bike and hike scotland

2008-08-05T13:18:00.001-07:00

At Long last some time to do an Update

2008-07-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well, yes it has been a very busy period. The number of people walking on RRW way and other routes seems to have increased although there have been a few days were no one was out about using our services. June into early July saw 4 parties on National Cycling route 7. These are a heavy commitment as they demand a large amount of time to support particularly on the more northern sections. The weather has been great the last few days with temps on the hot side of comfortable.

This week saw a group of young people going a trip to Glentress from the Callander and Aberfoyle area through the Callander Youth Project. 2 girls 11 lads Rachel CYP leader and yours truly. We split up into 2 groups most of the lads from Aberfoyle are into freestyle biking in a big way and they spent most of their time in the freestyle park area and finished up on the Red route. We the other 5 spent some time climbing the big hill up to the Buzzards Nest CP and on the Green route the skills development section and then down the hill to the Hub cafe for a spot of lunch. This time we took the easy option of the mini bus to get up the BNCP where we joined the blue route and completed a circular route and returned to the BNCP and then on to Hub to meet up with others and return home. A great days was had by all.

June saw the rekindling of the Glasgow Councils On Yer Bike Programme, I have lead 2 beginners groups at Bellahoustan Park on Mondays and Wednesday evenings.

There has also been a childrens improvers group organised in the Kings Park area of the city. This group is known as the Glenmarnock Juniors. Young people from local primary schools have been brought together to improve their cycling skills. The group meets on Wednesdays evening and Saturday mornings. Just 2 weeks left to go untill the programme is complete.

Callander and the Trossachs for cyclists and mountain bikers

2008-04-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

Callander has long been known as a gateway to and from the Highlands. Callander crags are part of the geological fault known as the Highland Boundary.

The passes through the hills north of the town have been used over the centuries by Travelers, Drovers and Caterans. These passes continue to this day to allow access into wilder country further north and south.

National Route 7, a Sustrans route which passes through Callander provides cyclist and mountain bikers access to well established trails around Callander and the Trossachs.

The route is known as Lochs and Glens North coming from Glasgow on its' way to Inverness were it joins the North Sea route.

Callander today is a main access town into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotlands' first National Park. It is much more than a 'gateway' today. Its' is described as the being the Heart Of The Park. The country around Callander offers great opportunities for all outdoor activities and country pursuits.

People who come to area are often surprised by number of routes that can fallowed providing easier family experiences, safe for children to more challenging 'off road' and single track experiences. The trails around the lochs,glens and woodlands in the area offer great scenic opportunities that should not be missed. The glens and woods also offer some very challenging routes through the hill passes of the area. Scotways are traditional 'rights of way' in Scotland and where used in the past as main routes across country for locals and travelers alike. Callander is situated at the convergence of a number of these routes. Today they are mainly used by recreational users such as cyclists and walkers.

Information on the routes around Callander is not to difficult to find. Most of the maps available have some indication of them included. The forestry Commision provide a number of detailed guides, Callander is included in their map and guide to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Other route information is available through numerous independent publications' and maps available at the Rob Roy Visitor centre and other outlets in the town.

So folks come and experience the Heart of Scotland and the Trossachs by visiting the Heart of the Park at Callander

Rob Roy Way, cycling and cycling safety in Glasgow

2008-03-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

The baggage transfer service has had some early walkers, the Livingston Family, a party of 6 people started on 24 April and completed RRW route on Saturday 29th. This party booked our services through Macs Adventures. Presently we have 2 couples, known as the Hamilton party walking the RRW route at present, with their planned completion on Friday 4 April. This group booked through Walking Support.

We also have a couple walking a shorter 3 day route through the Trossachs booked through Contour Walking Holidays.

This Wednesday the cycling safety sessions run in some Glasgow Primary Schools begin again at St Mungo's PS with others planned for later in the month.

May See's the reinstatement of the Culture and Leisure service of Glasgow City 'On Yer Bike' sessions. They have a booklet with all the details available, For more information Tel:
0141 287 3611/3836

2008 Season about to begin

2008-03-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

The scene above is of Tigh Mor on the north shore of Loch Achray in the Trossachs. The view is from the north end of the Dukes Pass a scenic drive through the Trossachs area between Callander in the north and Aberfoyle in the south.

The walking route through the Heart of the Trossachs described in earlier pages of this site passes through this area offering many more fine views.

The winter is passing and spring is on it's way with longer days and hopefully some finer weather.

The booking for the various services we offer are increasing with cycling sessions being planned Locally in the Trossachs area and in and around Glasgow's many parks and cycle ways. Some confirmed bookings for the Lochs and Glens North route on National Route 7 Balloch to Inverness. With an ever increasing number of baggage transfer bookings on our main route The Rob Roy Way @ http://www.robroyway.fsnet.co.uk/ .

Bike and hike look forward to continued involvement with all of the walking and cycling holiday companies and booking agencies through 2008.
We provide these services through, in no particular order,
Contour Walking Holidays @ http://www.contours.co.uk/ ,
CnDo Walking Holidays @ http://www.cndoscotland.com/ ,
Easyways Walking Holiday Booking Agency @ http://www.easyways.com/ ,
Escape 2 Scotland Walking Holiday Booking Agency @ http://www.escape2scotland.co.uk/ ,
Macs Adventure Walking and Mountain Biking Adventures @ http://www.macsadventure.com/ ,
Maketracks Walking Holidays @ http://www.maketracks.net/ ,
Hooked on Walking and Cycling @ http://www.hookedoncycling.co.uk/ and http://www.hookedonwalking.co.uk/ ,
Skedaddle Cycling and Mountain Bike Adventures @ http://www.skedaddle.co.uk/ ,
Walking Support Booking Agency @ http://www.walkingsupport.fsbusiness.co.uk/ ,
Wildcat Adventures Cycling and Mountain Biking Holidays @ http://www.wildcat-bike-tours.co.uk/ .
This is not an exhaustive list of all the organisations and agencies we provide our services through.

We are also happy to provide these services to groups and individuals who are planning their own routes by foot or on wheels into or through the National Park area and beyond.

We also offer passenger transfer services from Airports Train and Bus stations into the National Park area.

We offer a bike delivery service to people visiting the area for a longer period. We will also arrange the hire of a bike , deliver it to you at your holiday accommodation and return to the hirer at the end of your stay.

Want to visit the more secluded and secret places in the Trossachs on foot or by bike or a combination of both. We can plan a route and provide a guide to help you get to know the Trossachs.

Would you like to develop your trail or mountain bike riding skills, we provide experienced instruction.

We also offer emergency mechanical and rescue services to touring cyclists in and around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park area.

Want to get your group to the begining of your walk or cycle trip any where in Scotland contact us to discuss your requirements.

So folks if you are visiting our beautiful country to walk,cycle , mountain bike or need help to get into our spectacular part of Scotland we have a service to help you make the most of your holiday adventure.

Not a lot happening?

2008-02-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when there is not a lot going on.

Well not the case for yours truly. I have been visiting Primary Schools in the North of Glasgow through the Active Schools programme intoducing the older groups of chilren 8 to 12 years to cycling safety. Here in Scotland we have an updated scheme that replaces what us older cyclist new as the Cycling Proficiency scheme. The first stage in the Scottish Cycle Training scheme introduces the children to checking the bikes before they get on. With emphises on enjoyment and fun.

A practice we would all benifit from.

The young people seem to have enjoyed this input and lets hope it has an impact on their future cycling enjoyment.

I have also included a view of Ben Ledi from Callander with a covering of snow as we are in a winter wonderland at moment. Not great cycling weather but great to get out walking in.

The 1st of Feruary was the 20th anniversary of the death Harry Lawrie a local police sergent and leader of Killin Mountain Rescue Team. He died on Ben More Crainlarich in a helicopter accident whilst on a rescue. There is a cross on the summit of Ben Ledi in memory of him.

The bookings for our various services to walkers and cyclist are beginning to come in it looks like we are going to have another busy season.

The Trossachs Heartlands Route

2007-12-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to Every One

A big Thank You to all of you who used our services in 2007.

Welcome to all, our services are tailor made for you, no matter what you choose to do in and around the Loch Lomond and Trossachs area and beyond

It is around this time of year we start to look at our walking holiday options for 2008.

We at bike and hike would like to invite you to our beautiful part of Scotland in 2008. We have put together four itineraries for walking through the Trossachs Heartland's and would like to invite you to consider them for your walking holiday 2008.

The route takes you through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. Visiting the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and then on through Scotland's first National Park ' Loch Lomond and the Trossachs'.

On the way you can choose to climb some of the hills in the eastern park. Ben Lomond, Ben Venue, Ben Ann and Ben Ledi.

The route provides a framework from which the walker can plan their own route through the Trossachs on into Breadalbane and Killin or into West Perthshire and Comrie and by Glen Lednock on to Loch Tay.

Although the Route uses established ways through the hills and glens. Not all of these routes are way - marked and you will require good route finding skills to follow them.

The route takes from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Drymen and Loch Lomond on it's eastern shore to Rowerdennan by the West Highland Way. Then east through Loch Ard forest to Kinlochard and Aberfoyle. Then by Ben Venue to Trossachs pier at Loch Katrine. At which point there are 4 options. 1. Continuing through the Trossachs to Brig O Turk, Glen Finlas, Glen Buckie to Balqhidder passing Rob Roy's grave to the Kirkton Glen and on to Glen Dochart and Killin. 2. Through the Queen ELizebeth Forest park along the southern shores of Loch's Achray and Vennacher to Callander. Joining the Rob Roy way and National Route 7 to Strathyre, Kingshouse and Balquidder and then as option one by way of Kirkton Glen. 3. As for option 2 and at Callander taking the Crags Walk and the Bracklynn Road on through Glen Artney to the bridge at Ross and on into Comrie. 4. From Comrie by Glen Lednock to Loch Tay west to Killin or east to Kenmore and Aberfeldy.

Getting to Milngavie. There are regular train and bus services from Glasgow Milngavie and the southern end of the West Highland way. On your return journey home there are bus services from your choosen destination point to Pitlochry, Perth and Stirling all of which have train services.

Accommodation. There are many accommodation options on the way. From Self catering bunk houses, hostels to standard bed and breakfast and more expensive hotels.

You choose your route option/s, we provide route details, route plans, maps and the baggage transfer service. Contact us, colin@bikeandhike.co.uk or by phone 0044 (0)1877339788.

Happy New Year

2007-12-26T12:22:00.001-08:00

More 2007 pictures

2007-11-29T15:25:00.000-08:00

A selection of picts from this year

2007-10-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Returned from touring

2007-09-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

It has been over six weeks since I last posted anything. I was away on four tours with 'Wildcat Adventures' The tours consisted on a Scottish Coast to Coast mountain bike tour, one week then a North to South, one weeks road touring and one weeks mountain biking then an other Coast to Coast and a 2 weeks road touring in the Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Borders.
Bike and hikes relationship with Wildcat has developed from providing the occasional service to helping them deliver their Scottish/UK based tours. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with Wildcat and hope to be involved in other tours in the future.
If you would like information on what Wildcat have to offer please contact them at www.wildcat-adventures.co.uk

Rob Roy Way completion

2007-07-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

A mother and daughter party completed the RRW in three and half days today. Their first full day was Tuesday and I met them in Pitlochry today at 11 30 am. They were in very good cheer not a complaint was uttered. Well done to them both.

Rob Roy Way walkers update

2007-07-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

This week saw 4 parties and one individual a total of 9 people completed the Way this week. They all had very mixed weather to contend with but not one withdrew. There was also 5 others who completed shorter routes through the Trossachs. Well done to all of them.

Rob Roy Way

2007-06-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

The Keite and Christesen party of 5 from Denmark completed a 3 day experience on the RRW walking from Kilmahog to Kingshouse and on to Killin. They then traveled to Edinburgh with bike and hike for a overnight stay. There holiday was arranged through CnDo a walking holiday company based in Stirling.
Congratulations to Frances Richards and companion who completed the RRW today. The last 2 days the weather has been a lot better and they completed the walk over 5 days. This party arranged their holiday independently.

National Route 7

2007-06-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mr and Mrs Keys from Yorkshire completed the Balloch to Inverness sections of the NR7 yesterday24 June. They also found the weather a bit of a challenge but enjoyed their cycling, they said the liked the section over the Drumochter Pass the best. They booked their holiday through an agency, Saddle Skedaddle, who provide world wide cycling holidays. Many thanks to them for using bike and hike services.

Slovenia - Rob Roy Way

2007-06-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

5 Slovenians completed the RRW way today. Congratulations. They included 2 couples and a young lady the child of one of the couples. They found the route very pleasant unlike the weather. One of the couples had visited Scotland in the past and new our weather was unpredictable, so they all came prepared for the worst. They booked their holiday through an Agent, Hooked on walking. bike and hike provides baggage services for this agency on 2 other walking routes in this area in addition to the RRW. Many thanks for using bike and hike services.

Rob Roy Way

2007-06-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Another 4 walkers completed the RRW today. The Van der Meer party of 2 and the Benoy party of 2. Congratulations to all of you. These 2 parties, members are from the European mainland, they are very welcome to Scotland. They appear to have enjoyed their walking experience along the RRW.

Our best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to John Henderson who has recently under gone a hip replacement operation. John is the person who originally developed the RRW and runs the route's official web site.

Rob Roy Way update National Route 7

2007-06-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

This last week has seen a total of 10 walkers complete the RRW. All of these parties booked bike and hike services through agencies, Macs Adventures, Contours, Walking support. Many thanks to these agencies for using our services. Two ladies remarked that they found the lack of way markers a disadvantage but they also enjoyed the route despite this. The last 2 to complete the route today were a father and daughter the Burton's. All of these walkers deserve a special well done given the wet and windy weather they had to put up with. The positive side is that it kept the Midge a bay.

2 National Park and a Sustrans ranger and a mixed group of 12 adults and children were transported to GlenOgle Head today. To return to Callander after completing the approximately 20 miles with a lot of input about the history and the natural history on the way. This is second year that this route has been included in the National Parks programme, it also marks the beginning of bike week. Colin.

Glen Ogle

2007-06-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

A group of 5 people, 2 of whom were from sunny California, were transported with their bikes, 2 of which were hired locally, up to Glen Oglehead on Thursday. They set of in good weather for leisurely cycle returning to Callander. This a popular bike ride as it fallows the National Cycle Route all the way on a well made track. It is also easy to drop of the trail into Lochearnhead (shop), Balquhidder Station, Kingshouse, Rob Roys Grave, Strathyre (shop) and the Lade Inn for refreshments or just a visit on the way.
There are good number of similar or more challenging alternatives in this area contact us for more information.
bike and hike - Trossachs Transfers - 01877 339788 or bikehiketross@aol.com

More congratulation

2007-06-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Oliver party, 8 people, who completed their walk along the RRW today. This grouped booked their walking holiday through Macs Adventures of Glasgow. bike and hike are pleased to work with Macs in providing the baggage transfers along the RRW and other routes offered as by them. Well done to you all.

Rob Roy Way completeed

2007-06-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the two ladies of the Gannon Party who completed the way today in brilliant sunshine. Despite some testing weather and navigation they are making their way back to Wick tonight.

Booking ahead

2007-06-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

The party of RRW walkers identified below in living up to the spirit of the bike and hike name have agreed to me sharing some of their experiences regarding bookings.
From day one there appeared to be a problem with the group expecting to just arrive at the Cobleland camp site without a confirmed booking. It worked out OK with yours truly making the booking for them as I delivered their bags. One of the party had contacted the SYHA re bookings in Killin and Pitlochry however no bookings in their names where held be either hostel. This was OK at the Killin hostel and through myself again a provisional booking was made for them at the hostel. No such luck with the Pitlochry hostel with the group having to book into the Sunnybank B/B as a result.
Booking ahead is a must this group were lucky it all worked out. Some of the small communities along they way can run out of accommodation very quickly during the high season. It also helpful to let the accommodation providers no that your baggage is being delivered by bike and hike. Some times this can be very helpful to the them especially if they need to go out during the day. They can make arrangements with myself regarding the delivery of your baggage. The Scottish Youth Hostels also have a problem with access when the managers are of duty during the day normally from about 1100 am to about 1600 pm. So book ahead to avoid disappointment.

living up to the spirit of our name

2007-06-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Three young women and one young man have lived up to the spirit of the bike and hike name and have both biked and hiked the Rob Roy Way this week. They have also camped and stayed in self catering hostel and bunkhouse accommodation along the way.
After meeting yours truly in Drymen at the bus stop in the Square on Saturday they hiked to Cobleland camp site near Aberfoyle and stayed over a very wet night there. They then hiked again on Sunday over the Menteith hills to the Trossachs Tryst, warm and dry, near Callander. They had intended to camp at Keltie Bridge camp site but their wet experience the night before put a dampener on that plan.
One young woman and the young man biked to Killin. The other two set of by public transport as one of them was not feeling to great. The all stayed at the Youth hostel in Killin on Monday night.
Tuesday saw all of them biking along the South Loch Tay section to Culdees bunkhouse, Fearnan, North Loch Tay. Tonight they are camping again after a days hiking to Aberfeldy. Tomorrow Thursday sees them completing the way by hiking to Pitlochry and staying in SYHA hostel there. Well done to all 4 of them for completing the way and living up to the bike and hike name.

A busy month

2007-05-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

May has been a very busy month with baggage. All the Rob Roy way walkers appear to be getting it done before the midge!

We have carried in excess of 80 bags this month a great improvement on past years.

The RRW seems to be getting more known and more popular.

Not all of the bags have been going up the RRW a number of the agencies we work with have other routes in and around the area. These are also becoming more popular. June is also looking like it is also going to busy month for baggage transfers. The picture above is a winter scene but shows of the area fairly dramatically don't you think.

Cateran Trail

2007-05-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

The party of women who were undertaking this walk completed it on Monday. Unfortunately one of them hurt her ankle and had to pull out with just 6 miles to go.
The comments on the trail were all very positive and they were all very pleased to have had the experience of walking through Rural Perthshire and Angus.
The trail is a tadpole shape Starting in Blairgowrie on to Bridge of Balgy, Kirkmicheal, the Spittal of Glenshee, Glenisla, Alyth and return to Blairgowrie.
These girls have now walked a number of the longer distance trails in Scotland and are looking for a different sort of challenge and requested a bike and hike route to be planned for them next year. Well done girls.