Where to Ride a Gravel Bike in Scotland

How to get started

As you’re likely to be heading along quieter routes, gravel biking is more suited to experienced and self-dependent bikers.

But if you’re just starting out or don’t feel confident going it alone though, don’t worry! Companies such as Trailbrakes, Wilderness Scotland, Galloway Cycling Holidays, Bikepacking Scotland, Backcountry.Scot and Trossachs Biking & Bushcraft, who will happily take you on guided trips. Guides usually offer riding tips and stories from the area as you go along too.

Make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and read Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland’s ‘Do The Ride Thing’ guide before heading out.

What to expect

You’ll be travelling through wilder scenery, so you need a decent level of fitness and good bike handling skills.

You might not go as fast or as far on a gravel trail, but you’ll absorb a lot more. If you’re a ‘gravity junkie’, the route might be less rocky than you’re used to, but you’ll still have lots of fun!

What to take with you

• Take waterproofs and a warm layer.
• Gloves are a must, whether it’s cold or not as they help with grip and protect hands if you take a tumble.
• Take plenty of food and drink, and plan food stops at local eateries along your route.
• Take a GPS, multi-tool, spare inner tyre tubes, pump, puncture repair kit, lights and a fully charged phone.

Highland Perthshire Gravel - Griffin Forest Two Lochs Loop

Route length: 8 miles/13 km

Start/finish: Griffin Forest car park, near Aberfeldy

Highland Perthshire is within easy reach of Scotland’s central belt and is great for gravel biking.

This route is a great option for beginners and families. It heads through pine forest and takes in lochs Kennard and Scoly – ideal spots for a picnic.

Extend the route by adding the nearby Calliachar Forest Trail, for amazing views over Loch Hoil to Farragon Hill and Schiehallion.

Eating out: There’s a great selection of eateries in Aberfeldy to the north of Griffin Forest and in Dunkeld, further south.

Follow the Griffin Forest Two Lochs Loop

The Isle of Rum, Argyll & The Isles

Route lengths:

• Kinloch – Kilmory Bay – 10 miles/16 km
• Kinloch – Harris – 16 miles/26 km

Start/finish: Kinloch

Take the CalMac ferry from Mallaig to Rum, the biggest of the Small Isles and perfect for an adventure escape. There are only Land Rover tracks on the island and exploring by gravel bike is a great way to get around.

Kilmory Bay, in the north, is accessed by a good track from the island’s main settlement, Kinloch. The lovely beach here offers amazing views over to the Cuillin mountains on Skye and is a wonderful place to unwind.

Or cycle the longer ride from Kinloch, with the Rum Cuillin towering above, which leads to Harris in the south-west, and the fascinating Bullough Mausoleum.

There is a small selection of places to stay in Kinloch. Please book accommodation and meals before you travel.

See along the way: Near Kilmory Bay there’s the remains of a small settlement and an old burial ground. Look out for red deer, Rum ponies, feral goats, and if you’re lucky, golden, and white-tailed sea eagles.

See what it's like to cycle and stay on Rum

Clatteringshaws to Glentrool Loop, Dumfries & Galloway

Route length: 39 miles/63 km

Start/finish: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre

Named by Red Bull as one of the Top 10 Gravel Routes in the UK, this route takes riders into the deepest parts of Galloway Forest Park – the UK’s biggest forest park and the UK’s first International Dark Skies Park.

Eating out: Cafés at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre and at Glentrool Visitor Centre. You’ll also find House O’ Hill Hotel near Glentrool village.

See along the way: You’ll come across Bruce’s Stone on the north shore of Loch Trool. This massive boulder commemorates Robert the Bruce’s first victory in 1307 during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Follow the Clatteringshaws to Glentrool Loop