CYCLING ROUTES & PATHS IN SCOTLAND

There are over 2,000 miles of designated cycle routes in Scotland to explore. Look out for dedicated blue cycle signs and you'll soon be admiring the view from country roads and traffic-free routes.

The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide collection of signed walking and cycling paths connecting Scotland's cities, towns and countryside.

There are 2,100 miles of network routes on country roads and cycle paths.

Over 500 miles of that is on traffic-free walking and cycling routes along railway paths, canal towpaths and forest trails.

All of the routes are signposted by either blue cycle route signs or stickers with red number patches to show what route you are on.

More information on National Cycle Network routes

• Check all current closures and diversions
• Advice on using shared-use paths
• Find out more on the National Cycle Network in Scotland

Family cycle routes

Explore sections of Route 7 along the Forth & Clyde Canal, and you'll come across the world's first and only rotating boatlift, The Falkirk Wheel. This canal links Glasgow to Falkirk and has flat, traffic-free towpaths, ideal for cycling with wee ones. The famous Falkirk Wheel is an engineering marvel which connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

• Take a look at our 6 ideas for family-friendly cycle routes in Scotland.
• See our 8 amazing cycling experiences in Scotland's cities.

One day cycles

The 33-mile stretch between Aviemore and Slochd in the Highlands on National Route 7, and the 14-mile, mainly traffic-free Cullen to Garmouth part of National Route 1 on the Moray coast are just two of the NCN sections which are achievable in one day.

• Read more about our favourite picnic spots along Scotland's cycle routes.
• Check out our 10 cycle routes for beginners.
• Take an island break with our 5 stunning cycle routes on Scotland's islands.
• If you prefer steep climbs, check out these 10 Aberdeenshire Ascents.

Cycling holidays

If you're feeling more adventurous, why not enjoy a cycling holiday and take your time to explore the longer routes throughout Scotland? Book a place for you and your bike on the ferry and hop across to the Isle of Arran and National Route 73, to explore the diverse landscape, taking in the rolling southern countryside and the mountainous north.

Route 1 stretches from Scotland's border with England, up the east coast to Shetland. Split into three large sections in Scotland, including Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Aberdeen to Shetland, via Inverness, John O'Groats and Orkney, Route 1 offers a great mix of challenging and more manageable cycle paths and trails.

Scotland's most northerly section of Route 1 is the 109-mile stretch on Shetland, between Sumburgh Head and Nor Wick Bay. It's not for the faint hearted, but cyclists will be rewarded with spectacular scenery throughout.

In the Outer Hebrides, follow the 185-mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route, which crosses 10 islands in the blissful archipelago, travelling northwards from Vatersay to Lewis.

Cycle the Kintyre Way, a beautiful route stretching from Tarbert to Machrihanish along the blissful Kintyre Peninsula. Originally designed as a walking route, the trail has been improved for cyclists and mountain bikers, and offers several rewarding sections.

• Browse our Sustrans Cycle Routes & Day Trips Map to pick your own route.
• Check out our 7 epic train accessible bike-packing routes in Scotland.
• Read about Sustrans recommendations for iconic long-distance cycle routes in Scotland.