Routes2Ride
Union Canal - Water of Leith
This traffic-free journey starts by following the Water of Leith path from Balerno into Slateford, using a disused railway and tunnel. It then joins the Union Canal into central Edinburgh, crossing the Water of Leith on an aqueduct.
Classification: Suitable for families Distance: 7 miles
Lochwinnoch Loop Line
From Paisley Canal station the route goes to Johnstone, following the traffic-free railway path. From there it heads to Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Kilbirnie, passing by three lochs and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Castle Semple Visitor Centre is an excellent location for water sports, walks, cycling and picnics. There is wheelchair access to the whole route.
Classification: Easy Distance: 14 miles
Kincardine - Charlestown
The route starts just to the east of the old Kincardine Bridge and picks up the “pipe track” into Culross, a 17th Century town worth exploring. The pipe track continues along the shore of the River Forth and past Preston Island. Continue on roads through Newmills and around Torry Bay – with excellent bird watching. There is a steep climb up to Crombie before a cycleway and a drop down a rough road bring you to Charlestown.
Classification: Easy Distance: 11 miles
Leuchars - Tayport
This ride begins in Leuchars. Follow National Cycle Network Route 1 on a quiet road out of the village to Tentsmuir Forest, which extends over the sand dunes between the estuaries of the Tay and the Eden. There is a picnic spot and access to the beach before the route heads to Tayport. Fife is criss-crossed with miles of cycle routes, many of them created as part of the Kingdom of Fife Millennium Cycleways.
Classification: Easy Distance: 8 ½ miles
West Fife Way Clackmannan - Dunfermline
The West Fife Way starts just to the north-east of Clackmannan and follows the course of the former Dunfermline to Alloa railway. Heading west on the cycleway, it’s an easy run to Dunfermline, with the option of diverting to the mountain bike tracks in Devilla Forest or onto minor roads to join National Route 76 along the coast of the Forth Estuary. Look out for the Kingdom of Fife Millennium Cycleway signs with the green diamond – these routes will take you down to the coast.
Classification: Suitable for families Distance: 11 miles
North Kessock - Culloden
You can break this route into two separate rides from the centre of Inverness. Heading north from Inverness, take the cycle and walkway across the Kessock Bridge. On the north side of the Beauly Firth, follow the traffic-free path alongside the road to the Tourist Information Centre and the Dolphin and Seal Centre where admission is free.
Heading east from Inverness, cycle towards Balloch and across Culloden Muir. The route takes you near the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and further on you come across the late-Neolithic Clava Chambered Cairns.
Classification: Moderate Distance: 12 miles
Garnock Valley Cycleway
Starting in Irvine, the route follows traffic-free and riverside paths and passes near Eglinton Country Park where you can walk, cycle, horse ride or even try angling. You’ll soon end up at Kilwinning, where the route crosses the Kilwinning Viaduct to join quiet, attractive minor roads. The route passes by the Blair Country Estate which you can explore on foot. At Kilbirnie, the route joins the Lochwinnoch Loop Line. Shorter trips can be made by using the regular train services.
Classification: Easy Distance: 18 miles
Edinburgh - Musselburgh
Starting at St Leonard’s Lane, National Route 1 signs lead you down an exciting tunnel, part of the former ‘Innocent Railway’. Follow the railway path and then cycle track alongside the Niddrie Burn. Cross a car park and use the bridge (steps) to go over the railway by Brunstane Station. The route then passes the Queen Margaret University campus to reach Musselburgh Station.
Classification: Easy Distance: 5 miles
Edinburgh - Cramond Brig
A mainly traffic-free cycle from the centre of Edinburgh, the route follows the tree-lined corridor of the old Granton Branch of the Caledonian Railway out to Davidson’s Mains, residential streets through Barnton, a cycle track over the golf course and then down quiet roads to Cramond Brig.
Classification: Easy Distance: 5 miles
Dundee - Arbroath
This route takes you along coastal paths and minor roads and from city and town to beaches, castles and golf links. From Dundee the route heads through the Dundee port area. You’ll see Broughty Castle jutting into the estuary and overlooking Broughty’s Blue Flag beach to the east. The route then closely follows the sea to Monifieth and then to Carnoustie where you will find a Championship Golf Course. The route finishes in Arbroath - famous for its ‘Smokies’.
Classification: Easy Distance: 21 miles
