Discover Scotland: 10 Spellbinding cycle routes

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​

Duncansby Head near John O’Groats. Image by Visit Scotland visitscotland.com

This stunning cycle route forms part of the North Sea Cycle route that passes through eight European countries. Spanning a huge 321 kilometres, the Inverness to John o’Groats cycleway takes well-equipped cyclists through some of Scotland’s most remote landscape, passing through rich heritage sites in the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. See archaeological remains, impressive hills, wild coastline, and ancient peatlands before arriving in the northernmost part of Scotland,  John o’Groats.
​
Distance: 200 miles / 321.7 kilometres
Terrain type: Mostly sealed road

Devilla Forest loop track, Fife

Devilla Forest. Image by Visit Scotland visitscotland.com

Discover Scotland’s mysterious woodlands on the Devilla Forest Loop Track. This 9.5km cycleway is a mix of fast and flowy forest track, ideal for mountain bikers. With a max elevation of 24 metres, this mostly-flat trail is perfect for families and not too strenuous for parents biking with little ones on one of these fancy mountain bike seats. Weave through Scots Pine trees, pass the Peppermill Dam, and spot the red squirrels on this pleasant, family-friendly loop track.
​
Distance: 5.8 miles / 9.4 kilometres
Terrain type: Forest track

Innocent Railway Path, Edinburgh

Innocent Railway Tunnel. Image by Stuff Edinburgh stuffedinburgh.com

If you want to try something different on your trip to Edinburgh, cycle the Innocent Railway Path. This is the longest bike track in the south-east of Edinburgh and begins with a 500-metre long, dark ride through St. Leonard’s Tunnel. The tunnel is one of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets, dating back to 1831. Cyclists emerge from the tunnel into lush off-road paths with Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, in view.

Distance: 3.8 metres / 6.1 kilometres
Terrain type: Sealed underground rail path and off-road track

Isle of Bute circuit loop, Bute

Rothesay Isle of Bute. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

Head to the Isle of Bute for a day of cycling in the stunning Firth of Clyde region. Bute is laden with a variety of coastlines that cyclists pass through on the circuit loop track. This cycleway is perfect for a family ride and with frequent ferry crossings from the mainland, it makes an easy day trip. Stop in Rothesay for a bite to eat, and a peek at the historic Rothesay castle.

​Distance: 13.7 miles / 22.1 kilometres
Terrain type: Sealed road

Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way, Irvine to Ayr

Dunure Castle Ayrshire. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

The Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way makes up part of National Route 7, passing through the vast coastline that connects Irvine and Ayr. With almost 25 kilometres of sealed road, cyclists can enjoy the smooth ride and take in stunning views of the Isle of Arran. The track veers inland and passes two Scottish Wildlife Reserves at Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood before reaching Troon where cyclists return to coastal tracks all the way to Ayr.

Distance: 15.4 miles / 24.8 kilometres
Terrain type: Sealed road
​
4 Abbeys cycle route, Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, St Boswells

Melrose Abbey Scotland. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

This 88-kilometre cycle route links the four main abbeys in the Scottish Borders: Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose and St Boswells. Each of the four abbeys make great places to stop for a bite to eat or an overnight stay. The long-distance trail passes through some very remote areas and requires a high level of fitness and cycling capability. This is the ultimate Scottish scenic route that showcases much of the country’s landscape and historical locations.

Distance: 55 miles / 88 kilometres
Terrain type: Mostly sealed road
​
Castle Route, Isle of Arran

Isle of Arran. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

See the beautiful Isle of Arran on this 10-kilometre mountain bike loop track. The Castle Route track is suitable for all riding levels, from novice to advanced, and showcases Arran’s diverse landscape and key historical attractions. Enjoy this fun family adventure, stopping to enjoy each destination along the way such as the Heritage Museum and the 16th century Brodick Castle. Keep an eye out for basking seals on your ride along the coastline.

Distance: 5.5 miles / 10 kilometres
Terrain type: Forest track and coastal path
​
Great Glen Way, Inverness to Fort William

Great Glen Way. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

The Great Glen Way is an incredible Scottish mountain biking journey, running from Inverness to Fort William. Spanning a huge 117 kilometres, cyclists travel the dividing line between Scotland’s northern and central highlands, making their way from coast to coast. Each section of the cycle route varies in difficulty, with much of it following the Caledonian Canal Towpath. Some sections are flat and traffic-free, while others require long, steep climbs. Given the distance, this cycle route requires a high level of mountain biking capability, adequate cycling gear and self-sufficiency.

Distance: 73 miles / 117 kilometres
Terrain type: Mountain bike track and sealed road

Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Perthshire

Loch Leven Castle. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

Discover Scotland’s nature and wildlife on this easy, flat loop track around the banks of Loch Leven. Be sure to spot the osprey, kingfishers and otters who frequent the area before heading further into the heritage trail to see the area’s lush greenery. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail makes a great day trip, with plenty of choice for a tasty lunch. Enjoy marvelling at the Lochleven Castle (famous for holding Mary Queen of Scots prisoner from 1567-68), which sits in the middle of the loch.

Distance: 12.12 miles / 19.5 kilometres
Terrain type: Off-road track
​
Sandhead to the Mull of Galloway

Lighthouse Mull of Galloway. Image by Pixabay pixabay.com

Cycle from Sandhead to Scotland’s most Southern point, The Mull of Galloway. This cycle route is famous for its picture-perfect scenery, with Luce Bay on one side and the Irish Sea on the other. See basking seals, Scottish wildflowers and sweeping vistas of rolling hills en route to The Mull of Galloway where you can enjoy a bite to eat in Scotland’s stunning south.
​
Distance: 14.9 miles / 24 kilometres
Terrain type: Sealed road