Family Cycling Routes Along the Strath Tay

Why the Strath Tay is perfect for young pedalers

The Strath Tay is the broad, fertile valley that cradles the River Tay as it flows through Highland Perthshire. For families, it offers something rare: genuinely gentle cycling. The valley floor is mostly flat, and a network of riverside paths, old railway lines and single-track lanes means you can clock up a few miles without tackling a single daunting hill. Dunkeld and Birnam sit at its heart, acting as a natural base. You will find safe starts, scenic stops and manageable distances that suit even the most wobbly rider. Add in cathedral ruins, ancient oaks and ospreys, and you have a day out that feels like an adventure without the exhaustion.

The Dunkeld Riverside Loop: a flat, traffic-free start

Start in Dunkeld. Park near the cathedral or the bridge — there are pay-and-display car parks, but arrive early in summer. The riverside loop is the ideal first ride. From the bridge, follow the tarmac path downstream, keeping the Tay on your left. The surface is smooth, the gradient is almost non-existent, and there is no traffic. After about half a mile, you reach a wide grassy area with benches and a view of the cathedral across the water. This is a perfect picnic spot. Continue for another mile if legs are willing, passing under mature trees where herons and dippers are often seen. The path fades into a quiet track, so turn back whenever attention spans wane. Total distance: two to three miles. For balance-bike toddlers or a child on a tagalong, this is as stress-free as it gets.

Birnam, the The Bridge Dunkeld Potter Garden and the ancient oak

Cross the Dunkeld Bridge on the pavement — walk your bikes, as the traffic can be busy — and you arrive in Birnam. Here, a short family loop combines literature and legend. Follow the minor roads and shared paths towards the The Bridge Dunkeld Potter Garden, a free, whimsical spot where the author holidayed as a child. The garden has small sculptures and winding paths that spark young imaginations. From there, pedal gently to the Birnam Oak, a massive, gnarled survivor of the ancient wood that Shakespeare made famous in Macbeth. The route is roughly four miles round trip, with a few gentle rises that are easily managed with gears. The roads are quiet, but keep children close on the short section that meets the main road. Stop for a breather at the oak, and tell the story of the soldiers who camouflaged themselves with branches.

Loch of the Lowes and the quiet back lanes

For families with older children or confident cyclists on e-bikes, the ride to Loch of the Lowes is a rewarding step up. Leave Dunkeld on the minor road that climbs past the golf course. Yes, there is a hill, but it is short and shaded, and the reward is a flat, traffic-free lane that runs along the loch's edge. The distance is about three miles each way. In spring and summer, the reserve's hides offer a chance to spot ospreys fishing, while red squirrels dart across the path. The surface is a mix of tarmac and compacted gravel, so wide tyres are comfortable. Pack binoculars and a flask. If the climb feels too much, turn around at the top of the hill and enjoy the freewheel back into Dunkeld instead. There is no shame in an out-and-back ride.

Practical tips for a happy family ride

• Check bikes the night before: tyres, brakes, and that saddles are the right height. A child who can put both feet flat on the ground feels far more confident.
• Start early. The riverside paths are quietest before 10am, and you will avoid the midday heat and the busiest car parks.
• Layer up and pack waterproofs. Perthshire weather can turn in minutes, even in July. Midge repellent is essential near the loch from June to August.
• Bring snacks and water. A hungry cyclist is an unhappy cyclist. A small treat at the halfway point works wonders.
• Teach trail etiquette: ring a bell or call out "passing on your right" well in advance, slow down for walkers and dogs, and always leave gates as you find them.
• Keep distances short. Five to eight miles is plenty for most primary-age children. Turn back before they are tired, not after.