Our cycling holidays in Scotland

Discover Scotland by bike

An untamed territory, Scotland is an ideal destination for cycling vacations, for those who love to cycle through spectacular landscapes and generous natural landscapes.

Scotland is criss-crossed by a cycling network of over 3,000 kilometers. Made up of cycle paths, dedicated greenways and minor roads, it ensures comfort and safety for cyclists venturing out to discover Scotland’s wilderness. The cycling network is very dense in the eastern part of the country. The west coast is less well signposted, but offers some spectacular routes.

Scotland is a destination that has to be earned. For two major reasons. On the one hand, as a result of its craggy terrain, there are many coastlines, sometimes with steep climbs. But this rugged terrain is also the charm of the Scottish countryside, and fabulous panoramas are the reward for climbing the slopes. On the other hand, cycling in Scotland means accepting the vagaries of the wet and changeable Scottish weather.

Cycling in Scotland means pedaling through a wide variety of grandiose landscapes. The untouched heather-covered immensities of the Highlands, the mysterious lakes lined with castles with legends stretching back thousands of years, such as Loch Ness, the indented coastline of green, sharp cliffs of the Isle of Skye and the Shetland archipelago.

But there’s more to Scotland than its splendid landscapes. Scotland also offers the warmth of pubs and taverns to warm you up after a wet stage. Cycling in Scotland also means discovering folklore and traditions that are firmly rooted in the local culture (the use of the kilt, bagpipe concerts, Celtic games tournaments, etc.). Last but not least, a cycling holiday in Scotland is synonymous with tasting some of the world’s finest whiskies, to restore your spirits after the sporting stages.

The country and its people

Scotland, the land of thistles, is a melting pot of myths and traditions. And the Scots are very proud of their customs. They love to proclaim their pride in being Scottish and their love of their homeland.

So, in Scotland, folk festivals and events enliven the calendar. Attending one is a unique opportunity. It’s a chance to learn more about Celtic traditions and meet the Scottish people.

Scotland’s image is undeniably linked to its kilted men. Originating in the Highlands, the kilt is a skirt generally accompanied by a purse. The kilt is made from tartan, a woolen fabric with colorful checks. The purse, worn on the front of the kilt, is made of leather. The clan crest is worn with pride, while the knife slipped into the sock completes the outfit.

A Scottish art par excellence, the bagpipes are played all over the country at popular events and festive occasions. Yet this powerful instrument was long banned by the English as a weapon of war. Attending a bagpipe concert is like listening to the pulse of the entire Scottish nation.

Cycle routes in Scotland

Scotland is served by 2 EuroVélo routes.

• EuroVélo 1: Atlantic Coast Road. On a European scale, it links North Cape in Norway to the beaches of Portugal. In Scotland, EuroVélo 1 takes you through the Celtic dales from Aberdeen to Glasgow, via Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. A spectacular route between land and sea, discovering Scotland’s most beautiful national parks.
• EuroVélo 12: the North Sea cycle route. Another itinerary that starts in Norway (Bergen) and reaches Scotland, ending its 7,000-kilometer route on the Shetland archipelago in the very north of the country. In Scotland, the EuroVélo 12 route winds along the east coast. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea coastline by bike.

With its greenways and bucolic, low-traffic roads, Scotland will appeal to cyclists who enjoy cycling in the heart of nature.

Scottish weather

As the old Scottish saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”.
Scottish weather doesn’t have the best reputation in the world. The Scots tend to laugh about it and poke fun at it with visitors who are sometimes surprised by its vagaries. It can be summed up in two words: changeable and wet. Indeed, in Scotland it’s not uncommon to see all 4 seasons in one day.

Scotland enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with cold, wet winters and relatively cool summers. Spring is the least rainy season. The months of May and June are perfect for cycling in Scotland. What’s more, as the summer solstice approaches, the days are long and the lights are magical.
Summer is slightly warmer than spring, but wetter. Temperatures remain cool all year round. On average, from May to September, the temperature is between 12 and 17°C. Ideal for cool cycling. For the more adventurous, the autumn months (September and October) are also ideal for cycling in Scotland. At this time of year, the Highlands vast wilderness is even more beautiful, dressed in their purple and russet attire.

The 8 must-sees in Scotland

On your cycling trip to Scotland, you have a choice of stunning scenery, lively towns and a rich cultural heritage. Here are our must-sees for a cycling holiday in Scotland:

• Edinburgh, the Scottish capital
• The Isle of Skye, with its incredible landscapes
• The Highlands, nature and traditions
• Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, a mysterious region
• The Glen Coe valley and its grandiose scenery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter
• Inverness, the dynamic capital of the Highlands
• Cairngorms National Park, a green setting for wilderness enthusiasts