The cycle

Fannyside Lochs tour

Location: Haggs, Falkirk Map: OS Landranger 64, 65

Distance: 18 miles (29km) Time: 2 hours

Terrain: hilly, undulating; mainly quiet roads For a central Scotland tour this route is hard to beat. After some initial hills there are long straights on almost deserted roads. Given the exposed location it is best done on a day with light winds.

In Haggs follow Cumbernauld Road to park by the Forth & Clyde Canal. Pedal on to join a new cycle link with the B816 and turn right. Take the first left, signed Walton. Soon you will be straining uphill on this country road but the views – right across central Scotland – are some recompense.

Further on, join a road for Cumbernauld before taking the first left for Arns. At a T-junction go right and cycle on to pass Fannyside Mill. It was in use until the early 1960s. Part of an RSPB reserve, this is a winter roosting area for the Bean goose, a rare winter visitor from Norway and northern Asia.

At the next junction turn left on to a moorland road, which leads to the busier B803. Turn left, then take each subsequent right for a pleasant loop by Longriggend.

Back on the moorland road keep straight to pass between the wildlooking Fannyside Lochs.

Once you reach the crest you can relax in the knowledge the return is nearly all downhill. Keep straight to return to the edge of Cumbernauld. Then turn right to follow the outward route back.