As the highly anticipated 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships fast approaches, (with less than 100 days to go), what better time than now to explore Scotland on two wheels as the long summer days make their return.
Boasting a variety of routes for all abilities; a number of quiet roads; tranquil, waymarked long-distance cycle routes; exhilarating mountain biking experiences; as well as jaw-dropping scenery, Scotland is made to be enjoyed by bike. And with museums and galleries in major cities, numerous visitor attractions and distillery tours, there is plenty to do off-bike. Check out the following destinations to discover Scotland on two wheels, making memories to last a lifetime:
Perthshire
With an expanse of serene glens, rushing rivers, and lush forests, Perthshire is the perfect destination for cycle enthusiasts seeking outdoor active getaways. A visit to the Cateran Ecomuseum, a museum without walls, is a great way to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the area with history that stretches back through millennia. Visitors can cycle through the sites using pre-designed itineraries or design their own routes using the museum’s map function.
Taking in the region on two wheels is made easy by joining a guided e-bike tour with Highland Bike Tours, or hiring a bike or e-bike from Progression Bikes in Dunkeld, making sure not to miss key attractions including The Hauntings exhibit at Perth’s Black Watch Museum – the only Scottish venue to host this ghostly WW1 sculpture – which will be on display from July, or the Scottish Crannog Centre – which aims to be the most sustainable museum in Scotland – when it re-opens later this year. For those really looking to stretch their legs and put the wheels to the test, pedalling along the River Tay Way cycle route takes in some of the finest countryside that Perthshire has to offer.
2023 is an exciting year for the city of Perth, as it will be hosting the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships on Friday, 4th August, the second day of the Championships. The Gran Fondo is a long-distance mass participation event that celebrates competitive cycling. As the Gran Fondo takes place on the opening weekend of the Championships there will be plenty of world-class competition for visitors to enjoy on a trip to Scotland this August.
Where to eat: Wild Picnics at Straloch, Straloch Highland Escapism, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
A great way to enjoy something a bit different with a fully catered picnic at the hidden lunch hut in the Perthshire hills.
Where to sleep: Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld, Perthshire, from £170 per night
Escape the hustle and bustle in this luxury country house overlooking the River Tay. With comfortable rooms and newly renovated suites, there is no better place to relax after a day of cycling.
Dumfries and Galloway
Nestled in the scenic south-west of Scotland lies the birthplace of the bike, Dumfries & Galloway, a tranquil and picturesque region, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere and one of the stops on Scotland’s award-winning UNESCO Trail.
With a variety of historic attractions and natural wonders to uncover, and over 450 miles of signposted cycle routes, off-road cycle trails and world class mountain bike trail centres, the region caters to cycling adventures of all abilities, from leisurely family-friendly rides to challenging mountainous terrain, Dumfries & Galloway has something for everyone.
For a leisurely ride along the coastline feeling the gentle sea-salt breeze while enjoying the stunning views of coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing villages, this is the place to be! Alternatively, the peaceful forest trails of Mabie or Dalbeattie give mountain bikers opportunity to embrace the fresh country air and look out for native wildlife along the way. The region is also home to a number of scenic cycling paths, including Loch Ken Cycle Route and the 250-mile Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland Coast cycle route launching in the summer.
For the more adventurous cyclist, the region offers challenging climbs and exciting descents. The Galloway Hills provide miles of challenging terrain, with steep climbs that offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Those looking to tackle a challenging distance should consider an adventure along the Solway Coast 200, a brilliant self-guided bike tour that starts at Scotland’s most southern point of Scotland, the Mull of Galloway. Two hundred miles later, the route ends at the border with England in the famous border town of Gretna Green.
Those looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure can ride at any of the seven world-class 7stanes centres that span the south of Scotland or opt to tackle the Raiders Road, which provides a narrow winding climb through lush forest.
For a break away from the saddle, the region has an abundance of rich history and culture to explore. A visit to the historic remains of the Sweetheart Abbey, founded in 1273, offers an insight into the lives of the monks who once resided there. While the elegant Drumlanrig Castle boasts extensive woodland trails to explore and scenic views across the Nith valley.
Whether bringing a bike or hiring one locally, there are ample opportunities to discover this beautiful part of Scotland by bike. which provides a narrow winding climb through lush forest.
For a break away from the saddle, the region has an abundance of rich history and culture to explore. A visit to the historic remains of the Sweetheart Abbey, founded in 1273, offers an insight into the lives of the monks who once resided there. While the elegant Drumlanrig Castle boasts extensive woodland trails to explore and scenic views across the Nith valley.
Whether bringing a bike or hiring one locally, there are ample opportunities to discover this beautiful part of Scotland by bike.
Where to eat: The Steam Packet Inn, the Isle of Whithorn
The Steam Packet Inn offers quality contemporary food and its harbourside location takes full advantage of the vast amount of quality seafood that is landed just yards from the kitchen door including scallops, lobster, and crab. Priding themselves on sourcing everything within a twenty-mile radius, with venison from both wild red deer and roe deer supplied by local game dealers and the Galloway Smoke house supplying the very finest smoked salmon.
Where to sleep: Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel, Dumfries and Galloway, from £105 per night
The Buccleuch & Queensberry Arms Hotel is a traditional and stylish country hotel located in the picturesque town of Thornhill. One of the standout features of the BQA Hotel is its proximity to some of the region’s most popular cycling routes, including the Forests and Glens route and the Solway Coast Heritage Trail.
After a day of cycling, guests can relax in the hotel’s comfortable lounge or enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant, which serves a range of delicious, locally sourced dishes.
Falkirk
Located between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Forth Valley, Falkirk is a breathtaking destination for cycling enthusiasts with an array of outstanding attractions to explore, including �HYPERLINK “https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/”The Falkirk Wheel – often dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, UNESCO Heritage site – the Antonine Wall, and The John Muir Way. often dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world, Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, UNESCO Heritage site – the Antonine Wall, and The John Muir Way.
From National Cycle Network routes and challenging woodland trails to easy canal tows, the Falkirk area has routes to suit all cycling abilities. There are plenty of ways to get started from hiring a bike or E-bike, to taking a trishaw tour from pioneering Falkirk-based charity, Cycling Without Age Scotland. The unique trishaw tours are for people with limited mobility, helping them to explore the sites and attractions of the Falkirk area by bike, either on their own or alongside other cyclists*.
A short bike ride away from The Helix: Home of The Kelpies, is Zetland Park, a beautiful Victorian park in Grangemouth. The park also has a Bike Library offering free bike hire and an E-bike station as well as an exciting pump track, play area, sensory garden, restored war memorial and riverside paths amongst other attractions. Little ones can try out the Learn to Cycle track where they can learn how to cycle on miniature roads.
With its friendly locals and warm hospitality, Falkirk is the perfect destination for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Where to eat: A stop at The Horsebox Café and Gift Shop, which serves incredible ice cream produced by Falkirk-based Milk Barn as well as a range of drinks and homemade snacks, is a must. All profits generated by The Horsebox are reinvested into the surrounding canals to safeguard their rich heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Where to sleep: Spoke-n-Boot Camping Pods, Falkirk, from £45 per night
Providing cosy overnight accommodation for cyclists, walkers, motorcyclists and tourists visiting the Falkirk area. It’s the ideal place to rest and recharge before waking up to the next adventure.
Orkney
Pedal power is the perfect way to explore Orkney. With mile after mile of quiet country roads, and very few big hills to tackle, whether road racer, tourer or mountain biker, there is something for all in Orkney to enjoy, and with direct flights from London Heathrow airport with Loganair, the new service will provide even easier access to short breaks or longer stays.
Cycle hire is available at a number of locations across Orkney, including Cycle Orkney in Kirkwall and Orkney Cycle Hire in Stromness and there are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants such as Birsay Bay Tearoom, The Kirk Gallery & Café and Beneth’ill Cafe, ready to provide a variety of cake-fuelled energy required to get going again.
Exploring the outer-isles by e-bike is the ideal way to feel the fresh Orcadian breeze – suitable for a variety of ages and abilities; more seasoned cyclists can opt to discover the stunning landscapes and heritage with a guided mountain bike tour.
Those looking for varied adventure should consider The St Magnus Way, a 58-mile pilgrimage route through Mainland Orkney, inspired by the life and death of Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint.
The St Magnus Way consists of six main sections, with each leg of the journey offering a different landscape and unique reflective space enriched by breath-taking scenery and the rush of feel-good factor endorphins. Following the route is made easy thanks to the newly launched St Magnus Way Walking and Cycling Guidebook, which is available to buy in the Birsay Community Centre, download the St Magnus Way App, or for more information, please visit: www.stmagnusway.com
Where to eat: The Kirk Gallery & Café, Tankerness
This beautifully renovated former parish church is a showcase for Sheila Fleet’s jewellery collections, including her very latest designs. In addition, a tasteful extension houses The Kirk Café—a fantastic Orkney food experience offering some unique Orcadian dishes. Booking is highly recommended.
Where to sleep: North Walls Kirk, self-catering, Hoy, Orkney, Church Stromness Orkney From £150 per unit per night
North Walls Kirk, situated on the picturesque island of Hoy is an extensive and unique self-catering property.
Tip: Bring bikes on local ferries for free
