If you’re looking at destinations for cycle tours on a map, then your attention is probably being drawn south, towards the sunshine of the Mediterranean. But take a glance north and you’ll find a place that offers some of the quietest roads and stunning views of any country in Europe.
Scotland is becoming a real go-to destination for cyclists, and not just for amateurs wanting to explore its wild landscapes. The professionals are visiting too, with the UCI Cycling World Championships across a range of different disciplines taking place in Glasgow in August 2023. Whether you want a rolling tour of an island, a challenging mountain ride through the Highlands, or something that combines the two, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect destination north of the border.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about cycling Scotland and planning a trip. We’ll explore some of the very best cycling locations, as well as what you need to do before you go to make for an enjoyable adventure.
Why should I go cycling in Scotland?
One of the biggest advantages to cycle tours in Scotland is that it’s (sort of) right on your doorstep. Instead of having to worry about flights, ferries, passports, currency exchange and all the other complications of travelling abroad, you can easily get there by road or rail with maximum flexibility around when you travel.
Another key benefit is the peace and quiet you’ll find when you get off the beaten track. As long as you avoid the big cities, and the tourist hotspots like Loch Ness, you’ll find roads that give you mile after mile of riding without you ever encountering another car. In fact, you’re more likely to be sharing the road with the wildlife in some places!
Where are the best cycle routes in Scotland?
There are so many great destinations for cycling holidays Scotland-wide that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. So instead, we’ve picked out eight of our particular favourites, which collective give you a wide choice of different distances, views and terrain.
North Coast 500
This is perhaps the best-known cycling route in Scotland, and has been instrumental in transforming the tourist appeal of the Highlands. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile route that starts and finishes in Inverness and covers the entire ‘far north’ of the country, looping around the coast and taking in John O’Groats along the way. You’ll get to take in jaw-dropping landscapes and remote pubs and hotels, and get a real feel for just how different this part of the world is from the rest of the UK.
A word of warning, however: it’s not just cyclists who love the North Coast 500. It’s also popular with drivers, motorcyclists and camper vans, too, and so it can get quite busy in places, especially during the summer. Bear that in mind when considering riding comfort – and when booking accommodation.
Orkney Islands
Go even further north than John O’Groats (probably by ferry) and you’ll find yourself in a little paradise all of its own. The Orkney Islands are perfect for riders who want to take in the best scenery but aren’t comfortable with heavy-duty climbing: the terrain on the Orkney is best described as rolling.
As a relatively small place, it’s also a good destination if you want to stay in the same accommodation and ride different routes from one day to the next. The Churchill Barrier causeways allow you to link one island to another for an even greater level of exploration. Getting there can be a bit more expensive, so hiring a bike when you get there may prove a little simpler.
Hebridean Way
Ride the western section of the North Coast 500 route and you’ll likely see some of the Outer Hebrides on a clear day – and together, that archipelago represents a cycling adventure in its own right.
The Hebridean Way is a 185-mile route that takes in ten different islands, hopping from one to the next mainly by ferry. You don’t have to ride the whole thing if you don’t want to: it’s easy to split the route up into more manageable sections, as there are lots of accommodation options like guest houses and B&Bs to choose from along the way. In any case, you’ll get to see crystal-clear seas and white sandy beaches wherever you look: it’s like riding on the Med, without the oppressive heat.
Isle of Mull
The west coast of Scotland is peppered with islands that are perfect for a bit of gentle touring, but with enough to keep you interested over a long weekend. One of our favourites is Mull, which offers fantastic views of its neighbouring islands all around it, and the quintessentially Scottish experience of evenings in Tobermory. Being an island, Mull certainly doesn’t suffer from much in the way of traffic, giving you a bit more head-space to take in the sights and sounds around you.
Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way
You don’t have to travel out to the most remote parts of Scotland to take in some great riding. The Ayrshire coast is within easy reach of Glasgow, either by rail or by road, and gives you some fantastically picturesque routes to explore – and plenty of towns for you to base yourself in overnight. Why not check out the Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way, which allows you to take in shady woodland, two nature reserves, and views over the sea to the Isle of Arran? And speaking of Arran…
Isle of Arran
It’s only a short ferry ride from Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast, making Arran perhaps the most accessible Scottish island there is from a cycling perspective. The loop around the entire island is only around 55 miles long, which brings it into the range of all abilities of club cyclist. If you want to test your legs a bit more, then you also have the alternative of ‘going over the top’ and taking the mountain road across the middle of the island.
Arran is a cycling mecca in its own right, too: bike shops, hire companies, cycling clubs and bike-friendly cafes all make for a two-wheeled community you’ll love.
Four Abbeys (Scottish Borders)
Just inside Scotland – assuming that you’re travelling from England, that is – are the Scottish Borders, with beautiful countryside and a warm welcome from the locals. One recommended ride is the Four Abbeys, which takes in Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh along the way.
And for a real challenge, why not take part in Ride To The Sun? This unsupported ride through the night in midsummer takes in 100 miles, starting at Carlisle Castle and finishing on Cramond Beach just outside Edinburgh. Around 800 riders take part each year, and the atmosphere and camaraderie is second to none?
Devilla Forest Trails
Scotland isn’t just for ‘roadies’: there are thousands of square miles of forest for mountain bikers and off-roaders to check out as well. One of our favourites is the trail network in Devilla Forest in Fife, not only because of the woodland wilderness you’ll get to explore, but also because you might get to see the elusive red squirrels! Devilla is therefore a good starting point for the literally hundreds of forest trails you can choose from all over Scotland.
What you should plan for cycling holidays in Scotland
To get the most out of your cycle tours in Scotland, it’s vital you put in plenty of planning so that you don’t get caught out while you’re away, and so all your rides run smoothly. In particular, we recommend you pay close attention to the following five areas:
Essentials for all weathers
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, then it’s fair to say that you can’t rely on consistently good weather! Even the summer months can be affected by chilly and wet conditions if you’re unlucky, so it’s absolutely essential that you pack for every eventuality. Make sure you take plenty of warm layers, waterproofs, towels and overshoes with you, so that you can keep riding even in sub-optimal weather. For more detailed advice, take a look at our guide to packing for a cycling trip.
Which time of year?
Because of the above point, you should think very carefully about the time of year you want to go cycling in Scotland. Many of the destinations listed above are affected by snow, ice and strong winds in the winter, and so even if it was safe to ride them, it probably wouldn’t be very enjoyable. At the other end of the scale, much of Scotland becomes festooned by swarms of midges in the summer, and you could end up with plenty of bites if you don’t take adequate precautions.
The ideal balance is to get reasonably warm weather, without the added expense of trying to find accommodation during the school summer holidays. For that reason, we recommend May or September as the best months for cycling Scotland can offer.
Hire a bike – or take your own?
A cycling trip on the UK mainland means you can avoid the expense and inconvenience of dismantling your bike and loading it into a bike box for a flight. If you’re driving, then you can attach a bike rack to the back of your car which can take multiple bikes straight to your destination. Alternatively, you can book yourself and your bike onto a train to travel into Scotland in relative speed and comfort.
However, if you feel that either of these options would be just too much of a faff, then don’t forget that there are many reputable bike hire companies throughout Scotland, including at many of the destinations listed in this guide. They will be able to provide you with a good-quality, professionally prepared bike that’s suitable for the area and conditions, meaning all you have to worry about when travelling is your luggage.
Accommodation with bike storage
When looking for accommodation for your trip, make sure that you have somewhere secure and suitable to store your bikes (whether your own or hired) when you aren’t riding. While some places may look like they have spare rooms where bikes can be stored, owners may not be happy with bikes being kept in them, especially if they’re liable to get muddy and dirty. If you think you’ve found somewhere that suits your needs, make sure that you get in touch before booking to make absolutely sure that the owner is happy with bike storage.
Insurance cover
You may feel that you don’t need insurance for a trip that’s within the UK, but you still face some risks even on a domestic cycling tour that could cause significant financial loss. Exploring a cycling-specific insurance policy, even if only for the length of your trip in question, could prove to be a worthwhile investment if something goes wrong while you’re away.
Get cycling travel insurance with SportsCover Direct
If you’re planning on cycling in Scotland, then naturally you don’t have to worry about the potential expense of medical treatment overseas if you get ill or injured. However, taking out cycling-specific insurance cover is still vitally important for a number of reasons. For example, if you have to take time off work because of an injury; if your travel plans are disrupted; or if your bike and equipment are lost, stolen or damaged; then cycling insurance means you won’t end up out of pocket.
At SportsCover Direct, we have more than a quarter of a century of experience insuring cyclists of all abilities on trips all over the world. With our affordable cover, available through flexible monthly payment plans if required, you can give yourself peace of mind to make the most of your trip to Scotland. Take a moment to discover our cycling travel insurance options in more detail.