Markus Stitz has written another cycling guidebook: Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs: 15 gravel bike adventures in and around Scotland’s first national park and Argyll.
Markus told me: “I am really excited about this book because Argyll was the first place I arrived in Scotland when I returned from my round-the-world cycling trip – and ten years later I have written a book that includes a route on Islay.”
The details: Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The new book from VP Adventure Books, which published on January 15 and is available to order, showcases 15 of the best gravel bike rides across the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and west into Argyll as chosen and detailed by Markus.
From 15 to 177km in length and covering a variety of terrain, there is something for every gravel cyclist.
The book includes the acclaimed Gravelfoyle trails around Aberfoyle; sections of the West Highland Way and John Muir Way; two of Scotland’s Great Trails; coastal adventures on the Isle of Mull; a coast-to-coast challenge, cycling west from the Firth of Forth across the Central Belt; an a sunset gravel ride on the Island of Islay.
Markus, who is the founder of Bikepacking Scotland, has researched, ridden and written the routes, which feature Ordnance Survey maps; directions; details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings; action photography; refreshment stops and local knowledge. Plus there is a detailed appendix and a link to downloadable GPX files.
The book is priced at £15.95 from VP Adventure Books, Bikepacking Scotland and Amazon.
Bonus extra
All customers who order a copy of Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs from VP Adventure Books and Bikepacking Scotland before the publication date of January 15, 2026, will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of nine prizes from the following: One of three pairs of Schwalbe tyres of your choice; an Exposure Lights Diablo MK15 worth £240; one of three goodie bags from Lezyne with a top tube bag, small saddle bag and spoke tools; and one of two DexShell waterproof beanies. Winner will be chosen at random on January 16, 2026, and notified by email.
My thoughts: Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The small book is pocket-sized and handy. It’s easy to pick up and flick through and also packable if you want to take it with you on a bike ride.
There is a diversity of routes, both in length and geography, and I like that there are details about the mix of terrain. This is includes a percentage of gravel or trails. A profile graph gives a quick overview of the hills.
While I have ridden a few of the routes, or some sections of several other routes, there are plenty more to try. I particularly like the idea of the Eagle Gravel route on Mull, extending to almost 80km, and the Oyster Loop, also 80km, via Port Appin.
The book will make a great buy – or gift – for mountain or gravel riders and especially if you are keen to ride the now acclaimed routes of Gravelfoyle at Aberfoyle. You could follow the suggested 21km Aqueduct Loop on one day and then choose other nearby routes on other days. It would be easy to fill a week or two of cycling in this beautiful central Scotland area.
As well as OS maps and routes within the guidebook, you can download GPX files that can be used on various apps, such as a Garmin bike device, sports watch or OS Map app.
You can also be sure the routes have been well researched and ridden because Markus is a keen cyclist and route designer with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.
He has written other books, including: Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire, Bikepacking Scotland and Great British Gravel Rides.