Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Glasgow
Near the “bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond” and in the region’s surrounding areas, there are plenty of mountain biking adventures to be enjoyed.
Read on to delve deeper into the specific areas loved by mountain bike tourists, and find out how you can cater to this thriving market.
MTB in Loch Lomond & Trossachs and Glasgow
The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park is the most accessible in Scotland, pairing serene glens and lochs with mighty mountains. And with 21 Munros and 19 Corbetts towering over the area, it certainly puts the “mountain” in mountain biking.
If gravel riding is your thing, look no further than Aberfoyle. With over 200km of forest roads and trails within a mere 12km radius of the village plus several loops for all levels of fitness and rider, there is something for everyone to enjoy in 'Gravelfoyle'. Local community group Bike Trossachs launched this exciting project in 2021, and the group has big plans to continue to grow the region's gravel scene.
Built and maintained by the Balquhidder Trail Crew, Balquhidder prides itself on being an all-natural wild mountain biking venue. The area provides riders with a unique set of natural, single-track and B-road trails and two scenic mountain loop routes.
On the outskirts of Glasgow, mountain bikers can also find plenty to do. Cathkin Braes, a venue originally built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, comprises a tarmac pump track, jump line, and various trails for every level. And the nearby Pollok Country Park allows cyclists to explore miles of extensive woodland and gardens.
If you are an accommodation provider in Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Glasgow, take our self-assessment tool to find out your current level of service and how you can improve your offer. You will receive a score out of 100 and then have the option to have your business advertised for free in the Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Glasgow Ride Guide on the DMBinS website.
The MTB Community in Loch Lomond & Trossachs and Glasgow
Whether opting for self-catering accommodation near Loch Lomond or a city hotel in nearby Glasgow, MTB tourists are sure to enjoy a warm welcome and a restful stay in the western lowlands.
All over Glasgow, riders can find independent and national bike shops that can help them with bike hire, equipment or repairs. And bike shops can also be found near Loch Lomond, Aberfoyle and Balquhidder.
In Partick, mountain bikers will find one of the best-known cycle cafés, Siempre Bicycle Café which sells bikes, tools and clothing, and offers guests tasty treats. However, there are also plenty of pit stops all around Loch Lomond and in surrounding areas.
The Future of MTB in Loch Lomond & Trossachs and Glasgow
With stunning natural scenery and epic trails, the Loch Lomond & Trossachs area plays host to some of the most exciting mountain biking events in the UK.
Dukes Weekender Event
With the ever-increasing popularity of gravel cycling, Bike Trossachs has big plans for the region to make it Scotland’s leading gravel cycling destination.
A key component of their strategy is to continue growing the annual Dukes Weekender Event. Comprising three competitions - Dukes Gravel Hillclimb, Gravel Enduro and Kids Enduro - the festival welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy a thrilling weekend of mountain biking in a carnival atmosphere.
UCI Cycling World Championships 2023
In August 2023, elite and amateur riders from around the globe will be welcomed to the area. They'll compete for over 190 rainbow jerseys in 13 UCI World Championships at iconic venues in Glasgow and across Scotland.
Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Glasgow Media Files
We have lots of information about mountain biking in Scotland, but sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look through our library of stunning imagery and action-packed videos to see what Scottish MTB is all about.
Self Assessment Tool
Our handy questionnaire allows you to quickly evaluate how you currently cater to MTB tourists, while identifying any gaps and the opportunities that may help enhance your offering.
