New gravel cycling routes have been launched in and around Alyth, opening some of Perthshire’s finest landscapes to visiting cyclists and local riders. Funded by the SSE Drumderg Community Fund and the Thomson Charitable Trust, the 310km network is one of Scotland’s most comprehensive gravel cycling networks to date.
The Alyth Gravel Network features 13 carefully designed and interconnected routes for gravel and mountain bikes, linking Alyth with quiet lanes, forest tracks, riverside trails, open moorland and historic sites across the Cateran Ecomuseum. Developed by Bikepacking Scotland founder and guidebook author Markus Stitz, the network is designed to make it easier for riders to explore the area responsibly, stay longer and support local businesses.
The routes build on Alyth’s growing reputation as a cycling destination. The town 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. Some of the routes are also accessible by public transport, with Ember bus services between Dundee and Aberdeen stopping at Blairgowrie, Bridge of Cally and Glenshee.
Markus Stitz, who developed the network, said: “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. The Alyth Gravel Network gives visitors the confidence to explore, while encouraging them to spend time in the town and the surrounding communities.”
The project also highlights the heritage of the Cateran Ecomuseum, where riders can discover places connected to old drove roads, military roads, stone circles, standing stones and other landmarks that have shaped the area over centuries.
Designed with a mix of abilities in mind, the network includes shorter rides suitable for relaxed half-day adventures, as well as longer and more challenging routes for experienced gravel cyclists. All routes, including detailed descriptions, images and downloadable GPX files, are available on the Cateran Ecomuseum website.
Sarah Marshall, Senior Community Investment Manager from SSE, said: “The Alyth Gravel Network is exactly the kind of community-focused project that SSE’s Drumderg Community Fund is pleased to support. It encourages people to explore the area in a sustainable way, while bringing visitors into Alyth to stay locally, hire bikes, visit cafés and shops, and discover the wider Cateran Ecomuseum. That creates a positive impact for local businesses and the wider community.”
The Alyth Gravel Network routes are now available at cateranecomuseum.co.uk/explore or on Komoot.
Additional Photos
About Markus Stitz
Markus Stitz is a route designer, filmmaker, photographer and writer based in Edinburgh. Originally from Germany, he has explored Scotland extensively since moving there in 2009. Before cycling 34,000 kilometres unsupported around the world on a single-speed mountain bike, he mapped his first long-distance route, the Capital Trail, and on his return founded Bikepacking Scotland, through which he designs bikepacking and gravel routes across the country.