Cycling in Scotland
FAVOURITE CYCLING ROUTES IN SCOTLAND
There are several short and long routes on roadside paths and scenic mountain paths available in Scotland for cycle lovers. Here are few well known cycles paths.
Millport is the only town on the island of Great Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde off the coast of North Ayrshire. The town is 4 miles south from the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry slipway.
Enjoy stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains, or the steam trains running along the Strathspey Railway – great photo opportunities for the kids!
Distance: 5 miles (8 km) • Start: Aviemore • Finish: Boat of Garten • Grade: Easy
Beautiful circular loop has plenty to keep the kids entertained and follows tracks north through Strathyre Forest.
Distance: 13 miles (21 km) • Start: Strathyre • Finish: Circular • Grade: Easy
Cycle through quiet woodland with lovely views of the surrounding mountains.
Distance: Burn O’Vat 5.5 miles (9 km) or Dinnet 7 miles (11 km) • Start: Ballater • Finish: Burn O’Vat or Dinnet • Grade: Easy
There are lots of picnic stop options and the kids will love the preserved Loch Oich railway tunnel and Invergloy Station platforms. The scenic viewpoint and café at Laggan Locks marks the end of your journey.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5 km) • Start: Fort Augustus • Finish: Laggan Locks • Grade: Easy
From Paisley Canal station this path follows the railway line and continues all the way to Lochwinnoch and beyond.
Distance: 10 miles (16 km) • Start: Paisley Canal • Finish: Lochwinnoch • Grade: Easy
Route from Helix Park in Falkirk, and goes past two of Scotland’s most spectacular landmarks – the Kelpies by Andy Scott and The Falkirk Wheel.
Distance: 16 miles (25.5 km) • Start: The Helix • Finish: Circular • Grade: Easy
This terrific, long-distance route spans the length of Outer Hebrides island chain. You will pass by paradise beaches, the Calanais Standing Stones and the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
• Departure point: Vatersay • Finish: Butt of Lewis • Terrain type: road • Distance: 185 miles/297 km • Approximate time to cycle: 6 days (the route can also be done in shorter sections)
Edinburgh offers continuous, traffic-free cycle paths, many following old railway lines. Use the Innertube map to follow paths such as the one from the New Town in the city centre to the Shore in Leith where you can enjoy a delicious bite before visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Departure point: Scotland Street • Finish: Sandport Place • Terrain type: Off-road cycle path • Distance: 1.8 miles/2.9 km • Approximate time to cycle: 10 minutes • Find out more about the Edinburgh city centre to the Shore route
From Shetland's town of Lerwick to the ancient capital of Scalloway. enjoy the stunning island scenery as you cut through a ridge of hills and across wild moorland before being rewarded with a panoramic view of Scalloway and the glittering sea.
Departure point: Lerwick • Finish: Scalloway • Terrain type: road • Distance: 5.9 miles/9.5 km • Approximate time to cycle: 40 minutes
Fancy a cycle through woods then the paths at Devilla Forest pass through atmospheric expanses of woodland which are the perfect habitat for these elusive little animals.
Departure/end point: Devilla Forest car park • Terrain type: off-road forest paths
Flat, circular route around the banks of Loch Leven. Enjoy the views out to Lochleven Castle, which is situated on its own island in the middle of the loch.
Departure/end point: various points on the banks of Loch Leven • Terrain type: off-road path • Distance: 12.12 miles/19.5 km • Approximate time to cycle: 1 hr 20 minutes
Another path with a beautiful views of this wildlife haven. Look out for summer highlights such as osprey and kingfishers, or waders and ducks in the winter months.
Departure/end point: Montrose caravan site, near the beach • Terrain type: road • Distance: 10.65 miles/17.14 km • Approximate time to cycle: 1 hour
With a spurb views but challenging loop in the north west of Scotland travels through some of the country's wildest and most idyllic landscapes including views of Sula Bheinn, Cùl Mòr and Stac Pollaidh, as well as tranquil beaches and glittering lochs.
Departure/end point: Achiltibuie • Terrain type: road • Distance: 70.06 miles/112.55 km • Approximate time to cycle: 7 hours
Challenge yourself to the 23 mile loop around the island or use pedal power to visit attractions such as Mount Stuart House and Ettrick Bay.
Terrain type: road • Distance: 23 miles (shorter sections available)
Set on a former railway line, this cycle route passes through the sweeping north east countryside away from the hustle and bustle of road traffic. At Maud you can travel on to either Fraserburgh or Peterhead, both boasting beautiful beaches.
Departure point: Dyce train station • Finish: Fraserburgh or Peterhead • Terrain type: off-road cycle path • Distance: 40 miles/64.37 km • Approximate time to cycle: 4 - 6 hours one way (the route can also be done in shorter sections)
This beautiful linear route along the coast from Irvine to Ayr takes in some of Ayrshire's most picturesque scenery.
Departure point: Irvine • Finish: Ayr • Terrain type: mostly off-road with some on-road sections • Distance: 19 miles/30.58 km • Approximate time to cycle: 2 hours
Scenic route of Scottish Borders' four famous abbeys - Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh
Departure/end point: Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose or St Boswells • Terrain type: road • Distance: 55 miles/88.51 km • Approximate time to cycle: 5 - 6 hours
