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Best Traffic Free Cycling Holiday Destinations Scotland

Cycle on holiday in ScotlandScotland is a land of raw, rugged natural beauty. From the unspoiled vistas of the Highlands, to the charms of the lengthy coastline and the awe-inspiring scenery of the hinterlands, there’s no shortage of captivating views to take in while exploring the UK’s northernmost nation. One of the best ways to get up close with the picturesque wonders of Scotland is by cycling.

 
Take to Four Wheels to Explore Scotland

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of going on a biking adventure in the open air, feeling the wind whip past while you’re taking in the many sights that make Scotland so very appealing for so many. If you’re looking to explore more of the nation by bike, here are some of its very best traffic-free cycling trails.

 

Top Places in Scotland to Enjoy Traffic-Free Cycling

1.Kintyre Way, Argyll and Bute

Discover some of the best of the Argyll and Bute coastline on a self-catering break; this is one of Scotland’s best known areas for its natural rugged beauty. Cycling along the Kintyre Way can be a great way of getting out and discovering this wondrous area of Scotland.

This extensive cycling trail covers approximately 100 miles of distance. To make it easier for those looking for shorter routes to tackle, it’s split into seven different sections. Each one enables you to discover much of the Kintyre peninsula, including its verdant hinterlands and charming coastal views.

Terrain: some of the terrain requires use of a mountain bike and cyclists may have to dismount to cover parts of it.  There are moderate slopes in parts, as well as grassy tracks.  Most of the routes are off-road.

The trail as a whole starts off at Tarbert near the northernmost point and takes you right down to unassuming seaside village of Machrihanish. It was originally designed to be a walking route, though in recent years much of it has been enhanced in order to make it more suitable for cyclists.

 

2. The Great Glen, the Scottish Highlands

Though quite a challenging route in places, the Great Glen is certainly quite the rewarding cycling trail. Make your way along it and you’ll get to take in views not only of Ben Nevis, the highest of all mountains in the British Isles, but also of Loch Ness, which is perhaps the most famous loch in all of Scotland thanks to the numerous sightings of the mythical Loch Ness monster. It covers some 32 miles and links Fort William railway station with Fort Augustus, a town that lies at the southernmost end of Loch Ness.

Inverness is located close to Loch Ness.

Terrain: some of the terrain requires use of a mountain bike and there are slopes in parts.  Most of the tracks are off-road.

 

3. The Caledonia Way, Scottish Highlands

This trail stretches for approximately 11 miles, starting off at Fort Augustus and ending up at Laggan Locks. It mostly consists of designated cycle paths, along with some canal towpaths, so cycling it shouldn’t prove problematic at all, especially since it’s mostly flat.  There are some challenging up-hill road sections too though!

Fort Augustus lies right at the southernmost tip of Loch Ness, so before starting off on the trail you can take in the sights of the famed loch and learn about the area’s many purported sightings of the mythical Loch Ness Monster. This Caledonia Way cycling trail actually takes you south, away from the loch. Along the trail, you can enjoy views of the Loch Oich and the remnants of an old railway line.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly cycleways but is a challenging route fitness wise and good levels of fitness are required.

 

4. Helix Park, Falkirk

Enjoy traffic-free cycling near Falkirk.  What makes this cycling trail so impressive is the fact that it bypasses two of the most famous landmarks in Scotland. It starts off at Helix Park in Falkirk and takes you past the Kelpies, two 30-metre horse head sculptures, and the Falkirk Wheel, a large, rotating boat lift; an astounding feat of engineering that has to be seen to be believed. The length of this cycling trail is about 16 miles and it’s been rated by those who have completed it as fairly easy.

Terrain: this trail covers cycleways and towpaths and requires moderate fitness levels.

 

5. The Rob Roy Loop near Loch Lomond

This cycling trail is named after none other than Rob Roy MacGregor, a famed outlaw and something of a local folk hero (akin to a Scottish Robin Hood). Cycle your way along this scenic trail and not only will you pass by MacGregor’s grave, you’ll also pass through the dense Strathyre Forest and will make your way past two different picturesque and peaceful lochs. This cycling trail is so-called because much of it was frequently traversed by MacGregor himself. It covers a distance of approximately 13 miles and has been rated as quite an easy trail to cycle. Most of it consists of off-road cycle paths; there are some parts of it that include roads, though these are very quiet and rarely experience any traffic at all.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly cycleways, is family-friendly and requires moderate fitness levels.

 

6. The Lochwinnoch Loop, Paisley

Starting off at Paisley Canal, this cycling trail covers some 10 miles of distance and takes you to the charming and rural village of Lochwinnoch. The trail is mainly along footpaths and cycleways which mainly follow along a disused railway track.  Along the way, you’ll pass by a variety of sights worth seeing. There’s a number of intriguing artworks to be spotted, such as the Bedrock Bike sculpture, along with views of a well preserved 17th century castle and, of course, lots of local wildlife.

While this trail is fairly easy to follow, there is a very small section that requires you to ride on a busy road for about a fifth of a mile. Should you prefer not to do this, you can simply walk along the pavement lining the road instead.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly cycleways and footpaths and requires moderate fitness levels.

 

7. Formatine and Buchan Way, Aberdeenshire

Set aside up to six hours if you wish to complete the entirety of the Formatine and Buchan Way cycling trail, as it covers some 40 miles. It starts off Dyce train station right beside Aberdeen Airport and takes you north up to the town of Maud. Here the trail splits: you can opt for the eastern trail and head to the coastal town of Peterhead or carry on heading north and end up at Fraserburgh, another coastal town. Both routes cover roughly the same amount of distance. The trail takes you through the rolling greens of the countryside and follows along what was originally a railway track.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly cycleways and can be muddy in places (a mountain bike is recommended).  This trail requires moderate fitness levels.

 

8.  The Deeside Way, Aberdeenshire

Ideal for those planning a holiday in Scotland’s Castle Country, the Deeside Way is an excellent off-road bike trail, with a very short on-road section.  Covering around 20km in total, this trail takes you from the station square in the pretty village of Ballater and follows a trail along a disused railway line, through woodland, on to Cambus O’May and goes all the way to Aboyne if you want to go that far.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly flat cyclepaths and only requires moderate fitness levels.

 

9. The Speyside Way, the Cairngorms

Located within the Cairngorms National Park, the Speyside Way covers hills and countryside along the scenic River Spey.  Only part of the Speyside Way is suitable for cycling; the part of the trail between Boat of Garten and Aviemore and the part between Fochabers and Nethybridge.

The parts of the Speyside Way that you can take a bike along, consist of mainly designated cycle paths, with some of it including very quiet, seldom used country lanes. You’ll start off in Aviemore, a popular tourist-friendly town and gateway to the park for many, and you’ll end up at Boat of Garten, a small traditional village. Cycle along this trail for beautiful views of the park and its undisturbed mountain scenery – you’ll also get to see the Strathspey Railway in action. What’s particularly convenient about the railway is that it welcomes cyclists, so you can hop on and enjoy a leisurely ride back down to Aviemore, unless of course you’re keen to cycle your way back.

The other option is to follow the route between Fochabers (a very pretty traditional Scottish village) and Nethybridge.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly cycleways and can be muddy in places (a mountain bike is recommended), as well as hilly in parts.  This trail requires moderate fitness levels.

 

10. Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Central Scotland

Loch Leven is located around mid-way between Edinburgh and Perth in the Scottish central lowlands.  The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is an ideal cycling trail for beginners. This off-road, all-abilities trail encompasses the loch and covers a distance of just over 12 miles. If you tackle the trail at a reasonable, steady pace it should take just less than an hour and a half to complete. There are seven official start/end points at various car parks located at different points along the loch’s perimeter.

The trail is mostly very flat and following it enables you to see some of the local wildlife, such as otters and osprey, along with Loch Leven Castle. This mostly ruined castle lies on an island in the loch and is believed to date back to the 14th century. Although it’s protected by Historic Scotland, members of the public can visit during the summer by ferry. This trail is conveniently close to the M90.

Terrain: this trail covers mainly flat cycleways and makes for relatively easy cycling.

 

Wherever you opt to go for a cycling holiday in Scotland, this is a truly beautiful and unspoilt part of the UK and we hope you enjoy discovering it on two wheels.

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