Scotland Coast-to-Coast
Route by Markus Stitz
Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde
This 177km coast-to-coast bikepacking route cuts across the heart of Scotland, linking the North Sea to the Atlantic through forest tracks, historic towns, lochs, and mountain glens. Running east to west through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, it combines long gravel stretches with quiet roads, a ferry crossing and some of the country’s most evocative riding.
The route works equally well as a multi-day end-to-end journey or as a series of shorter sections, thanks to strong public transport links, or a single all day effort. Travelling west through Fife, Clackmannanshire, Stirling, the Trossachs, Loch Lomond and Argyll, it finishes on the Rosneath Peninsula with ferry connections back to the Central Belt.
Along the way you’ll trace medieval tower houses and Roman hillforts, roll along former railway lines and historic drove roads, and sink deep into forest gravel in Devilla, Loch Ard and Glen Fruin. Lochside riding on Venachar, Ard, Arklet, Lomond and Long ties the journey together. Expect whisky warehouses blackened by angels’ share, steep Ochil cliffs, remote glens and a boat crossing of Scotland’s largest loch.
The route is part of Markus’ latest book: Gravel Rides Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The Route
East Coast to the Ochils
The journey begins near the Firth of Forth, following coastal paths and quiet roads west through historic villages and reclaimed industrial landscapes. The riding is gentle but scenic, warming you up before the route tilts inland.
Highlights include Culross, Kincardine Bridge, and the first taste of gravel in Devilla Forest, where wide forestry tracks and lochside trails take over.
Clackmannan to Stirling
Former railway lines and riverside tracks lead through Alloa and towards Stirling. Expect a mix of smooth cycle paths, farm tracks, and minor roads with expanding views of the Ochil Hills.
Short detours reward riders with imposing landmarks like Clackmannan Tower and Alloa Tower, while Stirling and Bridge of Allan offer food, accommodation, and rail connections.
Into the Trossachs
Beyond Doune and Callander, the route begins to feel wild. After leaving the A84, quiet back roads climb steadily toward the Great Trossachs Path, delivering some of the most satisfying riding of the entire route.
Loch Venachar, Roman hillfort remains, and long woodland traverses define this central section. Callander and Aberfoyle both make excellent overnight stops if splitting the ride into three or four days.
Aberfoyle, Loch Ard & the Statute Labour Road
Often dubbed Scotland’s gravel capital, Aberfoyle marks a transition point. From here, the route plunges into classic Highland gravel: lochside tracks, sculpture trails, and the historic Statute Labour Road, an 18km ribbon of remote riding through Loch Ard Forest.
Expect long, rolling gravel, big views, and a sense of isolation as you approach Loch Arklet and Queen’s View.
Loch Lomond Crossing
At Inversnaid, the route reaches Loch Lomond’s eastern shore. A short boat crossing delivers you to Inveruglas, bypassing the notorious hike-a-bike section of the West Highland Way.
This crossing is logistically simple enough but essential to plan. Outside of the summer season, when this ferry doesn’t run, you’ll need to follow the alternative route via Balloch.
Argyll & the West Coast Finish
The final stages are dramatic and demanding. Remote glens, long climbs, and fast descents define the ride through Coiregrogain, Glen Douglas, and Glen Fruin.
After skirting Faslane Naval Base, the route sweeps onto the Rosneath Peninsula, finishing above the Firth of Clyde with wide sea views and a fitting sense of completion. A short descent delivers you to Kilcreggan, with ferry connections onward.
Logistics & Planning
There’s plenty of public transport links along the route meaning there are various starting and end points if you wanted to split this route up. Trains, buses and ferries can connect you to various starting point options including Culross, Newmills, Alloa, Stirling and Bridge of Allan as well as alternative exit points: Culross, Newmills, Alloa, Stirling, Bridge of Allan.
Ferry & Boat Crossings
A short water crossing is required at Loch Lomond (Inversnaid → Inveruglas). This operates seasonally (typically March–October) and requires advance planning. Outside this window, a fully rideable alternative avoids Loch Lomond via Balloch and the John Muir Way.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Scotland’s outdoors are open to everyone for recreation and education under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. These access rights apply to most land and water, provided they are used responsibly — respecting others’ privacy, safety, livelihoods, and the environment. While bikepacking routes like this are a fantastic use of these access rights, it’s imperative that we respect the key principles it’s built upon. For more information visit: www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
This route was created by Markus Stitz as part of his latest book, Gravel Rides Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. For more information including where to eat, where to stay and any bike support you might need along the way, check out the full route details at Bikepacking Scotland.