The Banks of Loch Eck

At a glance Start Grading: Easy Direction: Heading north to south Distance: 14k m / 9 miles Ascent: 185m Type: Mountain bikes or sturdy hybrids Signage: Directional way marking

Route Description A beautiful family orientated ride along the tranquil beaches and forests of western Loch Eck. You can ride as little or as far as you want - a return trip from to the Benmore Botanical Gardens and back is 28km. The route starts at the Forestry Commission Scotland centre at Glenbranter - follow the track south to Glenshellish Farm, head left at the farm and towards the River Cur. The forest track now follows the western shore of Lock Eck for 13.5km and is mostly level with the odd short climb / descent thrown in for good measure. The botanical gardens are a mysterious and enchanting place with dramatic mountainside scenery and plants © Crown copyright Ordnance right 2015. and database Survey Licence number 100031883 from the Himalayas, Bhutan, Chile and Japan (and Scotland of course!). Guided tours are available and there is a great cafe / shop open throughout the year serving locally sourced food (closed Monday & Tuesday during winter).

Points of Interest Puck’s Glen and scenic walks Benmore Botanic Gardens Arboretum Kilmun Mausoleum

Facilities Cafes, Inns, accommodation, toilets and information

Cycle Hire Hunters Quay Holiday Village Hunters Quay, , , PA23 8HP. T: 01369 707772 W: www.argyllholidays.com Finish

www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

Points of Interest Facilities Cycle Hire Aberfoyle village Cafes, restaurants, pubs, Wild Biking Scotland Queen Elizabeth Forest: The Lodge accommodation, shops, toilets, Main Street visitor centre, Go Ape, forest cycle paths, cycle hire and racks. Aberfoyle FK8 3UN sculpture trail, Three Lochs drive T: 07717 217898 E: [email protected] Duke’s Pass W: www.wildbikingscotland.com Rob Roy Way - Long Distance Route Loch Ard