Scotland
- Activities and Sports - Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cycling
and Mountain Biking are very popular in Scotland, especially in the north west
and in the Highlands . Scottish routes suit those who like cycling, rather than
the serious biker, but you can cycle on minor roads, cycle paths, tow paths and
forest trails. All routes have some hills and the best way to judge the difficulty
of a route is by the daily distances.
The weather in Scotland can turn
from sunny to rainy in a few hours. Although spring and autumn are usually the
best periods to cycle in Scotland, don't forget to carry your waterproof top and
trousers.
For security reasons, dress in bright or reflective colours, and
it is wise though not compulsory to wear a helmet.
If you are planning
a cycling tour in Scotland, remember that you can carry your bike on trains and
ferries, but you have to pay a small charge and sometimes a reservation is required
(around £.3.50). Bicycles can be trasported by bus if they are folded or
dismantled and boxed.
Cycling Routes in Scotland
Hebridian Islands
The area provides a
lot of cycling opportunities and it is linked to Scotland by a good ferry system.The
suggested cycle route starts from the Isle of Arran, goes to the Isle of Skye
and then to the outer Hebrides.
Aberdeen to John o'Groats,
Orkney & Shetland via Inverness.
This route goes from Aberdeen northwards
along the coast and into the the Highlands.
Glasgow to Gourock
This is a 14 mile route from Glasgow to the Firth of Clyde. It's partly on minor
roads, partly along an old railway line.
Loch
Leven
A
20 mile circuit with stunning landscapes in the Western Highlands near Glen Coe.
Inverness
to Glasgow via Pitlochry
214 mile route through the Central Highlands,
from the Cairngorm mountains to Perthshire and Stirling
The
Machars Peninsula
Cycling
around the Machars Peninsula you can reach the greenest pastures of Scotland and
the most attractive villages of the coast. This route is 50 miles long.
Organised
bike rides in and around Edinburgh
Fancy a bike ride in or near the
Scottish capital? Not sure where it's safe to ride? Prefer to cycle in congenial
company with a knowledgeable guide? Find an organised run that's right for you.
Worldwide
cycling holidays
At Hooked on Cycling we specialise in cycling holidays
in Europe.
Rent
a Bike in Scotland
Gala
Cycles
Tel: 01896 757 587
George
Henderson Ltd
Tel: 01896 753 870
Hawick Cycle Centre
Tel:
01450 373 352
Bikesport
Tel: 01896 830 880
P
& S Dorricot
Tel:
01835 862 423
Mr
Christopher Rainbow
Tel: 01835 830 326
Fax: 01835 830 327
Henderson
Outdoor Leisure
Tel:
01573 228 200
Houndridge
Holiday Cottages
Tel:
01573 470 604
Crossburn
Caravan Park
Tel:
01721 720 501
George
Pennel Cycles
Tel:
01721 720 844
Useful
Addresses
Galloway
Cycling Breaks and Tours
Tel: 01556 502 979
Fine View,
Abercromby Road,
Castle Douglas
Scottish Cycle
Union
Jim Riach
The Velodome
London Road
Edinburgh EH7 6AD
Tel: 0131 652 0187
Fax: 0131 661 0474
Scottish Cycling Development Project
David Marsh
c/o Glasgow City
Council
Land Services: Cycle Unit
Richmond Exchange
20 Cadogan Street
Glasgow G2 7AD
Tel: 0141 287 9000
Cycle
Scotland
29 Blackfriars Street
Edinburgh EH1 1NB
SCOTLAND
Tel/ Fax: +44 0131 556 5560
Useful
Sites
Sustran.org
NorthSea-Cycle.com
Cyclists'
Touring Club
