This review concerns the Cycle route between Callander and Glen Ogle head in the Trossachs national park. This is a 23 mile section of the cycle route 7 which travels for 214 miles between Glasgow and Inverness. The route starts in the main carpark in Callander by the park and follows the old railway routes towards Lochearnhead and Killin. Passing through the outskirts of Callander the route climbs at a sedate rate, out towards the Forest Holiday park outside Strathyre through some pretty scenery and the remains of an old roman fort. At the forest lodge park there is bike hire and a nice café to relax in before heading out into Strathyre, there are 2 quite steep sections on the approach to the town however it isn't long before you drop down though Strathyre park, past the Broch café and out onto a new track towards Balquidder and the grave of Rob Roy. This detour was well worth making for us and it provides the last refreshment stop before Glen ogle head. From Balquidder it is a steady climb through woodland and a viaduct to Lochearnhead before a steep uphill gaining several hundred feet to link with the old Killin line out to Glen Ogle. There are some spectacular views above Loch Earn at this point before the steady 1 in 50 climb by the old military road and Glen Ogle viaduct to the valley head. The rewards are some great views and a sense of achievement and, the beauty of this route is that access can be gained along the whole length which means it can be broken down into manageable sections depending on your levels of fitness. The vast majority is off road. Once at Glen ogle head you can drop down into Killin or just enjoy the fast run back down hill back towards Callander. Bike hire is available at Callander, Forest lodges and Killin, there are electric bikes at Forest Lodge too.
