Routes2Ride
Lochs & Glens North
This one of the best-long distance cycle routes in Scotland. Lochs and Glens North, part of National Route 7, runs for 217 miles from Glasgow to Inverness. It takes you from the Clyde docklands, through Scotland’s two national parks, past Lochs Lomond, Venachar, Lubnaig and Tay, through forest and remote moorland to the highest point on the National Cycle Network in the Drumochter Pass, past Culloden battlefield, and ends in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.
Classification: Challenge Distance: 217 miles
Lochs & Glens South
There are lochs and glens, plus miles of coasts and forests on this route north from Carlisle. It takes you along the beautiful Solway Coast, over the hills of the Galloway Forest , and to the beaches of Ayrshire, before heading into Glasgow. The route offers something for everyone with a variety of easy and challenging cycling, both on and off-road.
Classification: Challenge Distance: 214 miles
Newton Stewart Circular
This is a challenging but extremely rewarding ride in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, where the beautiful landscape, attractions and fascinating history more than compensate for the steep climbs.
Classification: Challenge Distance: Approx. 47 miles
Oban to Taynuilt via Glen Lonan
Follow the quiet road through Glen Lonan between Oban and Taynuilt passing a rare breeds farm, standing stones and rocky outcrops before cycling along the shores of Loch Etive for stunning views. Return by train from Taynuilt or cycle back.
Classification: Moderate Distance: 14 miles
Paisley and Clyde Railway Path
Starting at Paisley you’ll pass the town of Johnstone, where National Routes 7 & 75 separate, and then cross attractive open country on railway path between the Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm, before reaching Port Glasgow and Greenock on the Firth of Clyde. Ferries ply between Gourock and Dunoon, a gateway to the Cowal Peninsula area of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There are some steep gradients in Port Glasgow and Greenock.
Classification: Moderate Distance: 21 miles
Perth to Almondbank & Pitcairngreen
This leisurely pedal to Almondbank weir is mainly traffic-free and is punctuated by some impressive views. You begin the ride on the North Inch in Perth alongside the River Tay, Scotland’s longest river, and follow it for nearly 2½ miles before turning alongside the River Almond. Your ride can finish at Almondbank where the riverbank becomes more wooded and salmon fishing is a popular pastime or continue along a minor road to the village of Pitcairngreen.
Classification: Suitable for families Distance: 6 miles
Perth to Dunkeld
This gentle ride takes you between two fascinating places, there are no major climbs, and you can take the train back to your starting point. Leaving the North Inch in Perth, you follow cycle paths alongside the River Tay and get splendid views of Scone Palace, where Scotland’s kings were crowned. You then follow tracks beside the River Almond, passing close by Huntingtower Castle, before reaching Almondbank and continuing to Dunkeld.
Classification: Easy Distance: 16½ miles
Tayport to Broughty Ferry
From Tayport a railway path follows the southern shore of the Firth of Tay to the Tay Road Bridge which is crossed using the elevated cycle path in the centre of the bridge. On the Dundee side of the bridge a lift takes you and your bike down to ground level and to the route through Dundee Docks (security pass required). The traffic-free shoreline promenade and quiet roads lead to Broughty Ferry and Broughty Castle.
Classification: Suitable for families Distance: 8 miles
Union Canal - Linlithgow to Falkirk Wheel
The route starts in Linlithgow on the Union Canal close to the Railway Station and the Linlithgow Canal Centre. West of Linlithgow the route is wonderfully rural, following the towpath along the northern bank of the canal. Follow the towpath over the Avon Aqueduct and through the half-mile long Falkirk Tunnel (bring lights!) all the way to the Falkirk Wheel, where the Union Canal joins the Forth & Clyde Canal.
Classification: Easy Distance: 12 miles
Union Canal - Linlithgow to Ratho
The route starts in Linlithgow on the Union Canal close to the Railway Station and the Linlithgow Canal Centre. Beyond Linlithgow, the route is mainly rural following the towpath east along the northern bank of the canal, close by Niddry Castle, through Broxburn, over the Almond Aqueduct, past the Scottish National Climbing Centre and into Ratho.
Classification: Suitable for families Distance: 13 miles
