Gran Fondo Road Race

Gran Fondo Perth and Kinross 

Breathtaking routes showcasing some of Perth and Kinross’s most stunning views provided an unforgettable experience for the thousands of cyclists competing in the UCI World Championships Gran Fondo event on August 4th 2023.

The routes for both races were designed to offer the most enjoyable experience possible for cyclists and visitors, showcasing our beautiful area as a fist choice global destination for road, mountain and gravel cycling.

Keen cyclists can now follow this breathtaking route starting in Perth city centre and finishing at Scone Palace. 

Before you leave, be sure to check out our cycling blog for details of bike hire, bike shops, and cycling hubs in the area and out explore outdoor map.

Be Inspired Perthshire Cycling Blog >

Explore Outdoor Map >

The Gran Fondo Route

Starting from Tay Street in Perth City Centre, the Gran Fondo is 160km long, racks up more than 1,600m of climbing through the Perthshire countryside and will be tackled by men aged 19 to 59 and women aged 19 to 49 who have qualified through one of the world series events. 

All in all, the Gran Fondo features three climbs in the middle section of the course each 5-7km long. These will likely decide who takes the honours after a journey taking in historic and cultural points of interest. 

The 160km gran fondo route starts as before in Perth on Tay Street, rolls up River Tay before turning left onto Charlotte Street, past Perth Art Gallery and then to Methven, Glenalmond and out to the shores of Loch Tummel.

The route then travels south from Garry Bridge, turns left on Larchwood Road, then a quick 120 degree right turn onto Strathview Terrace and onto the A924 to start a long climb. 

The gran fondo route then continues to Kirkmichael before heading back south on A93 to Perth (via Bridge of Cally, Blairgowrie, and Guildtown). Eventually a sharp right turn onto Queen’s Drive will take racers 1km to Scone Palace.

Detailed Ride With GPS Gran Fondo route and download file HERE

Cycle The River Tay Way

The River Tay Way is a great ride through some of the finest countryside that Perthshire has to offer.

Following the path of the mighty River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, this 65 mile/105 km route passes through the highland Perthshire communities of Kenmore, Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Birnam, and the cities of Perth and Dundee. It connects thousands of years of Scottish history including
the Scottish Crannog Centre at Kenmore and its replica Iron Age crannog.

Route information compiled in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust.

A GPX file can be uploaded and used directly in SatNav and GPS units: Download the GPX Map File.

More about The River Tay Way

Road, Mountains and Gravel Trails Through Perthshire

Two major road cycle routes cut through the wonderful scenery of Perthshire.

• The Salmon Run – also known as the National Cycling Network’s route 77 - follows the fish up the Tay for 54 miles, mostly on quiet roads. 
• Route 7 meanwhile – as part of its mammoth journey from Sunderland to Inverness – take you off-road north through the hills from Aberfoyle before settling onto a railtrail to Loch Tay.

Salmon Run >    

Route 7 >

Discover Mountain Bike trails on All Trails website >

Discover gravel biking and bikepacking adventures in Perthshire >

Cycle The Cateran Ecomuseum

Whether you are looking for something demanding or easy-going, cycling through the Cateran Ecomuseum's beautiful landscapes and hidden histories offers new ways of seeing both the past and the present. They';ve designed a series of cycle rides in different locations, which you can find out about on their website including the Cateran Gran Fondo Road Bike Adventure. 

Although a few kilometres short of the official Gran Fondo distance of 120km, this challenging loop takes riders deep into the Ecomuseum and offers views and quiet roads nothing short of magnificent, with lovely coffee stops and a sprint finish through the Vale of Strathmore. 

You can also book for a fantastic, guided tour on 12th August. This road bike tour takes in the three historic market towns of Alyth, Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie. Book here.

Cateran Trail on Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust >

Loch Leven Heritage Trail

Starting at Findatie car park, this 12 mile trail is mostly off road and traffic free. Perfect for Mountain bikes, Hybrids, and Road Bikes The Loch Leven Heritage Trail in Scotland is suitable for all ages and abilities.

It is a fairly level cycle path round the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve passing several beauty spots around the lochside also through woods and marshy land. Refreshments and food are available along the route in several locations.

You can park in the Findatie car park which is signposted on the B9097 road. Lots  of spaces available. The Trail starts through the gap in the wall; turn right and cycle down to the path beside the Leven Cut.You can park and enter the trail at Kinross Pier, Kirkgate Park, Burleigh Sands, Loch Leven’s Larder, Findatie Car Park, RSPB Loch Leven and Cashmere at Lochleven. Also by bicycle at Mary’s Gate and Grahamstone Farm. The bus service is available on certain days connecting the Loch to the Park and Ride at Kinross.

Get Out Onto The Loch Leven Heritage Trail >

Be Inspired by Perth City & Towns

If you are planning to visit Perth to cylce the Gran Fondo route then why not make a short break of it?