Route Planning

Although the riding in Cambusbarron mainly consists of fast flowing interlinked trails it's North 3rd that definitely has more bite to it in this classic local route. Swooping singletrack snakes close to the cliff top edge before entering the woods again for a cocktail of short steep descents, drops, roots and the infamous 13 steps.

Another of Stirling's classic routes that is easily accessible from the city centre. This short loop has a bit of everything but be prepared for some climbing before you get to the good stuff. Flowly woodland singletrack with rooty rocky sections make this loop. Watch for a couple of short sharp drops and don't miss out the Mine Woods 'playground'. There's plenty more fun trails to explore in here but this quick loop will get you started.

A variation on a theme this one. The loop starts off from Aithrey Loch, the same as the previous route, but this time it takes you up past the entrance to Mine Woods. Instead of the descent down to Bridge of Allan you keep riding up and round Cocksburn Resevoir until you reach the gate for accessing the local hill, Dumyat. Contouring round lower Dumyat you first come to a viewpoint providing amazing views over the Forth Valley before launching your bike down the rapid and fairly technical Witches Craig descent. Be aware of the cliff top drops as you come to the end of the first descent through the trees. Next up is the dark and rooty Rhododendron tunnel which will shoot you out and down to an access gate crossing the powerline construction road. Once across you're pointing down again through fast and steep singletrack until you reach the 'Hole in the Wall'. From here you can loop back up to the University Woods on the road and then enjoy a final blast back down to Airthrey Loch.

Starting out once again from Airthrey Loch in the grounds of Stirling Uni make your way up through the Uni Woods cutting right through the doorway in the wall and onto Logie Burn Road before turining right onto the Sheriffmuir Road for a short road blast up to the gates leading onto Dumyat itself. Once through the gates the climbing starts in earnest. Follow the left hand path with the obvious incline. There's normally a number of walkers and bikes either ascending or descending via this section. The right hand route contours round and leads to the Witches Craig decent (see Route 3) so you want to avoid that one at the moment. From here it's climbing almost all the way with only a couple of level sections to let you catch your breath. The terrain and route becomes more technical the higher up you get. Rocky outcrops and deep ruts appear regularily to catch you out along with some boggy patches and wooden plank crossings. On the way up t's worth taking time to stop and pick your lines for the rapid descent back down. Once at the top take your time to savour the amzaing views out over the Forth Vallay and The Trossachs before pointing the bike back down the way you came. As your rapidly descend the hill watch for the lower route cutting left which will take you to the start of the Witches Craig decent for some added extra downhill fun. Once at the 'Hole in the Wall" it's a brief road ride back up to the 'Doorway in the Wall' and the final descent of the day back down to Airthrey Loch. Weather conditions can vary quite dramatically on Dumyat depending on the time of year so prepare your kit accordingly.

Departing from outside the Allan Water Cafe head along the main street towards the bridge then hand a left at the little roundabout onto Blairforkie Drive. As you start ascending the road don't miss the walking path sign and steps on the left hand side that drop you onto the riverside path heading up towards Kippenrait Glen. Be aware of walkers on the path as this is a very popular walking route. Follow this route until you come to a T junction with the left-hand route over the bridge (there are two foot-bridges and this is the second one) and the right hand route climbing up a stone peppered path. Follow the right hand path up and then down the otherside onto the NCN765. Follow this, mainly tarmac'd route along the right hand side of the Glen (stopping to admire the Glen at the old bridge). Climb out the other side on the road until you come to a T-junction with Sheriffmuir to the right and Dunblane straight on. Immediately on your left will be a landrover track passing by a large house. Follow this track until you reach what looks to be a turning area for large vehicles. On the left hand-side you will find the woodland track that routes back to Kippenrait Glen and follows back down what was the left hand side of the Glen as you rode up the right hand side on the NCN. This is a fast sweepy section of singletrack but be aware that there is a steep drop on your left hand side as you descend. The descent ends back at the woodland track T-junction as you ride over the bridge where you originally turned right. If you want to extend this route then head back up the climb onto NCN765 and follow it all the way to Dunblane this time. At the big roundabout turn left and before you get to the main bridge turn left onto the walking path that skirts the lower edge of the golf course. Follow this for another short and rocky technical downhill section that returns you back to the T-junction bridge. From here you can head back the same way you originally came with the option of turning right over the first foot-bridge to explore the trails up to and around Knock Hill before descending back down the path and back into Bridge of Allan.