Your ultimate guide to cycling in Scotland

There's nothing like being on two wheels in the Scottish countryside. Glide beside calm canals or follow old railway lines on the many types of cycle route you can find in Scotland. 

The National Cycle Network

Enjoy exploring the National Cycle Network – a series of waymarked paths, routes, and trails extending to over 1,600 miles across Scotland. Choose a region to discover and pick from traffic-free routes, whether you fancy a gentler cycle, or a long-distance challenge.

Explore the National Cycle Network

Refreshing forest trails

Scotland’s forest trails allow you to escape for a day in nature. Soak in the atmosphere of ancient forests and woodlands and see more from the saddle with family-friendly paths, scenic trails, and easy-to-reach picturesque locations.

Forestry and Land Scotland’s cycling routes

Discover more about our forests

Gentle railway paths

Journey along traffic-free railway paths that offer mostly flat and accessible routes across Scotland. From Strathkelvin Railway Path near Glasgow and Glen Ogle Viaduct Path in Lochearnhead to West Loch Lomond Cycle Path in West Dunbartonshire and more, there are plenty to discover.

Strathkelvin Railway Path

Glen Ogle Viaduct Path

West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

Leisurely canal towpaths

Towpaths offer flat and gentle routes with scenic surroundings. Enjoy leisurely cycles along the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, or Union canals and admire the engineering that went into building these impressive landmarks.

Cycling on Scotland's canals

Long-distance cycling routes

If you’re looking for an extra challenge on your cycling holiday in Scotland, why not choose a long-distance cycle route? Discover the Caledonia Way, the Great Glen Way, Wild About Argyll Trail, the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast across southern Scotland, the John Muir Way, the new Ride the North 360 and many more thrilling routes.

Explore national cycle routes and trails in Scotland

Long-distance cycle routes

Incredible cycling tours

If you’re not sure where to start, or you’re in Scotland for a limited time, why not book a cycle tour? Let the experts show you the best spots and locations in Scotland through a pre-planned or bespoke itinerary that covers all the things you want to see.

Discover cycle tours in Scotland

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.

Follow winding trails through forests, coastlines and open countryside, with welcoming places to rest along the way. Each season, we’ll introduce a new region for cyclists of every ability to explore.

Scottish Borders

Autumn in the Scottish Borders promises captivating landscapes, rolling hills, and a host of trails and routes for all abilities. It's a great chance to get out in the forest! Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, a gravel grinder, or looking for quiet family rides, the Scottish Borders is an ideal destination to get out on two wheels.

Great for:

• Family-friendly routes
• Mountain biking adventures
• Gravel and bikepacking journeys
• Heritage attraction trails and coastal routes

Cycle routes

• Tweed Valley Cycle Route – challenging, 95 miles: starting in Biggar and finishing in Berwick-upon-Tweed, this route takes you through the heart of the region.
• BorderLoop – challenging, long distance, 190 miles: pass by romantic castles, ruined abbeys, and grand estates on this route.
• Abbotsford – easy, 5 miles: this short and sweet route takes you around Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott.
• Tweed Valley Railway Path – easy, family-friendly, 6.5 miles: enjoy quiet roads, picturesque scenery, and quaint local towns along this path.
• Cademuir Circuit – easy, 8 miles: soak in the open countryside and vast views along this family-friendly circuit.

Try cycling in the south of Scotland

Browse south of Scotland cycling tours and services