Starting from the Fife Arms Hotel on Mar Road in the centre of Braemar Village cycle to your right along Mar Road, away from the A93. After 200 yards you come to a small roundabout. At the roundabout TAKE THE SECOND EXIT on to Linn of Dee Road and cycle out of Braemar with The River Dee on your right hand side as you cycle along this beautiful river.

Continue to cycle along the road and after about 3 miles you pass Victoria Bridge over the river (which is an alternative shorter route). Continue along Linn of Dee Road past Victoria Bridge and about half a mile you come to the small hamlet of Inverey. Continue along straight through Inverey and after 1 mile you come to Muir where the road bends to the right and takes you over the stone bridge on The Linn of Dee.

When you reach the other side of the river FOLLOW THE ROAD ROUND TO THE RIGHT keeping to the Linn of Dee Cycle Route which takes you back towards Braemar on the other side of the River Dee. After about three quarters of a mile you come to the small hamlet of Claybokie. Cycle straight through Claybokie. (Note: - if you wish just after Claybokie you can turn right down the lane to Mar Lodge and Victoria Bridge).

Continue past Mar Lodge after about 1 mile you come to a wooden bridge and a small car park at The Linn of Quoich. The Linn of Quoich, is a waterfall through the narrow ravine, where the bridge passes over. Near the bridge is the Earl of Mar's Punch Bowl - a natural hole in a rock midstream that was literally used as a punchbowl at the end of hunting deer in the neighboring forest. It is at this point that the tarmac road ends and you continue northwards along the state road past some old farm buildings. Continue to cycle along the estate road and when you enter the dense pine woods follow the signs for green Scottish rights of way cycle signs which eventually takes you past Invercauld House and round the river down to a ‘T’ junction with the A93, which is about three and a half miles from where you joined the estate road.

At the junction TURN RIGHT along the A93 (sign posted The Linn of Dee Cycle Route) in the direction of Braemar. After about one and a half miles you pass Braemar Castle on the right as you approach Braemar and 300 yards after the castle you TURN RIGHT on to Invercauld Road which takes you in to the centre of the village and back to The Fife Arms Hotel. The start/finish of your cycle ride.

At a T-junction turn right, then left at the A966 and then immediately right – in the direction of the signed National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 1. The road climbs steeply for 2 miles to the hamlet of Gorseness then just before you start the descent you will see Rendall Dovecot, a round tower located next to a farm beside the sea. (To visit go down a very steep, if short, road on the right, as signed). Continue on the coast road past the ferry terminal at Tingwall to reach a T-junction with the A966 at Woodwick. Turn right and proceed for only about a mile before turning right signed to the Broch of Gurness. You will wonder where the Broch’s gone – but just keep looking out for the Saltire flag and you will soon reach it round the corners! After visiting the Broch retrace your route for about 600 yards then turn right down a track (easy to cycle), keeping the Sands of Evie to your right. The track turns into a road at the car park and returns you to the A966 – and NCN Route 1.

Turn right and prepare for a long haul to Birsay. The Loch of Swannay provides a highlight. Go over the crossroads with the A967 and, at the shore, turn right to reach the Brough of Birsay. You will have spotted it earlier – looking like a pie with its lighthouse reminiscent of a blackbird sticking out the top. You get a great view of the Brough from the car park – and can leave the bike to cross to the island on foot if the tide is out. Return the way you came again passing the ruins of the Earl’s Palace which is also well worth a visit. Continue ahead into the village, passing over a bridge.

Just past the Birsay Tea Rooms and where the tarmac road ends continue along a track for 500 yards and then turn right at the junction with the B9056. Soon, to your right, you will see in the distance the chess piece-like Kitchener Memorial which can be reached by diverting as signed.

At the crossroads at Quoyloo turn right to reach Skara Brae which has bike racks. Leave Skara Brae turning right back onto the B9056 and along the banks of the Loch of Skaill. Turn left at the junction with the B9055 then, at the A967 turn right and immediately left to continue ahead on the B9055. The best section of the day comes next – an effortless cruise with lots of freewheeling along the increasingly narrow neck of land which separates the Lochs of Stenness and Harray.

Pause for the Ring of Brodgar then pass over the Ness of Brodgar to check out the Stones of Stenness. At a major crossroads turn left onto the A965 and continue for a mile to visit Maeshowe. (To be sure of gaining admission you must book one of the hourly tours in advance by calling 01856 761606). From Maeshowe rejoin NCN 1 for a short while and continue east along the A965 back to Finstown.

]]> 2011-01-13 T;14:16:00+00:00 http://www.routes2ride.org.uk/routes2ride/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). Begin your ride just north of the railway station in Aviemore - take the subway under the railway line and turn left onto National Route 7. Follow a quiet road for a bit and then wind your way through a residential estate, before joining a shared-use path for walkers and cyclists, which takes you all the way to the village of Boat of Garten.

This journey offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities as you cross heather covered moorland, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges and dense forests. You may also see and hear the occasional passing steam train on the Strathspey Railway. The village of Boat of Garten is known as the ‘Osprey Village’, as, after the species had been driven to near extinction, a pair of Ospreys reappeared at Loch Garten in the 1950s.

When you come into the village, keep cycling to the north side and you will see a sign for the RSPB reserve at Milton Loch, where you can get up close and learn more about these majestic birds of prey which migrate here to breed every year. Since you start and finish at either end of the Strathspey Steam Railway, you can return with your bike by steam train if your legs are too tired. Alternatively, you can make it a circular route by returning on the on-road section of National Route 7 on the B970 (9miles).

This route starts over the trunk road bridge from Inverness in the visitor car park at North Kessock.

Turn left out of the car park heading North West along the minor road towards the junction with the A9. Just before the roundabout turn right onto a shared use path and follow signs for National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN 1) left across the road towards Munlochy and Tore.

The route goes through an underpass and follows a path on the far side of the dual carriageway until it heads left onto a minor road at lay-by. At a junction go right and then left past some kennels and, just over half a mile up the road, turn right where NCN 1 splits and follow the sign to Munlochy, passing the Black Isle Brewery a short way along on the right.

Turn left at the end of this road to pass through Munlochy and head up the hill towards Killen. About 2 miles along the road, make sure to turn right just after some woodland and follow NCN 1.

Carry on for 5 miles along a straight road which takes you through Killen to a T-junction. Turn right onto the B9160then right onto the A832 which starts to descend quite steeply, but you will need to be ready to brake as you take a hairpin left turn back up the hill on a minor road past Janefield towards Eathie (look out for the blue NCN 1 signs).

This next stretch offers fine views of the Moray Firth, Fort George and Chanonry Point. It also passes the famous Learnie Red Rock Mountain Bike Trails, well worth a visit if you are upon an appropriate type of bike.

Just past a number of TV and Radio masts, the road drops back down to meet up with the A832 again where you turn right towards Cromarty.

Make your way down to the Cromarty village centre and harbour. There are stunning views across the Cromarty Firth to the Hill of Nigg and Nigg Bay. Take some time to see the arts and crafts shops in Cromarty. National Trust for Scotland’s Hugh Miller museum is also well worth a visit.

The return leg follows the shore of the Cromarty Firth along the B9163 with great views across to Ben Wyvis.

Turn right at the next junction after Jemimaville and soon veer right past the old cemetery at the remains of St Michaels Church towards scenic views from Newhall Point.

Keep left at a small wooden sign to Balblair to climb back up to the B-road, where you turn right for a long steady accent overlooking the firth.

Eventually, turn right towards Conan Bridge to drop down a nice twisty road that gives a great view of the Cromarty Bridge. Carefully cross the A9 by the bridge and continue straight ahead on a nice single-track road until it turns sharply right, where you continue straight ahead on a minor road signposted to Ferintosh, then keep left at a give way to climb up to the B9169.

Go right and continue until you almost reach the A835 where you meet NCN 1 again. Follow NCN 1 along an excellent cycle path off to the left just before the junction, signed to Inverness and North Kessock.

Follow this to Tore, carefully over the busy roundabout (crossing the A9 again) and continue along NCN 1 turning right onto a minor road which meets your outward route where NCN 1 splits near Allangrange.

Leave the car park on the south side over Lawson footbridge, which leads into St. Georges Lane. Turn right at the far end into Buccleuch Street, then first left into Buccleuch Place. Turn left at the top of this road into Drumlanrig Square and bear right through the square into Kirk Wynd. Cross the bridge over Stirling Water to reach a ‘T’ junction at Slitrig Crescent.

Turn right and leave Hawick on the B6399, following the river upstream. About 1/2 mile after leaving the 30mph zone, take the first turning on the left up Lover’s Loan , which climbs steeply up a Wooded dean. After about 1 mile along the lane you come to a ‘T’ junction with the A6088. Turn left at the junction then after 200 yards turn right towards Cavers. A short dip over a burn is followed by a mile of intermittent climbing. On your left a wide view opens out over Teviotdale beyond the distinctive Cavers church.

The road bends right at the summit then bends sharp left on the following descent, at which point Rubers Law comes into view to the south-east. Turn right at the bottom of the following long straight.

The road continues to descend past East Middle Farm, followed by a rather steeper ascent to the next minor summit, beyond which the next junction is reached. Turn right here, now heading south-west past Whitriggs Farm.

A long, gradual ascent ends when the A6088 is encountered for the second time. At the junction turn left. In just over a mile you reach Hawthornside. Instead of bearing left with the main road, make a switchback turn to your right into a minor road heading south-west (at this point you pick up signs for the Borders Loop cycle route. Follow these cycle way markers all the way back to Hawick).

The road climbs fairly gradually for a mile or so, and gives extensive views of Stonedge Forest and Wauchope Forest in the distance on the left. Beyond the summit it is generally easy cycling for the next two and a half miles through open hill country. The most interesting prospect on this section is straight ahead with the road heading almost directly towards the shapely summit of The Pike (463m). At the ‘T’ junction with the B6399 turn right and cycle north back towards Hawick.

The road soon starts to descend, steeply at first before easing somewhat at Stobs where it enters the valley of the Slitrig Water, which is followed all the way back to Hawick. The outward route is rejoined shortly before re-entering the town at Hummelknowe Bridge and is followed back to Upper Common Haugh.

The route links Irvine town centre, Kilwinning, Eglington Country Park, residential areas as well as local leisure facilities and work place locations.

The Trail also provides links with an extensive network of local paths and tracks as well as linking into two National Cycle Network routes (National Routes 7 and 73); running from Glasgow to Carlisle and between Kilmarnock and the Isle of Arran and onto the Mull of Kintyre.

The route follows NCN 73 through Irvine town centre and crosses Irvine Moors into Kilwinning, from here you leave NCN 73 and enter Eglinton Country Park, the route then continues through the Lawthorn area and into Broomlands before rejoining NCN 73.

For more information about The New Town Trail visit

The Ayrshire Paths website

The Wrack Road takes you to the remains of Crosbie Kirk and from there past the woods that have covered the remains of Crosbie Castle. It then meanders through the site of the former Fullarton House.

The route then continues through Fullarton Woods and joins the B746 for the only road section of the trail, straight through Loans. Now keep your eyes peeled for the right hand turn off the B746 and onto to the minor back road through Collennan which turns to a dirt and gravel trail again on to Collennan Reservoir and the Aught Wood.

From here on it is all more demanding dirt and gravel forest trails and its up and down like a rollercoaster, ideal for mountain bikes and keen walkers, Aught Wood merges into Dundonald Wood into the Glen and finally leads you into Dundonald and the terrific castle and visitors centre(You could also continue through Dundonald Wood into Beech Wood and the remains of Auchen Castle whilst in the area, it’s a tiny extension of the trail).

Note of caution

Although only 5 miles the route might feel like more and the route is really only suited to mountain bikes or at the least hybrids fitted with off road tyres and a good gear range. A decent level of fitness is also required and good bike skills otherwise the descent into Dundonald Glen could be potentially dangerous for the inexperienced. Also be aware of walkers/dog walkers coming up through the glen and that there are NO run offs.

The route begins in the Gleann a Cholais Forest car park (Forestry Commission Scotland) in South Ballachulish on the south Side of Ballachulish Bridge.

From the car park in South Ballachulish, follow the track alongside the burn down the hill to find the railway path (National Cycle Route 78). Follow the path northwards until you meet the A82 just south of the Ballachulish Bridge. Turn eastwards on the traffic free path alongside the trunk road to Ballachulish and Glencoe village.

In Ballachulish, drop into the tourist information centre and cafe to discover more about the local area, the staff are very helpful and will try answer all your questions.

Before heading towards Kinlochleven, take a look around Glencoe village and visit the Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum. Within the traditional, heather-thatched cottages that make up the museum, there are a variety of objects that portray the history of this remarkable area.

Having looked round Glencoe village, follow the B863 northwards and then eastwards to Kinlochleven, where you can visit the world’s largest ice climbing wall, the Aluminium Story Visitor Centre or climb up to the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall.

Follow the B863 to head back on the other side of the loch to North Ballachulish. Half way along, you have the option of stopping at the Loch Leven Seafood Café for refreshments and to stock up on quality West Coast seafood in the shop. the views on the return leg are stunning, make sure you have a camera.

National Cycle Network (NCN) Online Mapping

View 25,000 miles of cycle routes, including 13,000 miles of NCN, using Sustrans online mapping. You can also:

• Draw, measure and share routes
• Find local amenities such as bike hire and shops
• Find bus stops, train stations and timetables

Visit www.sustrans.org.uk/map

The Complete National Cycle Network App

You can also access Sustrans online mapping with the Complete National Cycle Network app. The app includes all of our online features as well as:

• GPS tracking – record and share routes
• Storage of map backgrounds for areas without mobile signal

To download the app, visit the Sustrans website

The ride starts at Sumburgh Head (look out for puffins) and heads north through mainland Shetland passing Loch Spiggie and the beautiful Bay of Scousburgh on your way to the capital of Lerwick. North of Lerwick it uses some of the many winding single-track roads as alternatives to the sometimes busy main road to create several circular or braided routes (see yellow route lines on below map).

You continue through mainland Shetland passing Loch Strom at Hjaltasteyn and then onto Voe before coming to Booth of Toft where you catch the ferry to Yell. The route then passes through Yell, passing the stunning Basta Voe on your way to the ferry at Gutcher where another ferry crossing takes you to Unst. More fabulous scenery awaits you on Unst including the lovely Loch of Watlee, before arriving at the finish point at Nor wick Bay.

For cyclists needing to get ferries back to U.K mainland there are 2 options to get back to Kirkwall (for ferries back to Aberdeen):

1. Cycle back to Kirkwall.

2.Try to hitch a lift back to the mainland.

The ride starts in Newton Stewart and follows National Route 7 east, crossing the A712, to Creetown. The route continues along National Route 7 until you reach Gatehouse Station where you turn off onto a track towards Clatteringshaws and Glen Trool.  This track travels north beneath the spectacular Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, as seen in Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps.  You will then wind through forests and countryside, past Loch Granoch, until you reach Clatteringshaws Loch. If you feel like a break, you can turn off to the right along the main road to Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre for refreshments and toilets, as well as visit the nearby Bruce's Stone - the first of two that can be seen on this ride.

Follow the quiet road round Clatteringshaws Loch to Craigencallie House and you will come to the start of another traffic free section that passes Loch Dee.  The route continues to Loch Trool where you'll find the second Bruce's Stone - where Robert the Bruce is reputed to have paused after his victory at the Battle of Glentrool in 1307!  Here you'll rejoin the road downhill into Glentrool Village.  Just past the Glen Trool Visitor Centre, you turn left onto a quiet road that runs near the River Cree through the woodlands and countryside back to Newton Stewart for a well earned rest!