Mountain biking and cycling

Conquer some long bursting climbs...

Whether you’re into road bikes, mountain bikes or a bit of both, you’ll find that Scotland has exactly what you’re looking for; quiet country roads and superb off road mountain bike trails, all surrounded by magnificent Scottish scenery that makes all the hard work very worthwhile. Mind you not all of Scotland is hilly, so be assured, you will be able to find easy routes too!

Cycling is a great activity to do with family and friends and there’s nothing much better than to get out and about for a few hours exercise before returning to your comfortable cottage for a well earned meal and relaxing glass of wine.

Scotland is packed with a host of ‘natural assets’ that offer first class cycling terrain; miles of forest trails, stunning glens, picturesque lochs and striking coastline; a paradise for cyclists that makes for a perfect cycling holiday. With a little bit of research you can plan your routes and days out before you go or if you prefer, simply decide when you arrive, either way you’ll be sure to find plenty of great cycling routes in the vicinity and if you can’t find room for your bikes in your luggage there’s a good chance that you can hire bikes locally.

Cycling and mountain biking can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old alike, and you can take it at your own pace by choosing either strenuous, challenging routes and terrain or by simply relaxing and taking your time travelling through the quiet countryside along easy country roads, stopping off to enjoy the scenery, exploring local villages and towns and maybe dropping in for a drink at the local pub.

To find cottages near to some great cycling routes please use the quick search facility on this page.

Ecosse Mountains

Based in close proximity to the Cairngorms National Park, Ecosse Mountains offer mountain bike instruction for those wishing to improve their mountain biking skills.

Laggan Wolfrtax Mountain Bike Park

Laggan Wolftrax is a perfect example of what is on offer for the keen riders out there.

MTB Skye

Offering mountain bike hire for anything from half a day to a whole week, MTB Skye can provide you with a wide range of mountain bikes to suit your needs.

Stonehaven to Inverbervie

Stonehaven provides a beautiful setting for a cycle with its magnificent harbour and fantastic views of the North Sea.

Craggan Outdoor Centre

Craggan Outdoor centre offer bike hire and instructor led guided sessions ranging from hill to forest and riverside rides.

The Great Inverurie Bike Ride

This fantastic 25 mile route is perfect for those wishing to explore the sites that trail along the Inverurie.

Braemar to Glen Clunie

Starting off in Braemar, this easy 7 mile route will pass the beautiful Braemar Castle.

Pitmedden to Udny Station

If it’s historical country buildings and beautiful gardens you are after then this easy 11 mile route is perfect for you!

Aberdour Bay Circular

Enjoy great coastal views on this scenic route along Aberdour Bay and the rolling landscape of Tyrie.

The Deeside Way

This mainly off-road route follows much of the former Deeside railway and passes through some key historical settlements.

Formartine and Buchan Way

Justifiably designated as one of Scotland’s great trails, this marvellous route uses the former railway line.

The Gordon Way

This 20 mile route is still under completion but when finished it will provide a challenging ride

Insch Cycle Map

There are many way marked routes in Insch which provide ample opportunity to explore the rolling countryside

RT Cycles and Fishing

For cycle hire and tuition, RT Cycles and Fishing have over 10 years experience in mountain biking in the local area.

The KM Cycle Trail

Named after the creater of the pedal bicycle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan the KM Cycle Trail was made to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the bicycle in 1990.

Bankend Loop

Heading out of Dumfries on Kingholm road, the Bankend Loop takes you alongside the River Nith until you reach the coast before heading back again through Bankend and onto Bankend Road back to the centre of Dumfries.

Glenkiln Loop

Starting once again in the heart of Dumfries, this cycle route takes a westerly route instead to explore the area surrounding Glenkiln.

Cycling around Drumlanrig Castle

Set in vast woodland, Drumlanrig Castle really is a stunning place to go riding.

The Lochgoilhead Centre

Enjoy the great outdoors with Lochgoilhead’s purpose built track.

Argyll Forest Park – The Glenbranter Forest Route

This demanding and rather muddy one hour circular trail is ideal for those wishing to discover more of Argyll Forest.

Fire Tower Mountain Bike Trail

Located in Lochgilphead, these trails have a little something to offer everyone.

Crinan Canal

This cycle route is perfect for families and casual cyclists alike as it is perfectly flat, easy to ride and mostly away from traffic.

A circuit of the Isle of Bute

This 22 mile long picturesque route takes you right round the stunning isle of Bute.

The Isle of Mull - Tobemory to Ardmore

This forestry trail is approximately 12 miles long and takes you along the west coast from Tobemory to Ardmore and back.

Cycling the Isle of Islay

Islay is an excellent Island to discover by bike and it is becoming an increasingly popular method of exploring the islands wonderful array of nature and magnificent sceneries.

Newcastleton to Jedburgh

There is quite a climb on this route of around 12 miles as you leave Newcastleton.

Newcastleton 7 Stanes Trails

The 7 Stanes are a series of mountain bike centres across Southern Scotland each of which is home to a large stone sculpture.

The Witch’s Trails

With different trails ranging from ‘easy’ to ‘severe’ the Witch’s Trails have routes for riders of all different ability.

Biking in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on one of the many excellent routes.

West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

This popular 16.5 mile cycle route between Balloch and Tarbet along the eastern banks of Loch Lomond is a fantastic way to travel!

Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way

This 20 mile route forms a section of the National Cycle Route Seven.

Crainlarich to Glasgow

For those after a little more distance and adventure on their cycling holiday this route offers a long and challenging journey.

Mountain Biking in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park

The Queen Elizabeth Country Parks offer a fantastic range of trails!

Loch Katrine Cycle Route

This 12 mile one way route is mainly tarmac and is suitable for cyclists of moderate ability.

Loch Drunkie Loop

Forest tracks and some rough stretches are what characterise this 9.5 mile forest trail.

Cycling in Perth

A popular place to start cycling in the city of Perth, with many routes starting out from the centre.

Cycling around Aberfeldy and Loch Tay

Aberfeldy and Loch Tay are located exactly in the centre of Scotland and provide a thrilling selection of mixed gradient off road routes.

Cycling around Kinross and Loch Leven

Kinross, a small town south of Perthshire provides a 16 mile circular route around Loch Leven.

Cycling around Auchterarder and the Ochills

Situated in the lowlands of Perthshire, Auchterarder is perfectly situated for visits to Celtic Chapels, Roman Camps and Pictish Forts.

Cycling with Adventure Perthshire

Adventure Perthshire offer a considerable amount of outdoor activities including mountain bike hire and treks.

Doune Castle Loop Cycle Route

Starting out at the bridge of Allen, this route takes you to Doune Castle where you can stop for a picnic amongst the stunning views.

Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails

These purpose built 10.5 km trails in the heart of Scotland are guaranteed to offer something fun for everybody.

Base Camp Mountain Bikes

Base Camp Mountain Bikes are located on the Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Bike Park in Aviemore.

The Trotternish Peninsula Circuit

This 49 mile hilly route will take you through some of the most dramatic scenery of Skye’s northern peninsula.

The Quiraing Loop

This difficult but short route has been voted one of the best single track mountain bike routes in the UK.

Sligachan Loop

If it is a ride in the dramatic and spectacular scenery of the Cuillins is what you are after then look no further.

Trek n Trail

Trek n trail offer everything, from easy paced flat route rides to more challenging ventures into the hills and beyond.

Glenmore Lodge Mountain Biking Centre

If you have never been mountain biking before or simply want to get your skills up to scratch then look no further than Glenmore Lodge Mountain Biking.

Islands Cycles

Bike hire, sales and repairs. The only one on Skye. 01478 613121

A Ticket to Ride

Enjoy the flat paths by the river or a mountain bike ride adventure. Bike hire available for children and adults with GPS routes also available. Tel: 07902 424301

Bothy Bikes

Shop with a wonderful selection of bikes for hire so you can explore the area direct from your cottage holiday door. Tel: 01479 810111

Kyle of Sutherland Trails

Enjoy stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland, the inner Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge on a 17km mountain trail. One not to be missed. Maps can be downloaded via the ‘read more’ link.

Loch Insh Bike Hire

Part of the Loch Insh Watersports - hire bikes for all ages. Helmets, locks and maps of the area included. Tel: 01540 651272

Mikes Bikes

Owner managed bike shop for road and mountain bikes –suitable for all ages. Free parking outside the shop and special deals for groups. Tel: 01479 810478

Monster Bike Cycle Hire

Great bikes at great rates. Handy for those wanted to explore the ‘Great Glen Trail’ Tel: 01463 729500

Moray Monster Trails

Over 30km of fun packed single track mountain biking routes managed by the Forestry Commission. Download a trail map from their website where you can also choose from a number of routes. Tel: 0845 367 3787

Ride the Lecht

Once the snow disappears the chairlift here takes mountain bikers up the mountain side where, at the top you can choose from two trails – enjoy bomb holes, dirt jumps and riding features built from rock. Tel: 01975 651440

The Machars Cycling Routes

These routes make up a collection of quiet roads which allow you to experience the local moorland, sea and wildlife from the area whilst taking in a little local heritage on the way

7 Stanes Mountain Bike Trails

For riders of all ability and confidence the 7 Stanes are a series of mountain bike trail centres around the South of Scotland. The centres offer all different kinds of trails from woodland routes to rapid downhill.

Mabie Forest

Mabie Forest makes up one of the 7 stanes trails and is very popular with cycles visiting the area. There are many routes to be taken around the woodland, hills and loch giving outstanding views as you make your way round the wealth of tracks in the area.

Cycling around Dalbeattie

With miles of forest, the surrounding coastlines and town of Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie has so much variety to offer any kind of rider. It’s also got some amazing cycle paths and routes around the town.

Barcaldine East

These short tracks are ideal for an exploration of the eastern area of this forest. Starting and ending in Sutherland’s Grove Car Park, you can explore one of the many waymarked cycle routes on the forest roads around Glen Dubh.

Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine

This 28 mile round route is excellent for exploring Loch Katrine and the surrounding Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

Glen Figlas Loop

This challenging route is perfect for the keen mountain biker. Combining rough and steep tracks with panoramic views this 15 mile trip is certainly not for the feint hearted!

Cycling around Dunkeld and Birnam

These two towns are situated on either side of the river Tay and there are plenty of off road routes to explore the woodlands of Perthshire’s ‘Big Tree Country’.

Island Cycles

Skye’s only bike shop, Island Cycles offer bike hire, sales, repairs, parts and accessories.

The Gairloch Loop

The Gairloch loop is a 27km single-track route that offers wonderful views stretching over the Western Isles, providing a great biking day out

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Scottish Cottages is a trading name of Cumbrian Cottages Limited. Cumbrian Cottages Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (company registration number 03756599. VAT number GB721994123) whose registered office is at Atlantic House, Fletcher Way, Parkhouse, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 0LJ.