Trail Section 5 - Bridge of Balgie to Tyndrum

Summary

Distance	30 miles
Total ascent	500ft
Time	4-5 hours

A tough physically demanding route in high and very remote countryside with little in the way of facilities for refreshment. Spectacular mountain scenery at the top of a remote highland glen.

The road from Bridge of Balgie to Pubil is a gentle uphill gradient. From Loch Lyon to Tyndrum there are some steep tracks on a fairly good Land Rover track with a lot of river/stream crossings. Take care during wet conditions. There are no public phone or mobile phone signals between Bridge of Balgie and Tyndrum so this route is only advised for a minimum of two people in the event of emergencies.

Suitable for Mountain bike or Trail bike and only suitable for families experienced at riding in high, remote, bleak mountain country.

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Highlights

This route demonstrates the dramatic difference over a few miles between an inhabited sparsely) landscape and an uninhabited little visited high altitude Hydro Electric scheme dam. The views of the West Highland Railway line viaducts at the west end of the route are dramatic and engineeringly impressive.

Essential Info

Section no.	5
Section name	Bridge of Balgie to Tyndrum via Loch Lyon
Start	Bridge of Balgie
Finish	Tyndrum Village
Grade	5
Distance	25 miles (approx)
Total ascent	Approx 1000 feet
Time	4-5 hours
Terrain	Approximately 13 miles on C road and 12 miles on estate track.
Getting There	Start from Bridge of Balgie Tearoom in Glen Lyon.

Route Description

After Bridge of Balgie tearoom turn right on road leading to Pubil follow gently ascending road for several miles through beautiful scenery.

Go straight on do not turn right to Lochs Estate.

Turn off road and head to gate.

Go through gate that says No Vehicles beyond this point and dogs must be kept on lead. Go up steep hill on Landrover track

Northern head of loch, bear left follow track round and cross river and head back to Loch again.

Bear right and go up steep hill, this track eventually leads down to Tyndrum.

There is an option here to cycle around the south shore of Loch by following the track to the left at way mark 75 and then heading east around Loch Lyon. At the Dam at the east end of Loch Lyon take the tarred road until it reaches the main road then bear right towards Killin. This is a very poorly surfaced road which ascends steeply to around 1500 foot before dropping down into Glen Lochay and then eventually Killin.

At top of hill there is an impressive hydro intake, this is the highest point on the route at around 1100 feet.

Copse of trees on RHS of track. Follow track to viaduct.

Stream crossing

End of track, turn left onto West Highland Way track over style, heading towards Tyndrum. Steady uphill track on rough surface.

Carry straight on, do not turn left at West Highland Way Post as very steep rough and slippery path. Keep on track until main road is reached.

Turn left onto main road A82 towards Stirling.

Bear left off main road and cross over style onto West Highland Way track again. Follow track downhill to Tyndrum.

End of route. Enjoy the facilities of Tyndrum, shops, hotel, cafes and restaurants.