Cycling

Cycling in the Scottish Highlands is an unforgettable experience, with routes ranging from gentle lochside trails to epic mountain bike descents. Whether you’re looking for a scenic road ride, a long-distance bikepacking adventure, or a challenging off-road route, the Highlands have something for every cyclist.

Best Cycling Routes in the Scottish Highlands

1. Great Glen Way Cycle Route

Fort William to Inverness

A 79-mile (127 km) route following the famous Great Glen.

Mix of canal towpaths, forest tracks, and quiet roads.

Passes Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Caledonian Canal.

Best for: Long-distance riders, bikepackers.

2. Loch Ness 360° Trail

Loop around Loch Ness

A new 80-mile (129 km) route that circles Loch Ness.

A mix of off-road trails and quiet roads.

Stunning views of Loch Ness, forests, and hills.

Best for: Multi-day cycling with epic scenery.

3. North Coast 500 (NC500)

Inverness – Ullapool – Durness – John O’Groats – Inverness

A 500-mile (805 km) iconic road cycling route around the Highlands’ North Coast.

Features rugged coastline, steep climbs, and spectacular views.

Challenging but rewarding, with some brutal ascents!

Best for: Road cyclists, endurance riders.

4. Cairngorms National Park Cycling Routes

Aviemore & Surrounding Area

The Cairngorms offer stunning off-road trails and quiet roads.

Popular routes include:

The Speyside Way (off-road trail from Aviemore to Buckie).

The Old Logging Way (easy 6-mile trail to Glenmore).

Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails (for MTB riders).

Best for: Scenic leisure cycling and mountain biking.

5. The Hebridean Way Cycle Route

Isle of Lewis to Isle of Barra

A 185-mile (297 km) island-hopping cycling route.

Crosses 10 islands, linked by causeways and ferries.

Wild, remote, and some of the best cycling in Scotland.

Best for: Multi-day cycling, stunning coastal scenery.

6. Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass)

Applecross Peninsula

One of the toughest climbs in Scotland, with hairpin bends and 20% gradients.

Reaches 626m (2,054 ft) altitude, with insane views of the Isle of Skye.

Best for: Hardcore road cyclists looking for a challenge!

7. Laggan Wolftrax (MTB Park)

Near Fort William

One of Scotland’s best mountain biking trail centres.

Features red & black graded trails, with jumps, berms, and rock gardens.

Nearby, Nevis Range MTB Park has world-class downhill tracks.

Best for: Mountain bikers, adrenaline junkies.

8. Speyside Whisky Trail (Leisure Cycling)

Speyside, Near Aviemore

A leisurely cycling route through whisky country.

Visit famous distilleries like Glenlivet, Macallan, and Aberlour.

Mostly quiet roads, perfect for a relaxed ride with tasting stops.

Best for: Casual cyclists & whisky lovers!

Types of Cycling in the Highlands

Road Cycling – North Coast 500, Bealach na Bà, Hebridean Way.
Gravel & Off-Road Touring – Great Glen Way, Loch Ness 360°, Speyside Way.
Mountain Biking (MTB) – Nevis Range, Laggan Wolftrax, Glenlivet Trails.
Leisure Cycling – Speyside Whisky Trail, Cairngorms routes, Loch Lomond paths.

Bike Hire & Tour Providers

Ticket to Ride (Inverness) – NC500 bike hire & luggage transfer.
Off Beat Bikes (Fort William) – Mountain bike & e-bike hire.
Bothy Bikes (Aviemore) – Cairngorms MTB & touring bike rentals.
Skye Bike Shack (Isle of Skye) – Bike hire for exploring the island.

Cycling Tips for the Highlands

Be prepared for weather changes – Rain & wind can hit anytime.
Take enough food & water – Some routes are remote with no shops.
Check ferry timetables (Hebridean Way & island routes).
Bring a good repair kit – Punctures are common on gravel routes.
Book accommodation in advance – Popular cycling routes fill up quickly in summer.

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