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11 of the best cycling routes in Scotland
Get some fresh air as you pedal through the open countryside on one of the best cycle routes in Scotland. There are many inspiring landscapes that are unforgettable places to cycle in Scotland. We've got a variety of routes and trails that are suitable for everyone, no matter what cycling experience you have, so check out some of our top recommendations for cycle routes across Scotland.
The following list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.
- 1
Formartine and Buchan Way
Aberdeenshire
Formartine and Buchan Way
© @laura_sherriffs_
Set on a former railway line, this cycle route passes through the sweeping north east countryside away from the hustle and bustle of road traffic. At Maud, you can travel on to either Fraserburgh or Peterhead, both of which boast beautiful beaches where you can rest after your cycle.
- Departure point: Dyce train station
- Finish: Fraserburgh or Peterhead
- Terrain type: off-road cycle path
- Distance: 40 miles/64.37 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 4 - 6 hours one way (the route can also be done in shorter sections)
- 2
Hebridean Way Cycling Route
Outer Hebrides
The beach at Liniclate, Benbecula
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Following part of the National Cycle Network Route 780, this long-distance route spans the length of the enchanting Outer Hebrides islands. Sites you'll see along the way include white sand beaches, standing stones and the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
- Departure point: Vatersay
- Finish: Butt of Lewis
- Terrain type: road
- Distance: 185 miles/297 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 6 days (the route can also be done in shorter sections)
- 3
Assynt Achiltibuie Circular
Highlands
Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag seen from Stac Pollaidh
This challenging loop in the north west of Scotland travels through some of the country's wildest and most idyllic landscapes. See famous mountains such as Sula Bheinn, Cùl Mòr and Stac Pollaidh, as well as tranquil beaches and glittering lochs, making it an incredible experience for cycling in Scotland's Highlands.
- Departure/end point: Achiltibuie
- Terrain type: road
- Distance: 70 miles/113 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 7 hours
- 4
Devilla Forest
Fife
Devilla Forest, Fife
© @lori.1507
If you go down to the woods today … you might just be lucky enough to see a cheeky red squirrel! The paths at Devilla Forest pass through atmospheric expanses of woodland which are the perfect habitat for these elusive little animals. This is just one of hundreds of forest cycle trails in Scotland that you can enjoy.
- Departure/end point: Devilla Forest car park
- Terrain type: off-road forest paths
- Distance: 1.5 miles/ 2km
- 5
Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way
Ayrshire
Culzean Castle
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
This circular route along the coast from Irvine to Ayr takes in some of Ayrshire's most picturesque landscapes, from the expansive coastline with views out to the Isle of Arran to the marshland and woodland of two Scottish wildlife reserves, Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood. It's the perfect way to start your adventures with cycling in Arran.
- Departure point: Ayr seafront
- Terrain type: mostly off-road with some on-road sections
- Distance: 30 miles/48 km
- 6
Edinburgh City Centre to The Shore
Edinburgh
Leith Shore
Edinburgh cycle paths include a huge range of traffic-free routes (many following old railway lines) creating many opportunities for bike rides around Edinburgh. Use the Innertube map to follow paths such as the one from the New Town to the Shore in Leith, where you can pick up a bite to eat or visit The Royal Yacht Britannia.
- Departure point: Scotland Street
- Finish: Sandport Place
- Terrain type: off-road cycle path
- Distance: 1.8 miles/2.9 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 10 minutes
- 7
Lerwick to Scalloway
Shetland
St Ninians Isle, Shetland Islands
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Travel from Shetland's principle town of Lerwick to the ancient capital of Scalloway. Soak up the dramatic island scenery as you cut through a ridge of hills and across wild moorland before being rewarded with a panoramic view of Scalloway and the sea beyond.
- Departure point: Lerwick
- Finish: Scalloway
- Terrain type: road
- Distance: 5.9 miles/9.5 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 40 minutes
- 8
Loch Leven Heritage Trail
Perthshire
Pink-footed geese at Loch Leven
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Look out for the rich variety of wildlife (such as osprey, kingfishers and otters) on this flat, circular route around the banks of Loch Leven. Enjoy the views out to Lochleven Castle, which is situated on its own island in the middle of the loch, or stop for a tasty lunch at Loch Leven's Larder.
- Departure/end point: various points on the banks of Loch Leven
- Terrain type: off-road path
- Distance: 12 miles/19.5 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 1 hour 20 minutes
- 9
Montrose Basin
Angus
The Montrose Basin, Angus
Cycle around this tidal estuary and soak up the views of this wildlife haven. Look out for summer highlights such as osprey and kingfishers, or waders and ducks in the winter months. You can also pop into the Montrose Basin visitor centre for a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. You'll also pass points of interest in Angus including House of Dun, the Caledonian Railway and Scurdie Ness lighthouse.
- Departure/end point: Montrose sports centre
- Terrain type: road
- Distance: 20 miles/32.5km
- Approximate time to cycle: 3 hours
- 10
Isle of Bute
Argyll
A cyclist at The Serpentine on the Isle of Bute
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Take in epic sea views as you travel around this island on two wheels (bikes can be hired locally, or you can take your own on the ferry). Challenge yourself to the 23-mile loop around the island or use pedal power to visit attractions such as Mount Stuart House and Ettrick Bay.
- Terrain type: road
- Distance: 23 miles (shorter sections available)
- 11
The 4 Abbeys Cycling Route
Scottish Borders
Melrose Abbey
Tour the four famous abbeys of the Scottish Borders - Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh - on this scenic (but fairly demanding) route through the glorious Borders countryside. Why not make a day of it and stop off at attractions as you pass by?
- Departure/end point: Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose or St Boswells
- Terrain type: road
- Distance: 56 miles/90 km
- Approximate time to cycle: 5 - 8 hours
Did you know?
Did you know?
Kirkpatrick Macmillan, the inventor of the world's first pedal powered bicycle, was Scottish. You can see a replica of his bike at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway, where he worked as a blacksmith. A long-distance coast-to-coast cycle route dedicated to his pioneering spirit, the Kirkpatrick C2C, runs from Stranraer in Dumfries & Galloway to Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders.
Other things you might like
7 Exciting bikes routes around Glasgow
Your ultimate guide to cycling in Scotland
National cycle routes & paths in Scotland
Fun outdoor activities in Scotland
Mountain biking in Scotland
Cycling routes for beginners
Bike hire in Scotland
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