Skinny Tyres » Ladies Only Day 2

Ladies Only – Day 2

Sunday
Ben Lawers
47 miles

Route Summary

Aberfeldy – Fortingall – Fearnan – Kiltyrie – Ben Lawers – Glen Lyon – Duneaves – Keltneyburn – Aberfeldy

7am to 9am - Breakfast
9am – 10am – Yoga for Cyclists class
11am – Ride start
1.30pm – Lunch at PO Cafe, Bridge of Balgie
2.30pm – Back on bikes
4pm - Ride end

Climbs

Loch Tay – 5th Cat climb, 1 mile long at mile 12
Ben Lawers – 2nd Cat climb, 4 miles long at mile 18Note: For any climb to be rated with a category it must be at least 500 metres in length with an average grade of 3% or more.

More about the route

The ride today takes in the biggest climb in Highland Perthshire with an ascent of Ben Lawers.

Starting at Aberfeldy, the ride joins part of the Etape Caledonia route in reverse as we ride through to Fortingall and down towards Loch Tay. We wind along the shores of Loch Tay, before we turn sharply north and start climbing. The initial slopes in the forest are the steepest, but as we break out of the trees the gradient steadies out and the views are magnificent. The road levels out slightly as we pass the National Trust visitor centre, but then kicks up again for the last section climbing up the side of Ben Lawers to a height of 549m/ 1801feet. We will descend quickly into Glen Lyon and stop for lunch at the Bridge of Balgie Post Office Cafe. After lunch there follows one of our favourite rides in Scotland. Cycling down Glen Lyon is amazing. It is slightly down hill for 6 miles or so and we usually have a tailwind, added to that is the fact that Glen Lyon is probably one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland. Mountains tower up on each side as the road winds its way down, eventually passing through a tight gorge at Macgregor’s Leap.

The last part of the ride will see us join the route of the Etape Caledonia again as we head back to the hotel

During your ride, we will have two local and experienced guides who will be there to offer advice and encouragement. We will also have a support vehicle following you, carrying extra food, maintenance equipment, first aid etc. You will also be able to put extra or a change of clothing in the vehicle. During the ride we will also provide you with extra drinks, food and water as you require it.