Scotland is a prime location for exciting cycling escapades. It might be compact, but this fascinating country claims some of the most wondrous expanses of wilderness in western Europe. In our guide to off-road cycling in Scotland, we look at some of the best routes on offer for you and your trusty bike.
With plenty of fantastic scenery on offer, cyclists looking for picturesque off-road routes in Scotland are truly spoiled for choice. Whether you want a laid-back ride from Edinburgh to the shores of Leith or dream of pedalling fast through dense forest, Scotland offers easy and challenging off-road routes for all occasions. On two wheels, you’ll cover more of Scotland’s remarkable landscape, bringing the chance to spot rare red squirrels, elusive golden eagles, and even marvellous minke whales in their natural habitat. Make this curious land your adventure playground and visit one of the following off-road cycle routes in Scotland.
1. Easy Off-Road Cycling in Edinburgh
Hybrid holidays are on the rise across the globe, with people looking to cram many different types of adventures into their travels. Scotland is the perfect place to enjoy this kind of variation. The distance between the port of Cainryan and Edinburgh is 99 miles, so when you travel via ferry, you’ll be able to enjoy a city break with some scintillating off-road cycling in the suburbs.
Even if you don’t bring your own bike on the ferry with you across the Irish Sea, there are plenty of places across the capital that offer cycle hire for a reasonable cost. The ancient city of Edinburgh boasts a plethora of continuous traffic-free cycle paths. Many follow old city railway lines, and one firm favourite is the trail from Scotland Street in New Town to the Shore in Leith. This off-road cycle track offers the chance to break away from the buzz of the city and get a breath of fresh air in between sightseeing. Saddle up and enjoy the smooth 10-minute ride to Sandport Place, where you’ll be able to visit the beautiful Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the area’s premier tourist attractions.
2. Fabulous Forest Trails in Fife
Fife is a great place for a cycling trip, and can be reached in under three hours by car from the port of Cairnryan. The ‘Kingdom of Fife’, as it calls itself, has a very different identity to the rest of Scotland. The southern part of the region is known for being Edinburgh’s commuter belt, but head east towards the golfing haven that is St Andrew’s and you’ll find rolling green hills and woodlands ripe for exploring on two wheels.
While the Fife Coastal Path is probably the best known of the 300 routes here, head for Devilla Forest if you’d rather cycle off road. This wooded area has many cross-country mounting biking trails perfect for families and beginners. You’ll get to explore the wild outdoors with the relief of knowing you’ll encounter few gradients or hazards.
As well as the easy off-road bike trails, Devilla Forest is famous for its spectacular wildlife. There are around 160,000 red squirrels in the UK, 75% if which are in Scotland. Many make their home on the woodland paths of Devilla, where the aptly named Red Squirrel Trail presents the opportunity to catch sight of the elusive little mammals. Continue to cycle through the rest of the forest and its four lochs, which are home to dragonflies and otters.
3. Coastal Bike rides on the Isle of Mull
For quiet roads through rugged scenery, head to Scotland’s wondrous west coast. Steeped in natural beauty, the Isle of Mull is a five-hour drive from the port of Cairnryan, but the longer drive is well worth the astonishingly scenic bike trails on offer.
If you are looking for an easy off-road ride with as few gruelling climbs as possible, you’ll strike gold in Mull. Tobermory, a picture-perfect fishing port, is the perfect base to take on some of best off-road cycling routes in Scotland. A standout is the four-mile trail from Tobermory to Ardmore – a favourite forestry trail of the Isle of Mull Cycling Club. Once you reach Ardmore, you can carry on off-road to the beautiful 19th century Glengorm Castle or the little village of Dervaig for a tea break, before making your way back to Tobermory.
If you elect to pedal around Dorcas Bay during your time in Tobermory, there’s a good chance you’ll glimpse a plethora of marine life, including minke whales, harbour porpoise, seals and even dolphins. Visit Mull from May – July and cast your eye skywards on your bike ride, as you might glimpse a white-tailed or golden eagle, the UK’s largest birds of prey.
4. Hill Climbs in Dumfries and Galloway
If you really want to test your skills as cyclist, head to Dumfries and Galloway and take on the gruelling Galloway Gradients. Galloway is only a 90-minute drive from the port of Cairnryan. That’s fortunate – considering you’ll need to conserve all your energy for the tough cycling routes this area of the Southern Uplands has to offer!
Anyone who has tackled this circular trail of traffic-free paths will tell you it is a killer; however, the 47-mile off-road cycling route offers views of the gorgeous Galloway hills that compensate for the number of steep climbs.
Starting in Newton Street, make your way to Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre for your first pit stop, where you can enjoy refreshments with panoramic loch-side views. This long and challenging route continues to wind through the countryside and a maze of waterways, including the glittering Loch Trool. After passing through wild woodland, you’ll continue alongside the River Cree back to your starting point, when a victory beer will most certainly be in order.
Ready to try these off-road cycling routes in Scotland? Book your ticket to from Larne to Cairnryan with P&O Ferries today. If you are looking for another cycling trip why not start planning a cycling trip in Ireland?
