Here’s a short little motorcycle ride-out route for you. Perfect for when you’ve just got a couple of hours to kill or an evening ride once the nights get shorter.
We start off from the Wallace Monument in Stirling, a lovely place for a walk and a great view out over Stirling and Bridge of Allan all the way out Ben Lomond and Ben Vorlich near Lochearnhead. There’s a decent cafe here, so you can get your espresso shots in before you set off!
The route then takes in a single-track route over the Hillfoots behind the Logie Kirk church and through the hamlet of Sheriefmuir. There are a couple of switchbacks to contend with, but once on top, there are even more great views to be had. The road pops out onto the A9 dual carriageway by Blackford, where you may need some patience to turn right.
Don’t worry, there’s only a couple of miles on the A9 before the route turns off by Gleneagles and cuts South again to Yetts of Muckhart on the A823 . A great route, with lots of fast-sweeping bends cutting through the valley to Glendevon. We then zig-zag back on ourselves North to Dunning on the B934. A narrower and twisty forest road, with some gravelly patches, so easy does it. Look out for birds of prey up here, I’ve seen an impressive mating pair a couple of times. As you descend into Dunning, you’ll be greeted with some beautiful views of the North and plenty of hairy Highland cattle in the fields.
Out of Dunning, the route takes a small track that zig-zags back South. It’s popular with walkers and cyclists and the surface is rough, so take it steady. Nonetheless, there are more great views and enjoyable riding back down into Kinross, where I’d recommend a pitstop at the Unorthodox Roasters coffee shop. The place is a bit dinky, but they do a smashing brew, decent food and yummy cakes. Note, 5 pm closing time.
From Kinross, you can continue South across the Forth Bridge to South Queensferry for a stop at the infamous Biker’s Cove for a blether with other bikers. Note: 4 pm closing time.
Total distance 61 miles (approx 2 hours riding).
