Innerleithen to Calander / Pitlochry

[schneewehe]

What would be the most scenic option for a route between Innerleithen and Callander? The day after I'd like to cycle to Pitlochry via Glenlyon Post Office & Tearoom and the north side of Loch Tummel ( woud be 72 miles only)

Accomodation in Innerleithen and Pitlochry is still booked, but inbetween I'm still looking for an overnight stop.
From Innerleithen I think about to cross the Pentland Hills, but there is some gravel or dirt section inbetween. So I'm not sure if it's doable with a road bike. Actually I'm entering the Carron Valley Reservoir via Banknok. After that going to Fintry and Lake of Menteith to Callander. Is there any overnight option / recommandation between Banknok and Callander?
The whole way from Inverness to callander would be 112 miles, a long day in the saddle. As the next day from Calander to Pitlochry is much shorter, I'd like to stop somewhere before Callander or maybe take another route ans skip Callander. Does anyone give me some tips for this area? Thanks in advance

[Norman H]

I’m a bit confused about your route. Where exactly are you intending to cross the Pentland hills? Are you using the old drover’s route?

One alternative from Innerleithen would be to follow NCR1 north into the Moorfoot Hills to Edinburgh. From Edinburgh head west, I would favour the Forth and Clyde Canal, but there are alternatives. It’s not especially scenic but there’s much to see and it has some interesting history. The Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies horse head sculptures are worth a visit, and the Antonine Wall, or what’s left of it, is nearby. You can rejoin your route at Banknock.

Heading north from Banknock into the Carron Valley avoids the worst of the Campsie fells and Kilsyth Hills, but if you’re up for a bit more climbing there are a couple of alternatives. Continue along the canal to Kilsyth where you can either go north over the Kilsyth Hills to Carron Bridge or continue westwards, on the A803/A891, towards Milton of Campsie and Lennoxtown and take the Crowe Road over the Campsie Fells. Both routes involve more climbing but offer good scenery. From Fintry I prefer the route via Lake of Menteith but the route via Kippen and Thornhill is also good.

Your route from Callander to Pitlochry looks fine. Follow NCR 7 up Strathyre and Glen Ogle and along the southern shore of Loch Tay. Route 7 uses the old railbed between Callander and Killin, but the surface is good. You could continue following Route 7 along the Tay Valley all the way to Pitlochry but your route via Loch Tummel looks equally good.

What sort of accommodation are you looking for? there’s a hostel in Callander.

[schneewehe]

I attached a picture of the planed route. Its the bold one in the middle, The other blue lines I've cycled at older LEJOGS. I just tried, to find some new interesting roads.
One time we went directly via Edinburgh for visiting the old town and castle for a free half day, but as we already know it I'd like to avoid this busy town.

The Tak Man Do Road 3 years ago was quite nice, but would lengthen the route even more. And the part from Biggar to Kilsyth was a little bit boring. That's why I thought the Pentlands could be an more exciting option.

For taking the Crowe Road I need a good approach to the foot of the climb. The Duke Pass afterwards could also be an option If I skip Callander,

For overnight staying I have no preferences, just need something to sleep, get diner and breakfast. As we're cycling as a couple a private double is all we need. In Callander it shouldn't be a problem to find something to stay, but as I wrote some stop before would make the day much easier.

[irc]

For taking the Crowe Road I need a good approach to the foot of the climb. The Duke Pass afterwards could also be an option If I skip Callander,

For overnight staying I have no preferences, just need something to sleep, get diner and breakfast. As we're cycling as a couple a private double is all we need. In Callander it shouldn't be a problem to find something to stay, but as I wrote some stop before would make the day much easier.

I would second the suggestion of using the Union Canal towpath to the Falkirk Wheel then the Forth and Clyde towpath. If you wish to go over Crow Road from Lennoxtown continue on the towpath as far as Kirkintilloch.
There is a Wetherspoon in the main St at the canal or other shops there.

From Kirkintilloch there is a cycle path (Strathkelvin Railway Path)which starts behind the MacDonalds which has an excellent tarmac surface and takes you all the way to Lennoxtown flat and traffic free.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oJVKuALaqUYL6Sgu9

AS for accomodation - I czan't suggest anywhere I have used as this area is too close to home but perhaps look at Fintry or Kippen. Both villages have good local pubs/Inns which would work and are perhaps closer to the halfway mark between Innerleither and Pitlochry.

[Norman H]

Your route over the Pentland Hills looks to be using the old drover’s road up past Glencorse Reservoir. I’m not familiar with the route but I’m not too sure how feasible it would be on a road bike.

A possible alternative that avoids Edinburgh is to head west to Biggar. The obvious route is the A72/A721 but there’s a quieter route a little to the south that follows the Tweed Valley. From Biggar use minor roads to head north. There are various options, you could intersect the canal towpath at Falkirk, Banknock or even Kilsyth.

By the way I can recommend the courtyard café in Fintry its on the left as you leave Fintry on the B822 Kippen Road. I see they also have accommodation https://knockraich.com/