The Loch Lomond 4Bs bus is equipped with
a bicycle trailer which can carry 10 bikes. This allows
you the unique opportunity to cycle the West Loch Lomond
Cycle Path in one direction, and get the bus back! The
fare for the bus is only £4.00 for a day ticket,
and this includes the carriage of your bike.
You can bring your bike on the train from Glasgow to
meet the bus, or by car there is free parking at Loch
Lomond Shores visitor centre, and you can take the bus
from there.
Bikes are available to hire from Can You Experience
(based at Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre), or the
Coach House coffee shop in Luss.
If you only want to cycle part of the route, because
you have a full day ticket, you can take the bus
to the start point of your choice and still get
the bus back without any extra payment.
Have a look below for a full description of the
West Loch Lomond Cycle route, and other cycle routes
in the area.
West Loch Lomond Cycle Path
14.5 miles one-way.
The scenic West Loch Lomond cycle route runs from Balloch
in the island-studded south of Loch Lomond to Tarbet
in the fjord-like north. This flat cycle route is 14.5
miles long, and is mostly off-road. The 4Bs bus with
bike trailer means you can take the bus to Tarbet, then
cycle the return route one-way, giving you more time
to have a relaxing day out, take in the amazing scenery,
and spend some time in the beautiful conservation village
of Luss. Refreshments and meals available at Balloch,
Luss and Inverbeg. Allow 2-2.5 hours cycle time one-way
.
Balloch Castle Country Park
3 miles round trip.
The castle is set in a commanding position overlooking
the loch. A gentle incline up the main avenue will reward
you with panoramic views. Explore the park further to
find the site of the original castle at the mouth of
the River Leven complete with moat. The traffic free
environment and numerous play areas contribute to the
park being an ideal venue for families with young children.
Allow 1-1.5 hours cycle time.
Balloch to Helensburgh
15 miles (return journey)
A road-side cycle or walk connecting Loch Lomond to
the bustling town of Helensburgh, on the banks of the
River Clyde. When you’re there, take the time
to visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s house. The
‘Hill House’ (open 13.30- 17.00) is considered
to be Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest domestic
creation. Sitting high above the Clyde, it is home to
original Mackintosh furniture and interior design and
also has attractive formal gardens designed recognisably
in the Mackintosh style. Or why not explore the peaceful
backroads of beautiful Glen Fruin with its memorial
to Scotland’s last clan battle. Allow 3 hours
to walk or 1 hour to cycle from Balloch to Helensburgh.
Helensurgh and Lomond Footpath map especially useful
& available from local visitor information centres.
(Train connections back to Balloch - change at Dalreoch
Station)
Balloch to Drymen
21 miles (return journey )
This route is part of the National Cycle Network, route
7. It follows undulating country roads through lush
farmland. The panoramic views towards Ben Lomond to
the north and the Campsies to the south east are stunning.
Refreshments and meals can be obtained from the villages
of Croftamie and Drymen. Allow four hours for your return
trip.
Balloch to Dumbarton Castle
7.5 miles one-way. (A regular train service between
Dumbarton East and Balloch enables this one way route
or simply retrace your route)
This route follows the meandering River Leven from it's
source (Loch Lomond) to the River Clyde. The route is
traffic free apart from a short section through Dumbarton.
The castle is situated on a 240 ft volcanic plug and
boasts a long and colourful history dating as far back
as AD 450. Historic Scotland manage and maintain the
castle which is open to the public.
