Routes2Ride
Hawick Loop
A nineteen mile circular route which takes you out of Hawick into the surrounding countryside along mainly country lanes and B roads. There are some sections along ‘A’ roads. The route is hilly, so be prepared but some of the views along the route are well worth the effort of the climbs you encounter.
Hawick is an historic town with some distinctive sandstone buildings and is best known for its ‘common riding’. The town hosts the annual Common Riding, which combines the annual riding of the boundaries of the town's common land with the commemoration of a victory of local youths over an English raiding party in 1514. You will find plenty of suitable places for refreshments in Hawick.
Classification: Moderate Distance: 19 miles
Kinlochleven Loop
This route is mainly flat and takes you through one of Scotland’s most notorious, and inspiring landscapes. Stop at the visitor centres along the way to find out more about the natural and historical significance of the Glen Coe and Loch Leven.
Classification: Moderate Distance: 20 miles
Top and Tailing the Shetlands
Route 1 runs across the Shetland Isles from Sumburgh Head to the island of unst, with numerous ‘braided’ routes giving a total distance of 136 miles (219km). The whole route is on-road, utilising quiet roads where possible, but some sections are on main roads which are best avoided at peak travelling times. The wind is a fairly constant friend or foe, depending on your direction of travel! Cyclists attempting this route should be aware that there are no bike carrying facilities on any of the bus services accross the Shetlands.
Classification: Hard Distance: 109 miles (end to end)
Scottish Borders Loop
The Border Loop cycle tour
winds its way on quiet minor roads and tracks for 250 miles through the
Scottish Borderland. Way marked for almost the entire route The Border Loop
takes you through Kelso, Hawick, Peebles, Melrose,
Duns, Eyemouth and Coldstream.
Classification: Challenge Distance: 250 miles
Linn of Dee Cycle Ride
An approximate 19 mile cycle ride on both tarmac lanes and off road section, so a mountain bike or hybrid are required for this beautiful scenic cycle route. The cycle route takes you out from the lovely Scottish village of Braemar along The Linn of Dee Cycle Route along quiet country lanes along the banks of ‘The Royal’ River Dee to Muir and then back along the opposite bank of the river where you cycle along an off road section through a wooded trail and then back to Braemar.
Classification: Medium Distance: 19 miles
Loch Katrine - Loch Ard circular route
In the heart of the Trossachs with magnificent landscapes shaped by nature, and immortalised in poetry by Sir Walter Scott, this area is ideal for a challenging day out cycling. In the summer, this route can be combined with a boat trip on the 'SS Sir Walter Scott' or the 'Lady of the Lake' that take sight-seeing trips around Loch Katrine. This is a challenging 35 mile route, with some steep accents through the Achray Forest and sections with very little amenities; caution should be exercised when attempting this route and cyclists should take sensible clothing.
Classification: Hard Distance: 35 miles
Orkney Prehistory Loop Ride
A route that encompasses some of the Orkney Isles best archaeological treasures in a day - and for the fit, provides an invigorating alternative to a coach tour. Allow plenty of time as this is a long route and there are numerous sites to visit. It will take around 1 -2 hours to look round Skara Brae and tours of Maeshowe take a minimum of 45 minutes. Alternatively, include an overnight stay. Birsay is the most obvious half-way house and has the best facilities and choice of accommodation.
Classification: Medium Distance: 40 miles
Aberfoyle - Gartmore Loop ride
A cycle ride suitable for families taking in magnificent vistas of the hills and villages of the eastern side of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park.
Classification: Easy Distance: 7 miles
The Dava Way
The Dava Way path links the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. Almost all of the route follows the old Highland Railway line and is off road and safe from traffic. Along its length it passes through a pleasant mix of farmland, woodland and moorland. The Dava Way is a great off road cycling route. The surface is firm for most of the route but it is often rough and front suspension is definitely recommended.
Classification: Medium Distance: 24 Miles
Newton Stewart to Wigtown
Dumfries and Galloway is sometimes called Scotland’s forgotten corner. It’s not on the main tourist trail to The Highlands, which means that those in the know can enjoy the beautiful beaches, picturesque towns and villages and networks of quiet roads in relative peace and quiet.
Classification: Easy Distance: 8 miles
