Moto Ride Routes - The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

This week's ride route offers a gleeful taster of the Trossachs - featuring a loop starting at West Coast Moto which snakes up the coastline of Loch Lomond, taking in some classic beauty spots along the way.

Despite crossing the Erskine bridge, this route is 125cc friendly - just be sure to take the correct exit on the way back into Glasgow, before the A898 joins the M8.

This ride is intended for riders of all levels, and has a little bit of something for everyone - from local history to enthralling twists and turns.

Read on to discover our route, or click here to see the route for yourself.

Our route departs from West Coast Harley-Davidson in Hillington, heading across the roundabout under the M8 onto Glasgow Road towards Renfrew. 

On reaching High Street, cut onto Glebe Street and cross the A741 onto Inchinnan Road. Cross over both bridges and follow Greenock Road until you reach Red Smiddy Roundabout. Take the third exit towards Erskine, where the the road turns into the A726 - leading you over the Erskine Bridge.

As you cross the River Clyde, take a moment to savour the change in landscape. Have a quick look to your left for a sneak preview of the scenery yet to come. If you're on a 125cc, be aware of other vehicles who are still carrying speed from the M8 - especially if you're heading over during the tail end of rush hour.

Once you've reached the other side, take the first slip road, heading West, to join the A82. This is the road that will carry you along Lomond shores all the way to Tarbet.

The real adventure begins once you reach Stoneymollen Roundabout at Balloch, where the road begins to run parallel with Loch Lomond.

Before you venture onwards, we recommend stopping at Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway where you can visit the Maid of the Loch - the very last paddle steamship to be built in Britain. The Maid of the Loch is also the UK's last remaining example of "Up an Doon" vessel - a ship that has been built twice!

Heading back out through Balloch towards the Stoneymollen Roundabout, take a right to continue along the A82 towards Carrick Golf Course and Luss.

Half the way up the loch sits the former slate quarry conservation village of Luss – this village is well worth a stop off. The neat rows of cottages come alive in spring and summer with elaborate flower displays on all sides as visitors make their way to the loch shore. 

No visit to Luss is complete without taking in the view from the end of the pier with Ben Lomond standing proudly over Loch Lomond, and a cheeky ice cream (weather permitting).

Once you've had a look around, hop back on your bike and rejoin the A82 heading North. Take it easy along the shore road, and enjoy the beautiful sights as you pass Inverbeg heading towards Tarbet. 

At Tarbet, be sure to keep left at the Tarbet Hotel, and follow the signs for Arrochar at the very head of Loch Long. 

At Tarbet be sure to keep left at the Tarbet Hotel, and follow the signs for Arrochar at the very head of Loch Long. 

Entering Arrochar, follow the signs for the A814 Helensburgh and along the banks of Loch Long.  Be careful on the A814, and don’t get carried away on the big dipper like undulations. This road is single carriageway in parts and has a few wee sneaky bends and twists to catch you out – you have been warned!

 Through Glen Mallin and Glen Finnart our route takes us to the popular visitor town of Helensburgh. If culture’s your thing, you can visit the nearby Hill House, which is a restored mansion with bespoke interiors designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Here you’ll also find some formal gardens for a nice stroll. 

It’s time to head back out on to the A82, and return to the dealership and Junction 26 café - to swap stories and share photos of the days adventures whilst enjoying a nice hot drink and a snack. 

This route is 75 miles of fun and Scotland at its best. This loop should take you approximately 3 hours depending on your stops along the way.

We hope you enjoy this Ride Route! If you're finding these guides helpful in your motorcycling journey, let us know in the comments!

Click here to access our Google Maps directions.