Angus Biking Route – Cateran Gran Fondo

Leaving the pretty Cateran Ecomuseum town of Alyth on Bamff Road, the route passes the Den ‘O’ Alyth and Bamff Wildlands before climbing steadily to the evocative Park Neuk stone circle, which is only a very short walk from the road (please note, the field is gated and cattle are present some times of the year).

The descent into Netherton is followed by a short but sharp climb to Bridge of Cally. The river is followed upstream on the A924, passing Ballintuim, Blackcraig Castle (private) and the impressive Balnabroich standing stone.

At the junction of the A924/B950, a highly ornate Celtic monument remembers pillar of the local community, James Small, on the side of the road. The quieter B950 leads over a ridge and into the next valley, joining the A93 for a short section at Dalrulzion, before a small road follows the Blackwater from Drumfork to Blacklunans and on to Cray. It is possible to cut the route short here and save about 7km by taking the hilly road from Blacklunans to Brewlands.

The route passes the church at Cray and climbs a bit further before a long descent into Glenisla follows. Passing Forter Castle, the route takes the quieter road on the eastern side of the river through Folda, before crossing the Isla again at Brewlands. From here a big climb follows, but the views north from the top are breathtaking. This quiet road continues over a few cattle grids before descending to Kilry and on to Bridge of Craigisla.

The route continues around the wildlife reserve Loch of Lintrathen and climbs towards Balintore Castle, which can be seen from a good distance. After the castle the route continues for a while on the upper reaches of the valley, before descending steeply towards Auldallan and a beautiful valley alongside the Quharity Burn. After another climb Kirkton of Kingoldrum is reached, from where the route descends into the Vale of Strathmore.

The route travels westbound on mostly flat roads through extensive farmland, with Meigle and Ardler providing great opportunities to stop. Shortly after crossing the River Isla, a final climb leads back to the start in Alyth.

OS Map