Cycling In Scotland

Cycling In Scotland

There are lots of reasons why Cycling in Scotland is such a great idea we are lucky to have a lots of dedicated cycle paths the most wonderful scenery and its good fun and helps keep everyone fit and why not combine your cycle holiday with a motorhome holiday at the same time.

Why Cycling in Scotland is a good idea

• The National Cycle Network in Scotland – they estimate that there is approximately 2371 miles of routes throughout Scotland with 644 miles of this being traffic free routes, so ideal if you like to cycle with younger members of the family.  There routes are easily identified with clear blue cycle friendly signs there routes can take you through villages, along the river, through a forest along the side of the canal by the beach – this makes id ideal for cycling in a group, for more information visit there website https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network/the-national-cycle-network-in-scotland/
• Cycling is such a great way of being able to visit corners of Scotland you would otherwise miss, the cycle paths tends to take you of the beaten track and quite often along the way you with find spots to rest and take in the magnificent surroundings, why not pack a picnic and stop on the banks of the loch and enjoy your lunch in what will probably be a picturesque location.
• We are lucky to have relatively mild climate which is great so you can enjoy your cycle run without over heating in the blazing sun – remember the weather can be unpredictable so its always useful to carry lightweight waterproofs just encase you get caught short.
• Of course, what better way to enjoy your cycling tour of Scotland than to take a motorhome along with you, this will provide an ideal base for you to stay in overnight plus you have no time restraints for check in or check out or need to be in a certain place at a certain time.  You can take your time in between your cycling and enjoy the scenery.

Why a motorhome is the Ideal accommodation and mode of transport

• The motorhome will provide you with a safe place to store your bikes – all motorhome have cycle racks on the back and our Lewis and Arran have the ability to carry bikes inside in the garage, no need to worry about your bikes when your sleeping or not about.
• All the motorhomes have a garage area for storing tool kits, spares, and your accessories rucksacks etc
• There is drying space in the bathroom if you do get caught out in a rain shower so you can dry off your jackets.
• The motorhome provides you with not only a comfortable bed for sleeping in but a comfortable base for you to enjoy and relax, there is a comfortable lounge for in the evening, bathrooms with toilet and shower, kitchen area for preparing meals or your packed lunch, all motorhome come with BBQ, tables and chairs and have an awning so you can really make the most of being outdoors.
• Your own kitchen allows you to control your meals, especially if you are away with the kids - keeps the cost of eating out down.  We all enjoy a cooked breakfast but not every day which you will find your inclined to do in a B&B
• We specialise in wild camping and modify the motorhome’s, so you do not need to rely on campsites.  You will find the sat nav has been pre-programmed with places to wild camp, so you do not need to stay at campsites and find your own idyllic location for an overnight stay.  

Where can you cycle

We have several route planners available on our website, the cycle routes below are some of the best in Scotland and have a variety of fitness levels so be sure to make sure you check it out what required in the route before you set off.  Using the route planner, you will find you may be able to do several for the mentioned routes below.
There are hundreds of cycle paths all over Scotland that you can access and these can be used in combination with our route planners for example there is a fantastic cycle path round Loch Morloch that myself and the children went plus there is the added benefit of parking at Loch Morloch – this is not mentioned in Scotland stop cycles but I would encourage you not to miss it.   

Some Of Scotland’s Top Cycle Routes

1.    Loch Rannoch, Perthshire

This is a circular route that takes you round Kinloch Rannoch approximately 22 miles and is suitable for families and cyclists of all abilities.  Along this route you will be able to enjoy some rest spots on sandy beaches, enjoy cycling through the pine trees in the forest all with the mountains as your backdrop.

2.    Loch Leven, Perthshire

The is a great cycle run again for families and cyclists of all abilities it is a 13, mile cycle round the loch on a flat gravel surface.  There is also the opportunity to stop and take the boat (in the summer months) over to the Castle on the Island in the middle of the loch, this is where Mary queen of scots was imprisoned and can be a great family day out.  There is also the opportunity to stop at Loch Leven’s Larder and have lunch or a coffee and you can pick up some fresh farm produce from the butcher counter or deli and enjoy a BBQ for tea.  

3.    Speyside way, Aviemore

Suitable for families and cyclists of all abilities starting at Rothiemurchus Park, Aviemore and the cycle path takes you to Boat Of Garten or if you want to go a bit further travel on to Nethy Bridge but remember you need to cycle back to the motorhome – the route is either a 12 miles round trip or 14 if you go on to Nethy Bridge.  You go through the estate of Rothiemurchus and through Speyside this path takes you along the side of the strathspey steam railway – so if you are lucky you should pass the steam train. 

4.    Falkirk wheel loop, AKA Helix Around Town Tour (HArTT)

This is an 18-mile circular cycle that starts at The Helix park by the Kelpie’s There is parking here for the MH and you can also wild camp for a small fee here in the car park.  The cycle is suitable of experienced cyclists as well as families and novices but please be aware there is a few hilly areas. This path will also take you to the Falkirk Wheel, so it is ideal for making a day trip of the cycle run – the cycle path runs along the side of the canal as well as through areas of Callander woods.  At the Kelpies there is a café for refreshments at the end of the cycle again this is a great visit and especially nice at night when it is all lit up. 

5.    Hebridean Way Harris to Lewis

This is not for the faint hearted, this route is for experienced cyclists, the route is 185 miles taking you from Vatersay in the South of Harris to Lewis in the north.  But wow what a cycle run this will be, you will pass through 10 different islands using a combination of Causeways and ferries as you pass through the villages and different Islands that form the Outer Hebrides.  The rest stops and overnight stops will be breathtakingly beautiful.  As you travel down through the Outer Hebrides your rest stops may include visiting, distilleries, beaches, standing stones as well as watch out for wildlife this is truly a remarkable cycle run and easy to see why it is in Scotland Top 10, for more information on travelling in the Outer Hebrides visit our route planner 

6.    Applecross Peninsula Loop, Wester ross (via Bealach na Ba)

This is only a 42-mile circular route, but this really is for the experienced and physically fit cyclists.  Starting at Kishorn on a nice day the climb up the Bealach na Ba will be very rewarding with the most amazing views over to the Isle of Skye and Rassay, plus once you reach the top you have the benefit of knowing it’s all downhill and on reaching the bottom you have the benefit of the Applecross Inn for a much deserved cold drink, there is also some fantastic wild camping on the out skirts of Applecross if you have somebody with you that’s able to drive the motorhome for you.  If not after your refreshment stop you can cycle round the coastal route and after taking the Bealach na Ba you will be glad to know the rest of the cycle run will be much easier without the tight hairpin bends and the steep climbs.  

7.    Achiltibuie Circular Route, in the Highlands

This is a 70-mile circular route but again is for the experienced cyclist, this route takes you along the coast from Achiltibuie to Ullapool following the coastal route then down to Drumrunie before returning to Achiltibuie.  The route is set with the most amazing views of the mountains as well as haven the coast and lochs to stop for rest breaks, along the route you can visit Ardverk Castle or why not stop in at the Seafood shack in Ullapool for some lunch the seafood here is delicious.  

The motorhome provides an Ideal base especially if you’re a keen cyclist but your another half is not, as you enjoy the cycle run your partner can drive the motorhome to the meeting point, at the end of your cycle run you know there will be a warm shower waiting on you and hopefully something nice to eat.  While you are cycling your partner will have the enjoyment of driving to the meeting point and then some quiet time with a good book or a leisurely stroll while they wait on you, then you can pick up where you left off and enjoy the rest of the day together.  

If you’re travelling from overseas or for whatever reason can’t bring your own bike we do have bikes available to hire, we have a range of high quality hybrid adult bikes that can easily be stored on the back of the motorhome all accessories are included bike helmet and tools kits encase you are unfortunate enough to have a puncture, see our website for more information in campervan hire rates. 

Combing your passions is easy when you have a motorhome as your base, not only will the motorhome provide you with all the home comforts you need along the route, but you can find idyllic spots to camp overnight, we have a range of different motorhomes and campervans to suit your needs so call or visit our website for more information