Cycling in Scotland

Discovering the Highlands

Discover the Highlands of Scotland, a region of wild and spectacular beauty that attracts adventurers from all over the world. Located mainly in the north-west of Scotland, these lands are distinguished by their imposing mountains, peaceful lochs and vast moors. National Geographic has named them one of the most beautiful destinations of 2023! A not-to-be-missed excursion is the Isle of Skye, ideal for a day’s exploration. Valentin, from the Abicyclette Voyages team, spent a few much-appreciated days there: “This island is a concentrate of Scotland, offering a variety of landscapes that can be found all over the country. It’s vast, offering many excursion possibilities with numerous waterfalls, lush green cliffs as far as the eye can see and mountain landscapes overlooking the sea. “If I had to remember one particularly remarkable place in this country, it would be this place!”

The Highlands offer an unmissable opportunity to experience a cycling escape in search of physical challenges and thrills. The roads are often narrow and winding, passing through fantastic scenery and requiring a high level of fitness. On these roads, cyclists can ride over both cobbled and gravel roads, tackling steep climbs and descents in mountainous regions. Spectacular views over lochs and green valleys surrounded by towering rocky peaks are a priceless reward for those who brave this demanding terrain…

The Highlands will also appeal to itinerant travellers! Scotland has over 2,000 kilometers of cycling trails to explore, including the Caledonia Way, a coast-to-coast cycling adventure through the Highlands. Following the Kintyre Peninsula and the Great Glen, you’ll enjoy unrivalled views of famous castles, mountain ranges and beautiful west coast islands. Further north, the Far North Way takes cyclists from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to John O’Groats, the northernmost tip of the British mainland. From the gentler coastline and rich farmland of the Black Isle to the spectacular cliffs of Caithness and the wild open spaces of central Sutherland, this route offers mountains, lochs, historic and prehistoric sites, as well as much-loved flora and fauna.

Wild escapade in the national parks

With two national parks and over 40 nature reserves renowned the world over for their wildlife and habitats, Scotland offers landscapes of incomparable majesty. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park epitomizes this splendor. Nestled among lochs, ancient forests and towering peaks, the Trossachs are often referred to as “Little Scotland”. This is where the terrain of the Scottish Highlands really begins, intensifying as you cycle north. The roads wind through deep valleys and rolling hills, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Exploring this landscape, cyclists also discover hidden historic sites and picturesque villages nestled deep in the mountains.

The Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest, is another natural wonder not to be missed. Famous for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as its spectacular scenery, Cairngorms offers cyclists well-marked routes through its vast plateaus, glacial valleys and rugged mountains. These routes offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lochs, and are home to five of the UK’s six highest peaks. The cycle routes have been specially designed to allow you to discover this unique place, its nature and hospitality, while preserving the elements that make it so exceptional. While exploring Cairngorms, cyclists can also observe a rich variety of wildlife, including red deer, foxes and many fascinating birds. Valentin experienced this first-hand: “On my way to Edinburgh, I passed through the Cairngorms National Park. This park is characterized by bare, rounded mountains, representing the emblematic image of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, I had the pleasure of coming across a variety of animals, including horses, the famous Highland cows, sheep and even fallow deer!”

Folklore immersion in the many authentic villages

Scotland’s villages offer total immersion in traditional Scottish culture. Dunkeld, nestled along the banks of the River Tay, beckons with its historic cathedral and peaceful woodland trails. Callander, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Highlands”, charms with its Georgian houses and craft stores, as well as being an ideal base for exploring the Trossachs National Park. Pitlochry, famous for its annual festival and theater, also attracts visitors with its local distilleries, stunning mountain scenery and walks along the River Tummel.

These villages are famous for their warm atmosphere, welcoming pubs and delicious local cuisine. For centuries, pubs have been social gathering places where people meet to chat, exchange news and celebrate together. Cyclists are welcome to enjoy traditional dishes such as haggis or smoked salmon, accompanied by a glass of cask-aged Scotch whisky. Traditional Scottish music, with its typical instruments such as bagpipes, fiddle and accordion, is often played live in pubs, creating an authentic and lively atmosphere.

“I really enjoyed the pub meals, imbued with the typical Scottish atmosphere. During our stay, we also did several tastings: haggis, Scotland’s signature dish, mac and cheese, Scottish mussels and lots of fish and chips.”

And don’t forget to include a visit to the capital, Edinburgh, on your next cycling trip to Scotland! Edinburgh’s charm lies in its well-preserved medieval architecture and iconic castle. The city is also a bastion of literature, with authors such as Sir Walter Scott and J.K. Rowling both leaving their indelible mark on the city. Its many green parks, such as Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park, and the path along the Water of Leith, are easily accessible by bike. In Edinburgh, a vast network of cycle paths stretches across the city center and surrounding area, offering cyclists access to hidden treasures rarely discovered by ordinary visitors. You can explore canals, secret tunnels, tranquil gardens, and delve into industrial history along old railroad lines rehabilitated as cycle paths.