Routes2Ride
Cunninghame Cycleway
The route follows a disused railway line and a riverside path from Kilmarnock through Irvine towards Kilwinning. It then goes along minor roads to Stevenston, before rejoining a traffic-free path which follows the coast and gives sweeping views towards the Isle of Arran. At Ardrossan, you can take your bike on the ferry to the Isle of Arran, known as ‘Scotland in miniature’.
Classification: Easy Distance: 17 miles
Cullen - Garmouth
Enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery along this 14 mile section of National Route 1 between Cullen and Garmouth. The route is mainly traffic-free between Cullen and Buckie using the old coastal railway line. From Buckie the route follows roads before crossing the River Spey on the Speyside Viaduct into Garmouth. It is a short detour from the route to visit the Moray Firth Wildlife Centre.
Classification: Easy Distance: 14 miles
Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycleway
Running from the heart of Glasgow to the beauty of Loch Lomond, this almost entirely traffic-free route follows parts of the disused Partick to Yoker railway from Glasgow to Clydebank, the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal through to Bowling and again an old railway into Dumbarton. From Dumbarton, you follow the meandering River Leven up to Balloch and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park where you will find a visitor centre, restaurants and shops. As the entire route runs close to the railway, you can hop on a train with your bike at almost any point.
Classification: Easy Distance: 20 miles
Callander - Killin
From Callander you head north, following the River Garbh Uisge upstream, through forests and past the Falls of Leny. After passing Strathyre, you follow the route to Balquhidder where you can visit Rob Roy’s grave.
Onwards towards Kingshouse and then through the spectacular Glen Ogle where your surroundings change to heather clad mountains. In Killin you will pass the Falls of Dochart where a well earned rest will let you take in the magnificent scenery.
Classification: Challenging Distance: 24 miles
Balerno - Bathgate
After following quiet roads from Balerno to East Calder, the highlight of this 14 mile route between Balerno and Bathgate is the Almondell and Calderwood Country Park where you can cycle right through the park between East Calder and Mid Calder and under the impressive railway viaduct. From Mid Calder and through Livingstone, where you can visit the Almond Valley Heritage Trust, you continue towards Bathgate on a mainly traffic-free route.
Classification: Easy Distance: 17 miles
Ayrshire Coast
This mainly coastal route passes beaches and seaside towns, through two Scottish Wildlife reserves, Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood, and finishes at the ruins of Greenan Castle. It offers the opportunity to experience the varied landscapes of this part of Scotland and has great views of the Isle of Arran. You can visit beaches or explore the town centres along the way. You can also do shorter rides by using the regular coastal train service.
Classification: Easy Distance: 19 miles
Aviemore - Boat of Garten
Begin just north of the railway station in Aviemore. Take the subway under the railway line and join a shared-use path, which takes you all the way to the village of Boat of Garten. You will see wildlife, heather covered moorland, spectacular mountain ranges and possibly passing steam trains. The village of Boat of Garten is known as the ‘Osprey Village’. You start and finish at either end of the Strathspey Railway, you can return by steam train if your legs are too tired (summer only).
Classification: Easy Distance: 6 miles
Aberfoyle - Callander
Head north out of Aberfoyle on Route 7 and onto tracks through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Here you will take in a waterfall, forest tracks and lovely scenery, including the Menteith Hills, Lochs and wildlife. When you reach Loch Venacher you will cycle along the shore to Invertrossachs, where you transfer onto a minor road into the town of Callander.
Classification: Challenging Distance: 13 miles
