10 Cycle routes for beginners

Feel the true spirit of the Highlands as you follow this lovely route, part of the Caledonia Way, and soak in stunning views up Loch Ness and along the Great Glen. Traversing the Caledonian Canal towpath and the old Invergarry to Fort Augustus railway line, this route eventually reaches Laggan Locks, where imposing mountains tower above Loch Lochy. 

Rest your legs at the café kiosk at Laggan Locks and enjoy the water rushing by and sounds of birdsong before heading back to Fort Augustus.  

• Where: Near Fort William 
• Distance: 22 miles / 35 km there and back 
• Start/Finish: Fort Augustus 
• Grade: Moderate 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Canal towpath and some unsealed gravel sections. Parking available in Fort Augustus. 

Visit the Caledonian Canal

If you’re just starting out, this beautiful route is ideal for a maiden cycling adventure. Cycle along gently as the wind rustles in the trees along The Lochs & Glens Way, through Strathyre Forest and the rugged landscape of Rob Roy Country. 

You can stop at Mhor 84 for refreshments or continue to Lochearnhead. Along the way you'll also encounter part of the BLiSS Art Trail, featuring sculptures inspired by Scottish characters, including a Highland cow and a West Highland terrier.  

• Where: to Callander 
• Distance: 5 or 12 miles / 8 or 19 km there and back 
• Start/Finish: Broch Café, Strathyre 
• Grade: Easy 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Mostly flat path

Visit Lochearnhead

Pedal your way through attractive villages and scenic countryside beneath the Campsie Fells on this easy out-and-back route. It's a largely traffic-free ride that's ideal for families, with several opportunities for coffee and cake stops along the way. 

Starting on Canal Street in Kirkintilloch, you'll follow a former railway line that closed in 1966.

• Where: North of Glasgow 
• Distance: 16 miles / 26 km there and back 
• Start/Finish: Kirkintilloch 
• Grade: Easy 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Road and sealed cycle path with some hills. Parking available in Kirkintilloch.

Visit Strathblane

See the best of Perthshire, often known as Big Tree Country, on this scenic route running alongside Scotland's longest river. A worthwhile detour takes you to Black Linn waterfall and Pine Cone Point, offering fantastic views across Highland Perthshire and calm waterfall acoustics. Visit in autumn to witness the changing colours of the forest.  

Before beginning the return journey, visit Dunkeld and grab an artisan pastry at Aran Bakery before sitting on the banks of the Tay with the ancient cathedral as your backdrop. The return leg follows the opposite side of the River Tay back to Logierait.  

• Where: Highland Perthshire 
• Distance: 21 miles / 33 km 
• Start/Finish: Logierait 
• Grade: Moderate 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Quiet roads and sealed cycle paths with some climbs. Limited parking in Logierait. 

Visit Dunkeld

Cycle through history on this loop that takes in Linlithgow and the picturesque village of Blackness. Here you can stop and take things in at impressive 15th-century Blackness Castle on the shores of the Firth of Forth, used as a filming location in Outlander and Outlaw King. 

Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and King James V, adds another fascinating stop along the route.  

• Where: West Lothian 
• Distance: 10 miles / 16 km 
• Start/Finish: Linlithgow 
• Grade: Moderate 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Canal towpath, B-class roads with some A-road sections, plus a steep climb out of Blackness. Parking available in Linlithgow. 

Visit Linlithgow

Cycling in this part of northern Scotland will take your breath away. Leaving Aviemore via the Speyside Way and River Spey, this route loops around Abernethy Forest and passes the RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre before returning via the scenic B970. 

Families may wish to take the Strathspey Steam Railway to Boat of Garten and begin the ride there instead. Take a moment to admire the gleaming train and the puffs of steam unfurling into the sky. 

• Where: Cairngorms National Park
• Distance: 19 miles / 30 km (shorter option available) 
• Start/Finish: Aviemore 
• Grade: Moderate 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Off-road and unsealed sections with quiet B-roads. Minimal climbing and plenty of parking in Aviemore. 

Visit Aviemore

Get in the flow as you follow Scotland's shortest, and arguably most scenic, canal on this largely flat route. Built in 1809, the canal provided ships with easier access to the Atlantic while avoiding the lengthy trip around the Mull of Kintyre. 

As you approach Crinan, sweeping views open across Jura, Islay and the Slate Islands.

• Where: Near Lochgilphead
• Distance: 17 miles / 27 km there and back 
• Start/Finish: Ardrishaig
• Grade: Moderate
• Terrain, gradients and access: Mostly flat, traffic-free unsealed canal towpath. Parking available at Ardrishaig. 

Visit the Crinan Canal

An action-packed route that may involve a few pitstops to take photos! Fortunately, this route can easily be broken into shorter sections, allowing plenty of time to explore Falkirk's attractions. 

Highlights include The Kelpies, the adventure playground at Helix Park, Callendar Park, Falkirk Whisky Distillery, Rosebank Distillery and the world-famous Falkirk Wheel - examples of industrial heritage that will stir the soul. 

• Where: Falkirk
• Distance: 17 miles / 27 km 
• Start/Finish: Helix Park, Falkirk 
• Grade: Moderate 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Cycleway, canal towpath, woodland trails and one short on-road section. Some hills. Parking available at Helix Park. 

Visit Falkirk

Set off on this attractive route that circles through the grounds of magnificent Drumlanrig Castle, passing woodland, rolling scenery, the Druids Loch and the estate's distinctive heather houses. 

There are several shorter beginner-friendly routes available, as well as more challenging trails for experienced riders. Enjoy a well-earned rest at the castle tearoom after your ride. 

• Where: Dumfries & Galloway
• Route: The Castle Round 
• Distance: 5.2 miles / 8.5 km circular route 
• Start/Finish: Drumlanrig Castle 
• Grade: Easy (green-graded) 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Forest tracks. Parking available at Drumlanrig Castle. 

Visit Drumlanrig Castle

Explore the route

With gentle climbs and descents, The Canada Trail winds through beautiful woodland on family-friendly one-way trails suitable for most riders.  

As confidence grows, riders can combine this route with the more demanding, blue-graded Craigieburn Trail. Bike hire and refreshments are available nearby.  

• Where: Falkirk 
• Route: Canada Trail (Green Route) 
• Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km circular route 
• Start/Finish: Greenrig Car Park, Callendar Estate 
• Grade: Easy (green-graded) 
• Terrain, gradients and access: Woodland trails with no steep hills and an optional boardwalk section. Parking available at Greenrig Cycles. 

Visit Callendar Estate

Explore the routes

Please remember that access to these routes can be impacted by weather and infrastructure improvements. Make sure to check out the route information in the days leading up to your trip.

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.