There was a cycling boom from the start of lockdown in March 2020. Vehicle traffic declined to almost nothing and many people enjoyed cycling on roads that they would never have previously dared to venture onto. Bicycle sales soared and many roads had more people cycling than driving. Now that traffic levels have returned to near normal what has been the impact on this cycling boom? My personal story is a positive one, so I thought I would share it with you.

I take my son to nursery on a child seat on the back of my bike most days, unless the weather is really awful. My daily commute from home to the nursery is around 3 miles if you take the quickest direct route. I live in Edinburgh and this direct route  means using Colinton Road to reach Bruntsfield. Those familiar with this part of Edinburgh will know that Colinton Road can be busy and has no cycle lane on it. Before the pandemic I never felt confident to use this road with my son because it is pretty busy with traffic, but now I am using the road most days. What changed?

I'll start by explaining the route I used to take to get my son to nursery. It was somewhat convoluted , mainly traffic-free, using the Braid Burn path and the quieter backstreets of Morningside and Bruntsfield. It is not a direct route and the Braid Burn path can be slow going as it is narrow, shared with pedestrians and has some awkward gradients and barriers to negotiate. It probably added at least another mile, if not more, to the journey.

I happily cycled Colinton Road on my own. It's not the most dangerous road in Edinburgh, but it does have a high volume of traffic at peak times. I have not had any serious incidents and only a few close passes, because the road is mostly wide enough for vehicles to give bikes space without the vehicles having to cross over to the opposite carriageway. However, I was not happy to take my son on this road, particularly when there was a near enough traffic-free, albeit longer, alternative.

During lockdown Colinton Road changed completely. There was hardly any traffic on it at all. It was bliss for cyclists! I started to use it when taking my son on the bike.

When the nurseries opened again after lockdown I decided to keep using Colinton Road with my son and have been doing so ever since. The traffic volume has risen, but not to the same pre-Covid levels. There's not really a rush hour anymore because of homeworking. The only peak for traffic in the morning is for the school children getting dropped off at the various schools along the route, but I am able to avoid this time. 

Being able to use Colinton Road has made my commute to the nursery much quicker than the Braid Burn route. I am glad to be able to use this road and hope that I will be able to into the future. I do fear that if there is a return to the way things were before with everyone trying to get to their office for the same time I will no longer be confident to take my son on this road. However, the signs are that companies will be offering more homeworking and flexibility so it should mean that not everyone is on the roads at the same time.

Stephen Fabes is a doctor and this brings a unique aspect to the adventure cycling genre because he visits health care settings as he travels. This is a much deeper journey than just a bike ride. This is a 6 year, 53,000 mile, cycle around the world full of thoughtful insights about people and places.  It is a fascinating, moving and inspirational travel book. 

This is one of the best travel books I have read. The author is incredibly observant and brings something new and fresh to travel writing. He has a great way with words and really brings a place to life. Here is one of my favourite examples of how wonderful the writing is, when he has to replace his pedals in India: 

"they'd cost 15 rupees a pop (around 18 pence- rust already included) and each weighed more than a kilogram. It was like cycling with A Suitable Boy nailed to the soles of my shoes."

It feels like an incredible amount of work went into crafting each sentence in this book as it reads so beautifully. Unlike many other books of this type the focus is very much on a sense of place and not all about the author and what he is going through. For instance, when he cycles past huge palm plantations in Malaysia he shares his thoughts about the palm oil industry and its impact on the environment. 

I particularly enjoyed reading about the adventures of cycle tourists from history. Stephen has uncovered some wonderful travellers tails and used these to add colour to his own journey. In 1923 a group of Indian weightlifters spent four years cycling around the world and had incredible adventures- they even managed to acquire an autograph from Mussolini to help ease passage when faced with corrupt officials!

Stephen even gets to meet the person who has spent the longest time cycling around the world. Heinz has been doing it for 51 years! Their meeting is fascinating with some interesting reflection on whether cycling the world really does make you more worldly.

This book is full of the excitement and adrenaline of adventure cycling. Meeting people, exhaustion, things going wrong with the bike and illness, not to mention incredible parts of the planet that you may never have heard of before. I was particularly fascinated by Chin State in Myanmar, an area of cloud forest, landslides and leeches falling from above.

Stephen's contacts within the medical profession allowed him to gain an insight into healthcare around the world. He visits several settings, including mental health in India and the migrant camp in Calais. These encounters provide a richer world view than you would expect from a cycling travel book and Stephen provides plenty of thoughts on what he experiences. The most moving account was his visit to a TB field hospital in Thailand and it had me in tears.

Interestingly, this book does not end with the finishing line, but with Stephen recalling the challenges he had in returning to his normal life in the UK. This is quite unusual in cycling books and it is refreshing to have an adventure cyclist reflect on this in such detail.

This book is not only one of the most enjoyable cycle travel books I have read, but one of the best travel books.  It is written beautifully and by the end you really feel like you have learned something about the world.

For many footballers, crossing the border from England to Scotland, and vice versa, is a common move. While there’s often arguments that the English Premier League is more competitive, for the names on this list, they’ve found success either side of the border. Winning titles at any level is always something to celebrate. With the 2020-21 season in full swing, let’s take a look back at some of these multi-title-winning champions! ​

1. Virgil Van Dijk 
We start with the man who has most recently won a title. Van Dijk has been absolutely solid at the back for Liverpool, since signing from Southampton in January 2018, and is the reason why the Anfield club are often so highly thought of in Premier League odds. Van Dijk was instrumental to the Reds’ success last campaign, starting and playing every minute of domestic football. He spent two seasons at Celtic Park, in which he was a two-time Scottish Premiership winner, also winning the Scottish League Cup in 2014-15. And it was after the Bhoys got knocked out of the Champions League at the qualifying stage, that Van Dijk crossed the border, joining Southampton. 

2. Kolo Touré  
Next up, we have Touré – who won three titles with three different clubs. The Ivorian centre-back won his first ever silverware while at Arsenal, and in his second season, won the Premier League. He was, of course, famously part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad of 2003-04, in which the Gunners went 49-games unbeaten. He then joined Manchester City in 2009 and was instrumental in turning them into a top-six side – winning his second Premier League title in 2011-12. Touré crossed the border in 2016, reuniting with his former boss at Liverpool, Brendan Rogers, and joining Celtic on a one-year deal. During this time, he won the treble: SPL, Scottish Cup and League Cup. 

3. Roy Keane 
We couldn’t have this list and not include the Irish hardman. Keane won seven league titles at Manchester United, as well as three consecutively between 1998-99 and 2000-01. He is the joint-most successful Irish footballer of all time, having won 19 major trophies, 17 of which, he won at Old Trafford. The other two came when he crossed the border and joined Celtic. The 2005-06 season saw him complete the double of Scottish Premier League and League Cup – ending his career on a high, as he was forced to retire through injury. Keane is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. 

4. Jiří Jarošík 
Jarošík was no stranger to silverware, prior to joining Chelsea. The Czech defender/midfielder won six league titles in seven years with Sparta Prague, also winning the Russia League with CSKA Moscow. While he was only at Chelsea for two seasons, and one of those on loan at Birmingham City, he still racked up enough appearances (14) for a winners’ medal, as the west Londoners won the Premier League title in 2004-05. From there, he joined Celtic and won the Scottish Premier League title in his debut season. Sadly, competition for places meant that he didn’t see out his three-year deal – and it turned out to be the final silverware Jarošík would win. 
​
5. Henrik Larsson 
Now we end with a controversial one here, as some sources say that Larsson never received a Premier League medal, during his loan spelt at Manchester United. But the Swede was a fan favourite at Celtic Park, and it’s not surprising, when in his debut season, Larsson was pivotal in preventing Rangers winning a tenth league title in a row. During his time in the green side of Glasgow, he won four league titles, as well as an additional four domestic trophies – and on an individual level, was top goal scorer for five out of six seasons. He arrived at Old Trafford on loan from Helsingborg, and scored once in seven Premier League appearances. The Red Devils went on to win the league title two months after Larsson departed, and although he had not played the required quota of league games to qualify for a Premier League winners’ medal, he was granted dispensation. Although, like we say, he claims he never received a medal. 
 

Is it possible to do your supermarket shopping using a bicycle? Supermarkets in Scotland tend to be visited mainly by people using cars. The entire concept- filling a trolley with bulk purchases, the location of the shop and the large car park- is based on car ownership. Supermarkets do provide cycle racks and people do use bicycles for their shopping. I have been doing supermarket shopping for 2 adults and a child using my bicycle and this blog shares my thoughts about the experience.

How I transport shopping on a bicycle
I have two rear panniers on my bike and a backpack and this is sufficient to carry what I buy in the supermarket. It does not have the same capacity as a car which means I don't do a weekly shop, but visit the shop once every 2 or 3 days. Personally, this works out well because with a weekly shop you really need a big fridge and I have a small one. I also find that some of the fresher items do not last that well if you do a weekly shop. And it means more frequent exercise for me if I am doing it once every couple of days instead of once a week. The reduced capacity of my bike helps to control my spending and forces me to only get what I need and not succumb to temptation!

How I get to the supermarket
This is the main thing I wanted to write about in this blog. Each time that I do a supermarket trip by bicycle it always makes me think about how urban planning has made us so dependent on cars for short journeys.

I live in Colinton in Edinburgh and my nearest supermarket, Tesco, is a 9 minute cycle ride . That's really not far, so this should be a journey that anybody with a bicycle should be able to do. Right?

The problem is that there is no cycling infrastructure, no separated bike lanes and no painted bike lanes. It means that a person using a bike has to travel on some busy roads and be confident cycling in traffic. Part of the route is through some quiet roads in a housing estate where there is no traffic. However, to get to the quiet section you have to go on a busier road first. And this is why whenever I arrive at the supermarket I am the only one using the cycle racks or there is sometimes one or two other bikes there, but never more than that. This Tesco is hemmed in by roads that see a significant volume of traffic, probably a similar situation to many supermarkets in urban areas.

​For most people the prospect of cycling on these busy roads to get their shopping is frightening, so they will use a car. There will be people who would like to go to this supermarket by bike, but if they do not feel safe they are not going to do it. 

Do you need a car to get a pint of milk?
Here is another observation about this situation. Walking to this supermarket takes 25 minutes, so if someone just needs one or two things, like a pint of milk, they probably are not going to walk. We already know that not many people use a bike to get to this supermarket, which means that there are lots and lots of short car journeys being taken to reach it. It's not the fault of the people using the cars, urban planning has left them with no choice. It's not practical to walk 25 minutes to the  supermarket each time you need something and cycling, if you don't feel safe on the road, is not an option. Okay, there are small convenience shops that you can walk to for things like milk, but not every location has one within reasonable walking distance and they don't stock everything that you need, so the only alternative is to travel to the supermarket.

What about public transport? There is a bus that covers this route to Tesco and it takes about 9 minutes, so the same as the bike. However, it is a 30 minute service so you are going to have to plan out your shopping trip to make sure it starts and finishes for when the bus comes. For people who do not own a car this is what they do when they visit the supermarket, but for people who own a car they may not want the inconvenience of waiting for a bus, planning their supermarket trip to the bus timetable, and having to carry bags of shopping on and off the bus.

There is another supermarket very close to where I live. Aldi, on Oxgangs Road, is 12 minutes by bike and 6 minutes by car. Again, 12 minutes is such a short time to be on a bicycle, so this trip should be a normal, everyday thing. However, like the Tesco route, the Aldi route requires you to be confident cycling on a bike next to vehicle traffic. The most direct way to reach Aldi is on the B701 which has no painted cycle lanes and no segregated cycle lanes. I come off the B701 at Oxgangs Farm Drive and head onto Oxgangs Farm Avenue as these roads have virtually no traffic, but there is no way to completely avoid busy roads when travelling to this supermarket.

Aldi has 4 bicycle racks and when I visit I am usually the only person using them. I have seen no more than one other bicycle parked there. There must be other people with bicycles who would cycle to Aldi if they felt safe on the roads.

We know that cycling and walking are good for health and the government wants us to do more of it. We know that driving, particularly for frequent short journeys that could be done by walking or cycling, is not good for the environment. Why, then, should it be so challenging to cycle for 9 to 12 minutes to a supermarket? The absence of segregated cycling lanes means that for the vast majority of people the journey to the supermarket will continue to be done by car. It should be normal to cycle 9 to 12 minutes to pick up shopping, not extraordinary, but the design of our urban areas has made it unusual to see a person using a bicycle to visit a supermarket.

Something has to change if we want society to move away from dependency on the private car for short, everyday journeys. If we really want to tackle health and climate issues then creating an urban environment where people feel safe to cycle for these short distance shopping trips is a good place to start.

This great video from Cycling UK explains the benefits to society of cycling lanes:

How about you? Do you cycle to the supermarket? Would you like to cycle to the supermarket? Tell me about your experiences and thoughts in the comments.

A guest blog from Mike Murray at Road and Mountain Bike Reviews

Scotland has lots to offer, from exploring the Scottish Highlands, amazing craft beers, beef, seafood and a cheeky whisky after a long day riding.

Scottish trail centres can be ridden all year round. Mountain biking enthusiasts from around the world come to Scotland to take advantage of the open mountain paths, steep climbs and the dare devil drops through the forest.

Not to mention the break taking landscapes. If you can ride fast here, then you will have the skills to tackle any trail. We will now look at some of the most recognised Scottish mountain biking trails.

Kirroughtree
Kirroughtree may be hard to pronounce. Its even harder to reach. However, it’s definitely worth it. Situated in the southwest corner of Scotland.

If you feel like you have driven to the middle of nowhere. If you keep driving you will reach Kirroughtree. A rocky, and rooty single track through the forest. Home to one of the longest black listed loops in Scotland called Black Craigs.

The fast flowing, rocky terrain, and technical features will test your mountain biking skills. One of the biggest highlights of Kirroughtree is the well-known “McMoab stabs” that are based on Utah trails.

The climate and scenery in Scotland are quite different. Kirroughtree is one of the seven stanes mountain biking destinations.

Glenlivet
The drive to Glenlivet is breath taking. Home to the world renowned Glenlivet whiskey that is definitely worth trying after a day at the trail. Glenlivet trail can be found in the heart of the Glenlivet estate.

One of the main benefits of the Glenlivet trail is that it's designed for mixed abilities. The technical parts are optional, and allow you to build up your confidence at your own pace.

Situated on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, well-known for its ancient woodlands visited by walkers and backpackers.

Glenlivet has two incredible trail loops. The single-track cuts through the forest with some extraordinary landscapes that makes the climbs fade from memory. After a day at the Glenlivet trail, a visit to the distillery at the Glenlivet estate is highly recommended.

Laggan Wolftrax
Laggan Wolftrax is situated in The Highlands. Most well-known for its rocky black trail, Ayres rock, that tests the bravest mountain bikers.

The red loop has upper, and lower sections that allows you to get a quick exit if it gets too much. Its near Fort William and is worth a visit, or a quick pit stop at the Dalwhinnie distillery for a refreshment.

There is a small shop called Bothy Bikes that offer bike hire, servicing, or purchasing a mountain biking necessity. A great place to ask any trail related questions.

Comrie Croft
Comrie Croft is situated in Perthshire and has won many awards for the unique trail and offering on site accommodation. It offers a 12-mile network of single tracks with a variety of blue, red, or black trails.

One of Scotland’s best berm filled trails that have technical, rocky or rooty single tracks.

A really good trail for all the family. There is a skills park and a full-sized pump track. Facilities at Comrie Croft include an onsite shop and a café. Guests can choose between a hostel bed, camping, and Nordic katas.

Glentress – (Tweed Valley)
Glentress has over 55 miles over single-track loops alone. The busiest trail centres in the UK, with over 300,000 visitor per year. A brilliant trail centre to take the family as there is a trail for all abilities.

The Glentress trail has long, but not too technical trails. Ideal for tackling on a sunny day. The views are truly stunning.

For less intense trails, the GT Red and Blue lines are definitely worth trying. The Spooky woods is one of the most ridden trails in the UK, offering tabletops, descents and pure speed.

Situated 22 miles south from Edinburgh, it is easily accessible. There are lots of natural trails to explore and it offers a true mountain biking haven.

Innerleithen (Tweed Valley)
Only a short ride from Glentess. However, it feels like you have landed in a different world. The downhill trails at Innerleithen are renowned for being the best in the UK. No wonder why British mountain bikers do so well on technical World cup courses.

Innerleithen has a mix of natural and endure trails built by Dick Hamilton, cutting through the forest and offer steep drops. There are plenty of options for riders of different abilities.

A new uplift service was created in 2018, known as Adrenalin Uplift that operates Monday to Friday. You might want to try the Cresta Run; a hand-built trail. Offering you a twisty, tight and rooty trail.

Golfie is only across the road, it’s a perfect way to test your biking skills on the challenging steeps and roots.

Fort William
Fort William is one of the most famous mountain biking trails in Scotland. Hosting the UCI DH World Cup sixteen years ago, witnessed by an amazing 20,000 mountain biking enthusiasts. The weather changes as often as the trail changes- you can expect four seasons in a day.

In addition to the technical trails, there are many family friendly trails for all abilities.

Exploring Scotland
Scotland is brilliant for taking part in some open mountain biking. You can ride anywhere as long as it’s done in a reasonable manner. Sticking to well-designed paths and not damaging the land, or conflicting with other road users.

If you don’t feel confident navigating Scotland on your own you can contact a mountain biking guide.

One of the main benefits off going with a local mountain biking guide is taking advantage of their local knowledge, and make the most out your time out on the trail. They will make sure you get to see some amazing views.

What to expect at the Trail Centre
Visiting a trail centre is a brilliant way to hone your mountain biking skills in a safe and controlled way. However, they can be intimidating when you first arrive.

When you arrive at the trail carpark there is normally a charge for parking. Don’t forget to pay as it will be going towards the general up keep of the trail. You will see people looking hardcore on expensive bikes. However, don’t be intimidated as everyone had to start somewhere.

Trail Grading
The majority of trail centres will have trail grading to help you pick a trail that best fits your ability and personal preference.

Green – easy and family trail. Most commonly fire roads or bike paths. Normally fairly short and are ideal for first timers

Blue- beginner trail. Similar to green trails. However, there will be more single tracks, climbs and longer trails. You might find a few mellow rocks, berms and roots to get your MTB juices going.

Red – intermediate trails. For more advanced riders. You will find more single tracks, more technical, tricker drops and descents. The majority of red routes are still rollable.

Black – expert trails. They consist of technical climbs, steep drops and big jumps. Momentum is your best friend when tackling tricky trail.

Pro Line – For the professional, for crazy mountain bikers with large drops and jumps. If it your first time at the trail. It may be worth keeping well away.

Necessities
The majority of trail centres have a bike shop to get some basic necessities. Some include bike hire, servicing and maybe some refreshments. It may be good to check the trail website for the particular facilities at the trail. If you have any questions regarding the trail the bike shop is definitely the place to go.

If you’re thinking of visit a trail for the first time don’t forget the basic necessities for a day of mountain biking- a tube, multi tool, snacks, water, bike bump and waterproof clothing. Check the weather so you are prepared for the unpredictable British weather.

Spending a lot of time at the trail you will come across other mountain bikers with different ability levels. If a fast rider comes up behind you move over to the side safely. On the other hand, if you want to get past someone give them a polite wave to let them know your intention.

We hope you have enjoyed the article on “The Best Mountain Bike Trails in Scotland" and found it more helpful and informative. You may like to read our comprehensive Beginners Mountain biking guide at Road and Mountain Biking Reviews. .

I love discovering and trying Scottish food and drink. It is an important part of seeing and experiencing the country and there is a lot of great stuff out there. Here is an innovative product- Scotland's very own cola, made in Glasgow with heather extract.

I love the design of the can that features Scotland's national animal, the unicorn. It looks slick and contemporary. 'Made with Scottish water & heather extract' is printed on the front, so you are left in no doubt as to the unique, Scottish qualities of this drink.

On the rear of the can there is a neat infographic that further explores the features of this drink, including that it is suitable for vegans.

It has been several years since I last drank cola from a well-known brand, but Alba Cola tasted pretty much exactly like I remember cola to taste like. I had waited until a day where I was really thirsty to try it and it did the job very well of satisfying the thirst. It was fizzy and sweet and I did pick up something subtle with the heather flavour, but not hugely noticeable. I really enjoyed this drink and I think it is great that there is such a thing as a Scottish cola.

An ex-Motherwell footballer, Chris Ewing, noticed that in France there was a growth in regional colas. People there preferred to champion a locally made cola rather than the big brands and Chris thought a similar demand could exist in Scotland. He teamed up with Niall Holmes to create Alba Cola.

Alba Cola can be found mainly in independent retailers, so if you come across it give it a go and let me know what you think.  

Vulpine's cycling rain trousers are stylish and ideally suited to cycle commuting.  After using them for about one month I fell in love with these trousers. Seriously, these trousers are superb and have become my favourite piece of commuter cycling kit. They are packed full of useful features and because they look like normal trousers they are smart enough to be worn in the office or wherever it is you are going to on the bike.

​Why do you need cycling trousers?
Yes, you could just wear a pair of jeans or jogging bottoms and that would be fine for short commutes and good weather. But the further you need to travel on a bicycle and the more often you do it then you will soon discover that 'normal' trousers are not going to cut it. What you need is a trouser that:

•  Can stand up to the rigours of being cycled in
• Feels comfortable to cycle in- does not feel too tight in the wrong places
• Is not going to get caught in the chain
• Does not make you sweaty or feel too cold
• Can deal with rain and not leave you soaked through  

A good cycling trouser will fulfil all of these requirements. Vulpine's trousers do more than that, they smash these requirements and they offer up a lot more.

​First Impression
The initial thing that struck me about these trousers was the quality of the construction. They feel tough and they look made to last. When I first put them on they felt quite heavy duty, like something you might wear on a building site and when I walked in them they 'swished' noisily. I admit to not liking this at first, but within a few days I got used to it and it was no longer an issue. In fact. I happily wear these trousers on any occasion and not just on the bike.  

The trousers come in khaki, forest green, charcoal and blue denim. It was the khaki colour that I wore.

Here's my guide to spending a day in Perth. Make the most of the city's outdoor spaces and riverside location before heading to George Street where you will find the best independent retailers and Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

There is a map at the end of the blog to help you navigate to the places I have suggested here.

​Riverside Walk
Perth's location on the banks of the Tay, Scotland's longest river, is one of its greatest assets. Make this your first stop- it's just a 10 minute walk from the train station. 

Wide pavements on the west side of the river provide a grand, urban perspective, akin to a Parisian stroll along the Seine. However, the most delightful walks can be had on the east side of the river where you will find the Riverside Park.

This park has water features, sculptures and the largest collection of heather in Scotland-  over 950 species. The pathways look onto the river and the city skyline.

Kinnoul Hill View
If you fancy a bit of a hike, head up Kinnoull Hill for one of Scotland's best views. Allow for about 2 hours to make the return walk to the viewpoint shown in my photo.  You could also pop into Branklyn Garden to see the Himalayan Blue Poppies. 

My blog about Branklyn and Kinnoull Hill has more detail about these places.

Continental Cafe Culture
The layout of the streets that surround Saint John's Kirk is reminiscent of an Italian Piazza. The cafes and restaurants have outdoor seating facing the church.

A good spot to enjoy the atmosphere is Hinterland,  a cafe with superb coffee, home baking and sandwiches bursting with flavour.​ I opted for the lentil and vegetable soup and a toasted ciabatta with roasted vegetables, mozarella and pesto. 

Unique Shopping
Perth city centre is full of the usual high street names, but for something different head to George Street. This is where you will discover the city's independent retailers. I have highlighted the food and drink shops here, but you can also get your hands on clothing, jewelry, gifts, crafts and bicycles on this street.

The Bean Shop
The Bean Shop offers up the delightful retail experience of buying coffee that is ground whilst you wait. The smell of the black stuff enters your nostrils from the street and gets even better when you step inside. It's like going back to the Victorian era with the floor boards, chandeliers, ceiling rose, cornicing and big wooden counter. I was handed a menu of coffees so that I could make my choice. I noticed that the Gourmet Blend is the best seller, so I went for this.

It is a busy place with staff going to and from the store room, grinding coffee, weighing it on the scales and then packaging it up in the brown bags that have a picture of the shop on the front.

The bag of coffee is such a tactile object- Squeezing it, smelling the coffee inside and feeling the rustic material of the bag.  It's just such a nice experience shopping for coffee in here. I am pleased to report that the Gourmet Blend was smooth and mellow and very easy to drink.

Provender Brown Deli
On one side of this shop there is a long refrigerated deli counter with cheeses, olives and charcuterie. On the other side there are shelves brimming with interesting treats like chutneys, jams, spices, biscuits and pasta. 

In the rear room of the shop there is a great selection of alcohol, including whisky, gin and Scottish beers. There are also sweet treats, like these lovely chocolates that I purchased.

Casella & Polegato
​What a treat to have an Italian bakery in the city! This is the place to come for artisan bread, pastries and more. I treated myself to a packet of hazelnut meringue. This was melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness, light, but with a nutty crunch.

Brewdog
Relax with some Scottish craft Beer at Brewdog's Perth bar. This company was one of the Scottish craft beer pioneers and it has grown into a huge brand, but retaining the independent streak beloved of beer fans. There is a neon sign on the wall that states 'fiercely independent. Forever craft.'

The interior has all of the hallmarks of an indie beer pub. There's the retro movie sign that lists the beers on tap, the exposed brick walls and the natural wood tables. The leather seats and cosy corners are a perfect accompaniment to a cool IPA.

​The outside of this building, with its jagged edge on a corner street, reminds me somewhat of New York's Flatiron building. 

Perth Museum and Art Gallery
​Right opposite Brewdog is the museum, a grand Victorian building. Step inside the wonderful dome entrance and discover many fascinating items. I shall share with you some of my favourites.

The sculpture court has this gem- a vase that was made for Napoleon's first wife:

One of the rooms is dominated by this bronze age log boat, made from a hollowed-out oak tree, that was found in the River Tay in 2001:

I love these Neolithic carved balls. They look so tactile. They are 6000 years old, their funtion unknown, but possibly for ceremonial purposes:

There is a great display about the largest salmon ever caught in Britain. It was realed in from the River Tay by Georgina Ballantine in 1922. It weighed 29kg and was used to feed the staff and patients at the hospital. The museum has a copy of the plaster cast of the fish, but I think this photo gives you a much better idea of how massive it was:

Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Experience
Don't leave Perth without paying a visit to this wonderful shop. It's been here for over 100 years and retains a shop front with an Art Deco/1920s vibe. B.A. Kerrigan is both a tobacconist and a sweet shop. It can be found on Methven Street, about a 6 minute walk from the train station.

If you are a smoker they've got cigars, pipe tobacco and all the accessories. They have something like 120 different types of sweets and buying these is a nice little experience. The jars of sweets are on the customer side of the shop so you are asked to pick up the jar and bring it over to the shopkeeper. What kid (or adult) wouldn't want to pick up one of these big sweetie shop jars?

The shopkeeper then empties the sweets out of the jar to clatter onto the scales. You choose your weight or just do it by eye and your treats are then poured into a paper bag. What I am describing might sound like a normal everyday thing, but the reality is that with Internet shopping and supermarkets this has become a special and rare experience. Go and enjoy it!

Tea and Cake at Effies
If you haven't overindulged in the sweets and are in the mood for a traditional tea room experience then pop into Effies. It is a 2 minute walk from the sweet shop, on the High Street. It is a little piece of vintage joy with its Victorian parlour atmosphere of chandeliers, old portraits and silver tea pots. Cakes are light, fluffy and yummy and they have over 30 teas to choose from.

That's my suggestion for a day in Perth. For more ideas of things to see and do in the city check out perthcity.co.uk

How to get to Perth
The city is well connected by coach and train, but if you are bringing your bike then train is the way to go. From Glasgow it takes just over 1 hour and from Edinburgh it is around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Some services require a reservation to take a bike. See my guide to taking your bike on the train.

Suggested Cycle Routes from Perth
If you want to explore a bit further try these cycle routes:

• 3 miles to Huntingtower Castle

Many cyclists love coffee and believe a good bike ride should be accompanied by a good coffee. I am one of those cyclists, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to review some products from Rave Coffee. 

"No Jargon, no BS, just great coffee made simple."
These are the words you will find on Rave's packaging and website. They capture the coffee roaster's ethos about sourcing great coffee without any of the faff that you sometimes get with other coffee companies, like fancy ways to describe coffee and too much emphasis on packaging. That's why Rave's coffee arrives in no-frills packets, but I think they still look pretty cool and distinctive. I like the crossed out phrases, used by a certain coffee-chain to describe their drinks- I think this is the 'BS' that Rave are getting at.

A bit about Rave
They have a coffee roasting operation and cafe in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. It is in the Cotswolds region, about 80 miles from London. Their range of coffees is impressive, so much to try! There are coffee blends with enticing flavours, including one called 'fudge blend evolution' that tastes of fudge. There is a vast range of single origin coffees and they do Nespresso compatible pods. There is also decaf coffee and cold brew coffee. Just take a look at their website; it is a very enjoyable browsing experience with lots to discover. Let's move straight on to the taste test...

Signature Blend for Cafetiere
First up is the Signature Blend- the photo at the top of this blog shows the packaging. I love that there is an air vent on the back of the packet so that you can smell the contents. It is an important part of the coffee drinking experience to take in that wonderful aroma. Boy, does this stuff smell good! 

Then it is time to open the packet and take a look at the lovely black dust inside. These packets can easily be resealed after opening them, so you can keep the contents fresh and not worry about having to transfer it to another container.

All of Rave's coffees feature a little card with a taste profile. In the case of the signature blend it is chocolate, almond and caramel. I am not the best at picking out flavours in coffee, but I think I got the chocolate and the caramel. What I will say is that I found this coffee very easy to drink. It is smooth and not too bitter, making it easy to sink back cup after cup. It gives that all important caffeine hit, most welcome for my post-cycle java. I have really enjoyed having this coffee in my life and would not hesitate in recommending it.

The Signature Blend is currently £6 for a 250g bag and you can make savings by ordering larger quantities and/or taking out a subscription.

​Nespresso Compatible Pods
I tried three different coffees from Rave's range of pods. The Signature Blend, The Italian Job and  Columbia El Carmen.

The pods are 100% compostable so you can put them in your food waste bin. 

Signature Blend Pods
​What I liked best about this coffee was the crema, that layer of coffee foam that sits on top of the drink after it has finished coming out of the Nespresso machine. In the Signature Blend the crema is a gorgeous smooth and creamy concoction that feels lovely in your mouth. These pods have a caramel, chocolate and almond taste profile. I could pick up the first two flavours, but I wasn't too good at detecting the nut taste. It is a smooth, easy drinking coffee, so good for those that don't want something that tastes too strong.  

Italian job
I found these pods to be very flavoursome to the extent that I wanted to keep going back to it and taking little sips. I found it quite an addictive taste and it was pure pleasure to take in the chocolate and hazelnut flavour. I really enjoyed the strong aftertaste that remained in my mouth after I had finished the coffee. The caffeine buzz is strong on this one and this makes it ideal when you need that extra boost. A good one for when you need to get up early and on the go quickly.

Colombia El Carmen
This single origin coffee has a stunning crema formation on the top with little bubbles that feel silky in the mouth. It also came out my machine with a little swirl pattern. I could not resist taking a photo to show you this- don't you think this is a beautiful looking cup of coffee? 

I was very impressed with Rave's ethos, the value and the quality of their products. If you are seeking out some new and exciting coffees to accompany your cycling life then its definitely worth checking out Rave.

Vulpine specialise in cycling clothing that performs well on the bike, but also looks stylish off the bike. I had the opportunity to review some of their products. This blog reviews the merino Polo and Henley tops.​

Unpacking the tops and you are met with simply lovely items of clothing- flawless cut, stitching and design. The feel of the merino is soft and luxurious. When I tried them on I was delighted with the fit. They look great on, the sizing is perfect and flattering.

Vulpine specialise in cycling clothing that performs well on the bike, but also looks stylish off the bike. I had the opportunity to review some of their products. This blog reviews the mid merino polka dot socks.

Cycling socks need to keep you cool in hot weather or warm in colder weather. You are not going to get that from cotton socks bought from a normal clothing store, but Vulpine's sock is made from merino wool, a material well-known for its superior qualities. 

I tried the red polka dot socks. They look great and I would definitely be happy to wear them in the office or anywhere off the bike. 

They feel nice and soft when wearing them. I tried them out on three very warm days- averaging 25 degrees centigrade- and they definitely kept me cool.  Even though my feet were sweating the socks have a wicking action that pulls moisture off the skin and out of the sock. 

The other amazing thing about these socks is the odour resistance of merino wool. I decided to really put this to the test and wore the socks for one week without washing them! This included the three very warm days mentioned above. And they smell of nothing other than wool. Perhaps a bit musty by the end of the week, but not of smelly feet, which you would get from cotton socks. That's great news for cycle commuters who do not want to have to change their socks when they get to the office. 

I tried these during the summer, so have not yet been able to test their winter performance, but I have had used merino socks from other stockists in colder weather and know that the material is excellent at keeping feet warm.

These socks are currently priced at £15. It's good value when you consider their technical qualities, stylish looks, that they are made to work in both cold and hot weather and that they will likely last for years because of the quality of the material.

​I will be reviewing more of Vulpine's products,  so look out for my next blog.

​If you need a bit more convincing about cycling specific clothing read on...
​
Why do you need special cycling clothes?
​It's one of those hotly debated subjects among the cycling community. One argument is that you should just wear your normal clothes when cycling. The problem with that is that not all normal clothes perform well when cycling longer distances or are any good when the weather turns nasty. Jeans, for example, do not give you the freedom of movement that you need when pedaling. If it rains jeans get heavy and wet, and that's a nightmare if you are on a bike for any length of time.

The other argument is that you should wear things like lycra and high visibility yellow jackets for freedom of movement, safety and performance in bad weather. The problem with these clothes is that it means you look like 'a cyclist' and its probably not the look you want for the office or meeting friends for lunch.

Vulpine offers clothing that is the best of both worlds- stylish (i.e. looks like normal clothes) and also performs the technical function of cycling clothing. Think, being able to go from bike to work or bike to meeting friends for drinks and not having to change clothes or worry that your clothes shout 'cycling geek.' 

Visit Vulpine's website to check out their range.​

Scotland is home to some of the world’s best cycle routes. Long or short distance, the country’s cycle routes traverse through roads and wilderness and showcase the country’s majestic scenery all the way from north to south.

There’s over 3,800 km worth of National Cycle Routes in Scotland that span forest, townships, coastline, rural areas, railway paths and the country’s many historical landmarks. From short family-friendly cycling trips to multi-day adventures, Scotland’s variety of cycle routes has something for everyone.

​Discover Scotland’s breathtaking landscape and surrounding islands on these 10 cycle routes:

Inverness to John o’Groats​