Bearsden to Killin
- 101 km
- 969 m
- Hard
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 969 m
- 101 km
Route overview
Riders prepared for a 100 km ride with nearly 1000 m climbing and mixed surfaces including significant gravel sections.
Stage 1 of 3 of the Great North Trail (Grampian Mountains): 100.7 km from Bearsden to Killin with 969 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting in Kelvindale near Bearsden, the route passes through Summerston and Milngavie by km 8.6. It then continues past Dumgoyne, Gartness, Gateside, and Drymen. The first significant climb begins just after Drymen at km 27.1, rising 135 m over 3.2 km at an average gradient of 4.2%, topping out at 187 m. After Aberfoyle at 44.8 km, there is a longer climb starting at km 43.8 and continuing for 4.6 km, gaining 228 m at 5% average gradient with a maximum of 8.3%, reaching 251 m. The route features a mix of surfaces with 61% gravel or unpaved and 38% paved, travelling mostly on cycle paths, tracks, paths, minor roads, and quiet streets. Main roads without a cycle lane total 3.1 km, and 2.5 km have a speed limit of 80 km/h or more. From km 45.2 to 65, riders face the longest stretch without café, shop, or water for nearly 20 km. Beyond, the route continues through Strathyre and Lochearnhead. A final climb of 2.3 km starting at 84 km gains 84 m at 3.6% gradient. The highest point is at 91.1 km at 294 m. The ride ends in Killin, where various cafés, shops, and bike rental facilities are available.
Highlights
- Climb after Drymen, 135 m gain over 3.2 km
- Climb after Aberfoyle, 228 m gain over 4.6 km
- Highest point at 91.1 km, 294 m
- Passes Killin with shops and cafés
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 27.1 km | 3.2 km | 135 m | 4.2 % | 7.1 % | 187 m |
| — | 43.8 km | 4.6 km | 228 m | 5 % | 8.3 % | 251 m |
| — | 84 km | 2.3 km | 84 m | 3.6 % | 8.2 % | 217 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 29% cycle path · 23% track · 21% path · 13% minor road
- Main roads
- 3.1 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 2.5 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 28.4 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Surface
- 38% paved · 61% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 23% climbing · 21% descending · 56% flat
- Steep sections
- 3.4 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 7.8% at 47.6 km
- Longest descent
- 5.9 km from 94.8 km, dropping 212 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 20 km, from 45 km to 65 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0.4 kmThe Ram's Head · pub · 190 m off route
- 8 kmEsso · petrol station · 250 m off route
- 8.6 kmM&S Foodhall · supermarket · 40 m off route
- 8.6 kmM & D Green Pharmacy · pharmacy · 70 m off route
- 21.1 kmEatery · café · 140 m off route
- 25.6 kmHonesty Box · bakery · 40 m off route
- 27.8 kmSpar · convenience store · 40 m off route
- 27.8 kmPeloton · bike shop · 50 m off route
- 44.5 kmCo-op Food · supermarket · on the route
- 44.5 kmToilets · 120 m off route
- 44.8 kmThe Station · café · 100 m off route
- 44.8 kmHighland · petrol station · 180 m off route
- 65 kmThe Lade Inn · pub · 190 m off route
- 69.6 kmToilets · on the route
- 76.9 kmThe Broch Cafe · café · 230 m off route
- 82.3 kmthe Golden Larches · restaurant · 170 m off route
- 96.4 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 96.8 kmThe Co-operative Food · supermarket · 230 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 0.4 km — Maryhill (station), 190 m off route
- 8.6 km — Milngavie (station), 240 m off route
Worth a stop
- 43.9 km — Old Kirk (ruins)
- 72.8 km — Picnic Table (picnic site)
- 88.7 km — Glen Ogle Viaduct (monument)
At the start
- Maryhill · station · 540 m
- The Ram's Head · pub · 510 m
- Kelvindale · station · 540 m
At the finish
- Kula Coffee Shop · café · 70 m
- Secret Pizza · fast food · 60 m
- Davidsons Chemists · pharmacy · 260 m
- The Co-operative Food · supermarket · 230 m
- Falls of Dochart Inn Tea Room · café · 560 m
Stay after this ride
- Fairview · guest house · 170 m from the finish
- Breadalbane House · guest house · 200 m from the finish
- The Courie Inn · hotel · 200 m from the finish
- The Old Bank · guest house · 300 m from the finish
- Capercaillie · guest house · 390 m from the finish
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 8 h 24 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 19.8 km stretch without café, shop or water from 45.2 km
- 3.1 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 2.5 km on roads with speed limit 80 km/h or more
- 61% of route on gravel or unpaved surfaces