The best traffic-free bike rides in Perth and Kinross

Perth and Kinross offers a fantastic selection of traffic-free gravel biking experiences, with over 45 routes available on komoot. These trails range from moderate to difficult, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

You'll encounter incredibly diverse and picturesque landscapes. The region is known for its deep valleys, numerous lochs like Loch Rannoch and Loch Tay, and the rolling Ochil and Sidlaw Hills. Many routes wind through ancient woodlands, along rivers like the Tay, and offer stunning open viewpoints, especially around areas like Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park.

While many routes in Perth and Kinross are rated moderate to difficult, some sections and shorter loops can be suitable for families, especially those with older children or more experienced young riders. Look for trails around lochs or within woodland parks that offer flatter, well-maintained paths. For example, the Mill Dam Lochan – Loch Ordie loop from Dunkeld is a moderate option that explores beautiful lochside scenery.

Perth and Kinross is rich in natural beauty. You might cycle past tranquil lochs such as Mill Dam Lochan or Loch Earn. Some routes offer views of impressive summits like Stùc a' Chroin or pass through scenic mountain areas like Carn Liath. The region also features beautiful woodlands and rivers, providing a constantly changing backdrop.

Absolutely. Perth and Kinross is a fantastic destination for experienced gravel riders seeking a challenge. Routes like the Loch Lubnaig Cycle Path – Old Railway Path loop from Comrie Croft, spanning nearly 80 km with significant elevation gain, offer thrilling downhill passages and tricky forest sections. Another demanding option is the Bracklinn Falls – Braes of Doune Wind Farm loop from Comrie, which covers almost 70 km with over 1000 meters of climbing.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning natural beauty, the quiet and varied terrain, and the sense of escape offered by the traffic-free routes. Many appreciate the well-maintained estate and forestry trails that make for excellent gravel riding.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in Perth and Kinross are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This is ideal for day trips and makes logistics easier. Examples include the Loch Ordie – Mill Dam Lochan loop from Dowally and the General Wade's Bridge – Viewpoint for Falls of Moness loop from Aberfeldy.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Perth and Kinross, with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal colours. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder, potentially wet or icy conditions, especially on higher ground. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Several areas within Perth and Kinross are renowned for their gravel biking opportunities. Dunkeld and Birnam are popular starting points for routes exploring lochs and woodlands. Comrie Croft is another hub, offering access to diverse trails. Highland Perthshire and the Tay Valley also provide extensive networks of estate and forestry trails, often following historic Drovers roads, perfect for traffic-free adventures.

For more details on the region's parks and countryside areas, including information on specific locations and facilities, you can visit the Perth and Kinross Council website: pkc.gov.uk. This can help you plan your gravel biking adventures around these beautiful natural spaces.