Majestic mountains, rolling foothills, lush valleys and glorious glens is the topography that the Highlands of Scotland will lay at your feet. There is a labyrinth of low-level cycling trails with wonderful Lochside and mountain views at Rothiemurchus Estate set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with three stunning circular biking trails suitable for young families.

With a variety of trails and downhill thrills, Moray is popular with serious mountain bikers. But there is also a wide range of signposted and graded trails near Newtonmore suitable for bikers of all levels: ranging from gentle and flat trails to fast and rocky routes.

Unbelievably Glasgow boasts more than 90 parks and gardens, many hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Although many parks and pathways are shared by walkers, a number have mountain bike trails graded to suit all ranges of abilities: Cathkin Braes features dedicated mountain bike trails and Mugdock Country Park offers off-road riding trails.

Just interested in an interesting and easy cycle ride? Then opt for the flat Glasgow to Loch Lomond Cycleway, it offers interesting stop-off points, as does the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath from Glasgow to the iconic Falkirk Wheel.

A picturesque rural journey is in store for cyclists who tackle the 100-mile section of the long distance North Sea Cycle Way in Aberdeenshire.  There are plenty of stop-off points of interest too: Dunnottar Castle (where Hamlet was filmed), St Cyrus and Fowlsheugh nature reserves, and the granite city of Aberdeen city itself.

For one of the best ranges of biking terrain, head for the Glen Tanar estate within the spectacular Cairngorms National Park; and for one of the highest and most strenuous bike rides in Britain head for the top of Mount Keen.

The picturesque highland villages of Aberfeldy and Kenmore offer attractive river and loch scenery, plus a wide variety of cycling routes, including the off-road trail around Drummond Hill above Loch Tay, and a road cycle from Amulree to Kenmore, up beautiful Glen Quaich - it makes a great day out.

The rolling countryside of East and Mid Lothian offer a wider network of cycling routes, for both beginner and enthusiast, where there are peaceful country roads and lanes - try the coast road to Dunbar, and the road towards the Moorfoot Hills and the Lammermuirs.

Recommended luxury hotels in
Edinburgh & Lothians:

21212 Restaurant with Rooms, The Glasshouse, The Scotsman Hotel, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Prestonfield, Greywalls

Referred to as ‘Scotland’s biking heaven’, the 7stanes are seven mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland from the heart of the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. On each of the seven trails there is a ‘stane’ sculpture (Scottish word for stone) that reflects a local myth or legend; each stone weighing between two to six tons. Find out what the 7stanes have in store:

For families and beginners choose Glentrool, a blue grade trail - it’s a fun route with great scenery; for some of the best single track in the country, make your choice the Kirroughtree route.

For a real bumpy ride and great granite trails of all grades, tackle the Dalbeattie; for the expert rider, the North Shore timber trail on Mabie will be a challenge; it’s also a magnificent flowing single track for all.

There’s a competition downhill course and a rough and tough ride for experienced bikers along Ae, but families will be content with their fair share of family-friendly biking trails as well. You’ll find everything from beginners’ trails to extreme downhill at Glentress & Innerleithen, and at Newcastleton there are shorter routes at all levels - it’s a good introduction to the 7staines.