Your Ultimate Guide To Cycling In Scotland

Scotland is home to trails and routes galore that allow you to safely explore the country away from busy main roads, using a mix of railway path, canal towpath, forest road, shared-use path, and cycle lanes. 

The National Cycle Network is made up of signposted walking and cycle routes that connect towns, cities and the great outdoors.

There is also a handy Sustrans map for you to see where routes start and end, what cities, towns and attractions are nearby, how difficult the route is and more. Here are a few route suggestions to get you started:

• The Far North Way - stretching from the Highland capital of Inverness to the northernmost point of mainland Britain, John O'Groats.
• The Loch Ness 360 - connecting the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail, keep your eyes peeled for Nessie as you pedal around the surrounding countryside.
• Oban to Fort William (route 78) - these popular Highland towns are connected by 48 miles of mostly flat paths that take you past lochs, castles and the picturesque coastline.
• The Union and Forth & Clyde Canal Towpaths - joining up Scotland's two largest and vibrant cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, this stunning, traffic-free route takes you right across the central belt.

• Hebridean Way Cycling Route – this long distance option won’t disappoint when it comes to scenery. This road terrain cycle path stretches from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis and takes approximately 6 days to complete, but can also be done in shorter sections too.
• Edinburgh City Centre to the Shore – explore the capital on two wheels as you soak in the cityscape and ride down to the Shore in Leith. The city boasts a range of continuous, traffic-free routes to follow.
• Lerwick to Scalloway – our islands are some of the best places to explore on two wheels. Soak in the jaw-dropping scenery, visit the ancient capital of Scalloway, and enjoy island life as you roam across Shetland.

Enjoy 11 of the Best Cycle Routes in Scotland

You can also get to grips with Scotland’s trails and pathways with day trips out on your bike. These short rides are ideal for beginners, days out with the family, or even for those just looking for a leisurely cycle, and you’ve got plenty to choose from.

Find a Sustrans Day Trip

Routes, Trails & Centres

The Scottish Borders is a scenic spot on the map, with a variety of road cycling routes you can explore. These routes vary in elevation, experience level and distance, but there are routes to suit beginners and expert cyclists alike.

• Selkirk to Innerleithen loop – 38.5 miles
• Peebles to Innerleithen café loop – 15.9 miles
• Tweed Cycleway loop from Peebles – 29 miles
• Innerleithen to Galashiels loop – 45.1 miles
• The Meldons loop from Peebles – 13 miles

Find out more about these routes and how to start your cycling day out

Learn more about cycling in the south of Scotland

Food & Drink

With a variety of towns and villages dotted across the region, including Peebles, Melrose, Kelso, Eyemouth and Jedburgh, you’ll have the pick of the bunch when it comes to hearty pub grub, locally sourced produce, and inviting restaurants.

Browse places to eat in the Scottish Borders

Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Biking Trail Centre, Laggan

Laggan Wolftrax trails range from an easy-going green route for a shorter and flatter ride, to white-knuckle red, black and orange routes which are more technical. Test yourself with the skills area at the trailhead so you know what to expect out in the forest. Pop into The Bike Bothy Laggan for all your cycling needs, including service and repairs, bike hire and essential accessories for your ride. There is also a café, toilets and shower facilities too.

Find out more about Laggan Wolftrax

Cathkin Braes Pump Track, Glasgow

Situated in the south-east of Glasgow, Cathkin Braes is home to 9 km of trails. Take on its Red Circuit route with lots of tables, doubles and gaps in store to hone your skills. There are also plenty of blue and green trails aimed at beginner and intermediate riders. The park’s star attraction is the Vesolutions pump track – one of the largest in the UK. Suitable for riders of all wheel types, it’s part of the wider mountain bike trail centre, that includes competition MTB cross country trails, skills trails and a jump track. Cathkin Braes is free to use and open all-year round.

Find out more about Cathkin Braes