of local wildlife that inhabit the area. As you travel around the loch make sure to stop at the many rest points and picnic spots to take in the view. There are a few hills on the route that may be a challenge for younger children but most of the track is fairly flat. As you travel around the loch you’ll pass through the Black Wood which is also home to numerous cycle tracks if you want to extend your cycle.

Birnam to the Hermitage

On this gentle route you’ll find some of the most spectacular scenery that Perthshire has to offer. The route is completely off-road so children get the thrill of cycling through the wilderness while adults can relax knowing that they don’t have to cycle through traffic! While the route’s 4.8 miles may be practically flat, the path will take you along the River Tay, through the surrounding woodlands and show you fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Don’t miss the historic Telford’s Bridge and the quaint hamlet of Inver along the way. Once you’ve reached the Hermitage, recharge with home baking at The Big Tree Café in the Hermitage car park.