“Gravel cycling is one of the best ways to experience this part of Scotland. From Alyth, you can ride straight into a huge variety of landscapes: wooded glens, open moors, rivers, farmland and quiet back roads. All without needing to drive anywhere.” While you might not have heard of Alyth before, route creator and all-round-nice-guy Markus Stitz hopes that he can change this with the launch of the Alyth Gravel Network.
A 310 km (192 miles) network of routes aimed at gravel riders and mountain bikers has just been launched in Perthshire, Scotland. The Alyth Gravel Network is described as one of Scotland’s most comprehensive gravel cycling networks to date and promises to open up “some of Perthshire’s finest landscapes to visiting cyclists and local riders.” There are 13 routes in total, which “link Alyth with quiet lanes, forest tracks, riverside trails, open moorland and historic sites across the Cateran Ecomuseum.” Route creator, Markus Stitz, said: “The Alyth Gravel Network gives visitors the confidence to explore, while encouraging them to spend time in the town and the surrounding communities.”
The Alyth Gravel Network includes routes for all levels of ability and aspiration. Markus said that the network “includes shorter rides suitable for relaxed half-day adventures, as well as longer and more challenging routes for experienced gravel cyclists.” Markus has been working hard to build on Alyth’s “growing reputation as a cycling destination.” He told us that Alyth “is already home to the Cateran Dirt Dash, a two-day bikepacking event that brings riders from across the UK to Perthshire each spring, and benefits from bike-friendly accommodation, bike hire and local food and drink businesses.”
The route network was funded by the SSE Drumderg Community Fund and the Thomson Charitable Trust. The overarching aim of the new network is to “make it easier for riders to explore the area responsibly, stay longer and support local businesses.”
For anyone interested in visiting the area this summer, the Alyth Gravel Network routes are now available at cateranecomuseum.co.uk/explore or on Komoot.