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The Best Cycling Routes in Scotland

The Best Cycling Routes in Scotland

If you’re not in the mood for driving (Scotland Best Drives) around Scotland, why not bike around the country? There are lots of cycling routes offering stunning views and passing through several local attractions.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a trail that you can try that’s worth every twist and turn. We lined up the best cycling routes in Scotland for you here!

1. Formation and Buchan Way

Formation and Buchan Way
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Length: 64.37 kilometres

Start and End Point: Dyce train station to Fraserburgh

Formation and Buchan Way is a classic cycling route in Scotland that’s easy to navigate since it’s based on an old railway line, starting from Dyce train station and ending in Fraserburgh.

It’s an excellent trail for intermediate bikers who want to see countryside views and avoid the busy and congested main roads. Just note that some paths are muddy and rough, especially when you’re cycling from Ellon to Auchnagatt.

Pro tip:

When you reach Maud, you have two options: visit the village and explore its wonderful cafes, museums or shops, or directly branch off to Fraserburgh without stopping.

2. Hebridean Way Cycling Route

Hebridean Way Cycling Route
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Length: 297 kilometres

Start and End Point: Vatersay to Butt of Lewis

If you’re up for a challenge, try the Hebridean Way Cycling Route from Vatersay to Butt of Lewis. This 297-kilometre-long trail takes a few days to finish – and it includes riding a ferry.

But it’s an exciting adventure since you’ll be island hopping on the Outer Hebrides. There are great places to visit like Luskentyre Sands, Calanais Standing Stones, Traigh Mhor Beach and more.

Pro tip:

Allot at least six days for this trip since you’ll want to visit several tourist attractions along the way. 

3. Assynt Achiltibuie Circular

Assynt Achiltibuie Circular
Screenshot from ridewithgps.com

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Length: 112.55 kilometres

Start and End Point: Achiltibuie

The Assynt Achiltibuie Circuit is a loop around the Highlands that offers stunning coastal views. This 112.55-kilometre trail is not for the fainthearted because you’ll face lots of challenges along the way, particularly the narrow paths.

You’ll also have to go through a series of steep climbs and difficult descents, making this more suitable for intermediate to advanced cyclists. Nonetheless, you’re in for a visual delight as you explore the area from Loch Ness to the Moray Speyside coast.

Pro tip:

Although it’s fine to speed through the tracks as you wish, be careful not to bump into any sheep roaming around the area.

4. Lennoxtown Loop

Lennoxtown Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Length: 60.8 kilometres

Start and End Point: Maryhill train station

The Lennoxtown loop starts and ends at Maryhill train station, taking around three hours to complete. It’s an intermediate trail since there are some paths that are uneven and difficult to ride.

One of the best highlights of this trail is the view of the Campsies, a range of hills in the heart of Scotland. 

Pro tip:

Stop by Lou’s Bake Shop aka the Honesty Hut for a quick break.

5. Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way

Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Length: 30.58 kilometres

Start and End Point: Irvine to Ayr

The Ayrshire Coastal Cycle Way is fit for any cyclist since it’s a straightforward, linear route from Irvine to Ayr. You’ll witness beautiful coastal views and lush woodland along this trail.

These are usually off-road tracks but are easy to traverse. At only 30.58 kilometres long, this trail will take around two hours to complete.

Pro tip:

If you’re up for an adventure, stop by the two Scottish wildlife reserves, Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood.

6. Edinburgh City Centre to the Shore

Edinburgh City Centre to the Shore
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.9 kilometres

Start and End Point: Scotland Street to Sandport Place

Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, has lots of beginner-friendly cycle routes that are free of traffic and easy to navigate. One of them goes from Scotland Street to Sandport Place with a total distance of 2.9 kilometres.

While you’re on this trail, you can visit our favourite city attractions like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Best Gardens in Scotland), the Edinburgh Dungeon and Royal Mile.

Pro tip:

Aside from sightseeing, you can also go food hopping along this route. 

7. Lerwick to Scalloway

Lerwick to Scalloway
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Length: 9.5 kilometres

Start and End Point: Lerwick to Scalloway

Shetland is one of the islands in Scotland with the most dramatic natural landscapes. You can explore it by cycling from the principal town of Lerwick to the ancient capital of Scalloway.

The trail is a delightful treat for the eyes with a view of the hills, wild moorland and glistening sea. Since this is less than 10 kilometres, it’s suitable for beginner cyclists and only takes around 40 minutes to complete. 

Pro tip:

Both the start and end of the route have museums, namely the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick and Scalloway Museum. Visit both if you want to learn more about the island.

8. Coast and Castles North Route

Coast and Castles North Route
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Length: 277 kilometres

Start and End Point: Edinburgh to Aberdeen

The Coast and Castles route starts in the historic capital city of Edinburgh before you cross the Firth of Forth into Fife, then ends at the lively fishing hub of Aberdeen.

This 277-kilometre trail is no easy feat since it’ll take around eleven hours to complete. But the stunning views and iconic landmarks are great rewards for taking on the challenge.

Pro tip:

When you reach Aberdeen, don’t forget to make a stop at Dunnottar Castle. It’s an iconic fortress found on top of the cliffs.

9. Montrose Basin Loop

Montrose Basin Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Length: 17.14 kilometres

Start and End Point: Montrose caravan site, near the beach

Home to over 100,000 migratory birds, the Montrose Basin is an ideal destination for those who want to see these species in their natural habitat. Cycling around this tidal estuary is a great experience, taking only an hour to complete.

Apart from birdwatching, visiting different local attractions like the House of Dun and Caledonian Railway are the highlights of this 17.14-kilometre route. Regardless of your fitness level, this is an easy trail with lots of paved surfaces.

Pro tip:

When you reach the Caledonian Railway, lock up your bike and take the train to Brechin. It’s a nostalgic ride that feels like going back in time as you’ll be boarding a heritage steam and diesel train.

10. Dumfries to Caerlaverock Castle Loop

Dumfries to Caerlaverock Castle Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Length: 28.97 kilometres

Start and End Point: Dumfries train station

The Dumfries to Caerlaverock Castle loop is a 28.97-kilometre cycling route around our national bard’s hometown Dumfries. Apart from a visit to the unique triangular-shaped castle, you’ll also get a glorious view of Criffel Hill.

It’s fit for anyone to try and takes only around an hour to complete.

Pro tip:

Drop by The Frothy Bike Company, which is a bike shop and cafe rolled into one. 

11. Whitelee Wind Turbines Loop

Whitelee Wind Turbines Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Length: 55.52 kilometres

Start and End Point: Glasgow Central train station

The Whitelee Wind Turbines Loop starts and ends at Glasgow Central train station, taking almost three hours to complete. This 55.52-kilometre route is fit for intermediate cyclists because of the distance, despite the well-paved surfaces.

The highlights of this route include the tranquil White Loch, scenic Clunch Road, and of course, the breathtaking Whitelee wind turbines.

Pro tip:

Check out the interactive exhibitions and their small cafe when you go to the Whitelee Windfarm.

12. Beauly Firth Loop

Beauly Firth Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Length: 43.13 kilometres

Start and End Point: Muir of Ord train station

The Beauly Firth loop is an easy trail that starts and ends at Muir of Ord train station.

There are two must-visit sites on this route: the Inverness Castle aka the Spirit of the Highlands, which offers a stunning view above the River Ness; and Beauly Priory, which has a diverse range of burial monuments tracing back to the 1400s.

Pro tip:

If you want to know more about the Beauly Priory, there are lots of information boards around the site. Outlander fans will also love exploring the area since some scenes were shot here.

13. Loch Katrine and Loch Ard Loop

Loch Katrine and Loch Ard Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Length: 72 kilometres

Start and End Point: Meadows Car Park

For a little loch hopping on your bikes, try the Loch Katrine and Loch Ard loop, which starts and ends at Meadows Car Park in Callander. This 72-kilometre-long route is perfect for intermediate cyclists since it takes around three hours to complete.

Don’t forget to make a few stops at key destinations along the way, including the Trossachs Pier in Loch Katrine, the Pier Cafe and Loch Ard.

Pro tips:

If you’re planning to go around Loch Ard, make sure to take a picture of the map in the car park because there is no good reception in the area. 

Also, it’s best to save your cycling route offline so you won’t have to worry about losing your phone signal on the tour.

14. Great Glen Way

Great Glen Way
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Length: 105 kilometres

Start and End Point: Fort William to Inverness

If you want to traverse the entire length of Scotland’s longest glen, the Great Glen Way is the best way to go. It starts at the Old Fort of Fort William and ends at Inverness Castle.

The trail takes you through different scenic spots including the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness (Best Lochs To Kayak in Scotland). Oh, also, this route is best for mountain bikes because you’ll have to pass through some steep slopes and rough forest tracks along the way.

Pro tip:

There are certain roads in Gairlochy, Kilfinnan, Drumnadrochit and Abriachan where you’ll have to walk since it’s not fit for bikes, especially for very steep sections.

15. Ullapool to Ardgay

Ullapool to Ardgay
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Length: 77.73 kilometres

Start and End Point: Ulapool to Ardgay

The Ulapool to Ardgay route starts at the spectacular alder-lined river and ends in the small Scottish village of Ardgay. 

If you want to pump up the excitement, you can turn this into a loop where you go back to Ullapool after resting a night in Ardgay. The must-visit attractions on this trail are the Rhidorroch Estate, Loch Achall, Loch an Daimh and more.

Pro tip:

Summer is the best time to try this cycling route because of the stunning colours on the lands near the Ullapool River. Plus, you’ll get a chance to see different bird species like golden eagles and ospreys flying around the area.

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