Gravel · United Kingdom
Gartmore Loop via Aberfoyle and Kinlochard
A hilly 67 km gravel loop from Gartmore, Stirling through Aberfoyle, Milton and Kinlochard, with 883 m of climbing. There is a 60 km stretch without a café, shop or water (km 4–64). Mostly unpaved: 96% is mapped as gravel or unpaved, 3% as paved.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides for fit, experienced riders
- Distance
- 66.6 km
- Elevation gain
- 883 m
- Riding time
- 4½–6 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Bike
- Gravel or mountain bike
- Surface
- Mostly unpaved
- Traffic
- Mostly minor roads
- Food & water
- Longest gap 60 km
- Best months
- Jun to Aug
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start and finish
- Gartmore
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 883 m
- 67 km
Route description
- Gartmore
- Aberfoyle
- Milton
- Kinlochard
- Gartmore
The ride starts near Gartmore and quickly reaches Aberfoyle at 3.7 km, passing through Milton at 7.5 km and Kinlochard at 11.9 km. The route features several climbs, including a 1.5 km ascent at the start gaining 53 m at 3.5% average gradient, and further climbs between 12.9 km and 55.4 km with gradients ranging up to 9.7%. The highest point is at 304 m near 24.2 km.
The terrain is mainly unpaved with 96% gravel or unpaved surfaces, predominantly on tracks (93%) and paths (4%) with minor sections on quiet streets and minor roads. The profile includes 31% climbing and 33% descending with the longest descent lasting 3.7 km dropping 129 m from 39 km. There is a 60.4 km stretch without a café, shop or water from 3.7 km to 64.1 km.
Near the route, the Forth Inn pub and a Co-op supermarket are located just off route at 3.7 km in Aberfoyle along with a bike shop. Peaks near the road include Druim nam Mial and others beneath which the route passes. There are no toilet or water points on the route.
Why ride this route?
- Tops out at 304 m, 24.2 km in.
Highlights
- Climb to 304 m high point at 24.2 km
- 60.4 km longest stretch without café or water
- Gravel track surface for 96% of the route
- Passed peaks: Druim nam Mial, Doon Hill
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed climb | 0 km | 1.5 km · 53 m · 3.5 % · max 6.9 % | 78 m |
| Unnamed climb | 12.9 km | 1.7 km · 70 m · 4.2 % · max 7 % | 115 m |
| Unnamed climb | 15.4 km | 1.9 km · 42 m · 2.2 % · max 3.1 % | 136 m |
| Unnamed climb | 19.9 km | 1.6 km · 63 m · 3.9 % · max 8.3 % | 212 m |
| Unnamed climb | 22.2 km | 2 km · 102 m · 5.1 % · max 8.3 % | 304 m |
| Unnamed climb | 30.9 km | 3.5 km · 118 m · 3.4 % · max 6.4 % | 198 m |
| Unnamed climb | 35.2 km | 1.4 km · 71 m · 5 % · max 9.7 % | 248 m |
| Unnamed climb | 41.3 km | 2.2 km · 59 m · 2.7 % · max 4.2 % | 168 m |
| Unnamed climb | 52.7 km | 1.4 km · 53 m · 3.9 % · max 6.4 % | 100 m |
| Unnamed climb | 55.4 km | 1.9 km · 46 m · 2.4 % · max 4.2 % | 102 m |
Traffic, surface and gradient
Mostly minor roads and streets on the map.
- Roads
- 93% track · 4% path · 1% quiet street · 1% minor road · 1% other roads and tracks
- Surface
- Mostly unpaved: 96% is mapped as gravel or unpaved, 3% as paved.
- Gradient
- 31% climbing · 33% descending · 37% flat
- Steep sections
- 4.9 km over 5% · 0.7 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 8.4% at 37.4 km
- Longest descent
- 3.7 km from 39 km, dropping 129 m
Food, water and services
The longest stretch without a café, shop or water is 60 km, from km 4 to 64. Along the route: 3 cafés and restaurants, 1 shop and 2 bike shops.
Food, water and shops in ride order
- 3.7 kmThe Forth Inn · pub · 360 m off route
- 3.7 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · 330 m off route
- 3.7 kmAberfoyle Bike Hire · bike shop · 470 m off route
- 3.7 kmAberfoyle Pharmacy · pharmacy · 390 m off route
Worth a stop
- 3.5 km — Old Kirk (ruins)
- 15.1 km — Druim nam Mial (peak)
Know before you go
- 60.4 km longest stretch without café, shop or water
- 96% gravel or unpaved surface
- 0.7 km at over 8% gradient, max 9.7%
- No toilets or water on route
