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Top 5 Cycle Routes
Scotland has some of the most spectacular cycle routes in the UK. The National Cycle Network has over 230 million journeys each year. In the last decade the first 10,000 miles of the Network have been completed.
We asked Mark Irwin Product Manager for Active Sports at VisitScotland to get on his bike and chose his favourite five cycle routes around Scotland.
Aberfoyle to Callandar
Distance: 13 miles
National Route 7 between Aberfoyle and Callander takes you through a beautiful mountain forest and along the shore of Loch Venachar. It consists of traffic free forest tracks and some minor roads. In the early stages there is a 225 metre climb through a mountain pass followed by an exhilarating descent with the peace and quiet of the Queen Elizabeth forest.
Perth to Dunkeld
Distance: 16.5 miles
This gentle ride has no major climbs and consists of traffic-free paths and quiet roads. You can even take the train back to your starting point. The route into Dunkeld goes over Thomas Telford's bridge which goes over the Tay. If you carry on for few hundred yards through the town and turn left into the grounds of the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel, there is a beautiful ride up to the hotel and then along the banks of the River Tay.
Oban to Campbeltown
Distance: 120 miles
The National Cycle Network from Oban to Campbeltown gives cyclists the chance to explore Lorn, Knapdale and the breathtaking Kintyre peninsula. Along the way, there are spectacular views of the islands of Jura and Arran, with plenty of harbours, castles and abbeys to explore.
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Distance: 193.5 miles
National Route 1 crosses the Firth of Forth into the Kingdom of Fife taking you through some beautiful countryside. You will then follow the coast north passing through fishing villages and historic sites.
Aberdeen to John O'Groats
Distance: 320 miles
National Route 1 showcases the fantastic contrasting features that Scotland provides as you travel through Aberdeen, the third largest city in Scotland, heading northwards along the coast and into the remote scenery of the Highlands through the peatlands of the Flow Country. If you want take one of the ferry services that connects to the islands of Orkney and Shetland.
Related Links
VisitScotland's Cycle in Scotland
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