The best cycling routes around Den of Airlie

Very nice on a bright sunny date.

A pleasant town with the expected shops etc. A good location for a planned break.

You can gain access through the locked gate - ask a local person about the key.

Steep climb out from Rattray. Of course, no problem with a powerful ebike.

The Alyth Arches are three imposing stone arches from a 16th-century extension to the old parish church in Alyth, Scotland, which was abandoned in 1839. The site is believed to have housed the first Christian church in Alyth, founded in the 6th century by St. Moluag. Remnants of a 13th-century stone church are still visible, alongside a medieval graveyard with notable memorials, including the Ramsay family burial chapel. One Ramsay family member died in a historic duel with James Macrae. The site is currently not open to the public.

Alyth, a historic town near the Perthshire–Angus border, has origins possibly dating back to the Picts and was first recorded in a 1200 charter by King William the Lion. It grew through agriculture and linen production in the 1700s, with further expansion after the railway's arrival in 1861, bringing textile mills and increased commerce. Today, Alyth thrives with a mix of local shops, a vibrant arts scene, and a growing tourism sector celebrating its rich natural and cultural heritage.

The Den o’ Alyth is a scenic woodland where the Alyth Burn has carved dramatic cliffs of Old Red Sandstone - a rock formed 400 million years ago that was later shaped by glacial forces and erosion. The landscape, marked by steep slopes and boulder-strewn beds, reflects a powerful geological past. The dynamic stream supports a diverse ecosystem. Wildlife such as dippers, grey herons, tree creepers, woodpeckers, great tits, grey wagtails, and red squirrels thrive in this ever-changing environment, while roe deer sometimes appear along the water's edge. In winter, a rare phenomenon called hair ice can form on decaying wood when specific fungal activity triggers thin strands of ice to emerge. Historically, the Den was part of the ancient Forest of Alyth, a royal hunting reserve dating back to the 12th century, even frequented by King Robert I. Today, careful woodland management continues to balance native and non-native species, ensuring the preservation of this natural and cultural heritage.

Alyth, located northeast of Perth and northwest of Dundee, has a rich history that dates back to at least the 6th century. Its name likely comes from a Pictish word meaning "rock" or "cliff," possibly referencing the steep slopes near the town. The earliest record of Alyth is from a 1200 charter by King William the Lion. In 1488, it was granted Burgh of Barony status by King James III, allowing it to hold markets and fairs, which spurred its growth. In the 1700s, the economy flourished with agricultural improvements, cattle droving, and linen production. The arrival of the railway in 1861 brought further expansion, with steam-powered mills, new hotels, and growth in retail. Today, while industry has declined, Alyth remains a vibrant town with a growing tourism economy, a community of artists, and many local businesses.