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Fast Track to Glen Almond

Fast track to Glen Almond

Time: 3h30 Distance: 55km Terrain: Level cycle tracks and minor roads Map: OS Landranger 58 and 52 Access Direct trains from Dundee, Stirling, Glasgow, Queen Street and Edinburgh to Perth

Get a clean getaway from Perth on cycle tracks before taking to quiet roads for a journey up Glen Almond.
The River Tay – Scotland's great river – is a captivating sight in any conditions, but after heavy rainfall its churning, muddied waters make an awesome spectacle. This accounts, too, for its popularity further upriver among whitewater paddlers and rafters. The Tay has by far the biggest catchment of any Scottish river, draining much of the Southern Highlands on its passage from the northern slopes of Ben Lui, near Tyndrum, to the Firth of Tay east of Perth. Perth has found itself waterlogged on a number of occasions. In 1209 a flood seriously damaged much of the castle, in 1621 a new bridge was entirely destroyed and, more recently in 1993, large parts of the town were inundated. Flood defences have since been built.

From Perth train station turn left and then, at a crossroads, turn right onto County Place and continue east to reach the mighty Tay. Follow the river upstream along the west bank. Rather than continuing past Perth Bridge (the more northerly of two), take a side path, opposite the Royal George Hotel, which goes under the bridge where it meets the northbound NCN Route 77. Signs lead you into North Inch Park and beyond, where this peaceful path continues alongside the river to the confluence with the River Almond. Follow Route 77 as it swings westwards along the Almond, passing under the railway and A9 bridges (this section liable to flooding) before leaving the river by minor roads and cycle tracks to cross the Almond and climb to Pitcairngreen. In the village, go up the left side of a crescent, turn left at the end and then first right. When you reach the B8063 after about 2km, turn left to leave Route 77 and head into Glen Almond, where an easy 9km stretch with some gentle climbing takes you into wild country. Follow the road as it crosses back over the river and drops down into Buchanty, then turn left by a minor road, signposted for Methven. The next undulating section is rewarded by a long downhill stretch. On reaching a T-junction, turn right and continue by minor roads to a crossroads. Turn left here to weave a winding course back over the river and into Pitcairngreen. The route now takes you past a country pub and steeply downhill. At the sharp bend, turn left onto College Mill Road where the NCN Route 77 signs begin again. Where the track leaves the river at an ambiguous marker, follow a rough path between houses, rejoining the Almond's banks further on to enjoy a stress-free return to Perth. Once you emerge from under Perth Bridge, follow the cycle lane downstream and turn right at the signs for the Ring Road (avoiding low bridge) onto Canal Street and a cycle lane. At the end of Canal Street, cross King Street and follow the narrow Hospital Street round for the last stretch to the station – where there's a great café.