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.