Bearsden to Loch Lomond loop

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 71 km; at only 242 m of climbing it is an easy day in the saddle rather than a hilly one.

A 71.3 km loop from Glasgow's west side along the Clyde to Dumbarton, up the Vale of Leven to Balloch and back via Drymen and Bearsden, with 242 m of climbing.

The loop starts in Kelvindale and heads west through the Glasgow suburbs of Temple, Netherton and Blairdardie, then past Clydebank at 7.6 km and Dalmuir before reaching the river at Old Kilpatrick and Bowling. This stretch is almost flat, with only 17% of the day's climbing coming in the first half, and it drops to the low point of 2 m at 22.2 km around Dumbarton, passing beneath the peaks of Hill of Dun (207 m) and Dumbowie. From Dumbarton the route turns inland up the Vale of Leven through Renton, Bonhill, Alexandria and Jamestown to Balloch at 28.8 km, at the foot of Loch Lomond. The gentle rise east of Balloch tops out at the route's high point of 83 m at 31.4 km, shortly before Gartocharn and the small hill of Duncryne. Rolling ground continues through Croftamie to Drymen at 46.6 km, the last cluster of cafés and pubs before a long quiet section south-east towards Milngavie at 64.2 km. Bearsden follows at 65.6 km, then Summerston, Maryhill and the West End close the loop back at Kelvindale.

Highlights

• Balloch at the foot of Loch Lomond, 28.8 km
• High point of 83 m above Gartocharn at 31.4 km
• Drymen at 46.6 km: cafés, pubs and a Top Up Tap
• Flat Clyde-side run through Old Kilpatrick and Bowling

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2½–3½ hours riding

Season

Recorded in August at 23°C; the low gradients make it rideable across the warmer months.

Know before you go

• No cafés or water listed between Drymen (46.7 km) and Milngavie (65.3 km)
• Recorded at 23°C in August; carry water for the inland section

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.