Cycling In Scotland

Luxury Scotland's Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland on Two Wheels

Scotland is a natural playground, and there are few better ways to explore its landscapes, coastlines and hidden corners than by bike. Many of Luxury Scotland’s properties offer bikes for guests to use or can arrange bespoke hire and route planning. Whether you're looking for a relaxed lochside ride, a family-friendly forest trail or a full-day road adventure, there’s something here for every level. 

Below, we share a guide to some of the country’s most scenic and rewarding cycling routes – all accessible from our member hotels. 

Shore in Leith

Edinburgh – City Centre to the Shore

When staying at The Witchery, Prestonfield House, Fingal, or The Sheraton Grand, enjoy a gentle 1.8-mile ride that takes you from the city’s Georgian New Town to the bustling Shore in Leith. Edinburgh boasts a vast network of traffic-free cycle paths, many tracing disused railway lines.

Use the InnerTube map to follow routes through green corridors and historic neighbourhoods, then enjoy a waterside lunch in Leith before touring the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Departure point: Scotland Street (EH3 6PS)             Finish: Sandport Place (EH6 6PL)

North Berwick

East Lothian – Roam the Coast Near Greywalls

From Greywalls Hotel in Gullane, guests can enjoy a variety of scenic routes to suit every pace. One of the most popular is the John Muir Way section between Gullane and North Berwick (approx. 10 miles return) – a gentle, coast-hugging ride with views over the Firth of Forth and stops at sandy beaches, bird reserves and charming cafés. 

For a longer circuit, the Gullane–Dirleton–North Berwick loop (15–18 miles) blends open farmland with historic highlights like Dirleton Castle. More ambitious cyclists can take on the Garleton Hills route via Athelstaneford and Haddington (28–30 miles) for elevated views across East Lothian and out to sea. 

Looking for a full-day challenge? Follow the John Muir Way eastward to Dunbar or west to Musselburgh, linking seascapes with rural inland climbs. 

Scottish Borders – Abbey Rides & River Paths 

Cycle through centuries of history on a 55-mile loop connecting the four great Borders abbeys: Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh and St Boswells. It’s a scenic but fairly demanding route, rich in historic landmarks and framed by river valleys and rolling countryside. 

For something more family-friendly, the Tweed Valley Railway Path links the towns of Innerleithen and Peebles, passing through Cardrona on quiet roads. The fully signposted tarmac route follows the picturesque River Tweed and connects directly to the renowned mountain biking centres at Glentress and Innerleithen. 

Stay at Cringletie, just outside Peebles, for easy access to both trails and local hire options.

The Falkirk Wheel

Central Belt – Cities, Canals and the Falkirk Wheel 

Stay at Crossbasket Castle, Fingal, The Sheraton Grand, Prestonfield House or The Witchery and enjoy Route 754, a remarkably scenic, 99% traffic-free route that connects Edinburgh and Glasgow over 56 miles. 

The trail runs along the towpaths of the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals – wildlife corridors and heritage pathways in their own right. Along the way, discover waterside villages, aqueducts, and marvels like the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift. 

The route is 56 miles in total and is 99% traffic free.

Auchenlarie Cove, Galloway Forest Park

Dumfries & Galloway / Ayrshire – Forest trails & coastal rides 

Scotland’s southwest offers some of the best mountain biking in the country. When staying at Knockinaam Lodge or Glenapp Castle, head to Kirroughtree, part of the 7Stanes trail network. With options for beginners, families and more technical riders, it's a compact but exciting trail centre. 

Alternatively, explore Glentrool in the heart of Galloway Forest Park, which offers a mix of waymarked trails from 3 to 36 miles. Expect lochside climbs, ancient woodland and glorious views. 

Beauly Firth

Highlands – Lochs, Forests & Whisky Trails

From Rocpool Reserve, tackle all or part of the 26-mile Beauly Firth loop, one of the area's most scenic and accessible circuits. Alternatively, ride the quieter South Loch Ness roads for sweeping Highland views.

From Glenmorangie House, it's possible to join up and ride a stretch of the 234-mile Caledonia Way, one of Scotland’s premier long-distance routes. In Golspie, the Highland Wildcat Trails offer technical terrain and forest paths. Whisky lovers staying at Linn House can plan a day out to the Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails at Tomintoul – pairing single malt with single track.

Fort William

West Coast – Islands, Ferries & Coastal Views

Guests at Inverlochy Castle or The Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island can ride parts of National Cycling Network Route 78, which winds from Oban to Ballachulish and onward to Fort William. 

Take the tiny passenger ferry to Lismore, a peaceful island with just 100 residents and a 10-mile single-track road that loops through quiet crofts and coastal views. Meanwhile, guests at the Crinan Hotel can cycle the banks of the Crinan Canal, a flat, waterside route ideal for a slow afternoon in the saddle. Use this nifty planner to blaze your own west coast trail. 

Mountain Biking on Skye

The Torridon & Skye – Guided Highland Rides

At The Torridon, expert-led mountain bike tours take you deep into the wilderness, with routes ranging from gentle forest rides to serious off-road climbs. Over on Skye, Kinloch Lodge is the ideal base for the Sleat Loop, a 27-mile circuit through villages like Duisdale, Kilbeg, Tarskavaig and Ord. Expect sea views, old stone crofts, and the occasional golden eagle. 

Royal Aberdeenshire – Estates, Munros & the Deeside Way 

Cycle through rolling farmland, ancient pine forests and royal estates in the northeast. Visit Tarland Trails for purpose-built MTB parks, or take on the 141-mile Deeside Trail, which begins and ends at the Dee Bridge in Banchory but can be enjoyed in stages. 

For a gentler option, the Deeside Way follows the old Royal Deeside Railway line and is suitable for cyclists of all levels. 

Perthshire – Big Tree Country by Bike 

Inland Perthshire offers tree-shaded roads and forest loops. From Kinloch House near Blairgowrie, ride the Kinclaven Bridge–Bridge of Isla loop, or opt for the shorter Rae Loch–Moss of Ardblair circuit. Return to open fires and fine local cuisine. 

From Monachyle Mhor, ride the Loch Earn loop from Lochearnhead, or ferry across Loch Katrine aboard the Sir Walter Scott steamship and cycle the 13-mile lochside route back to Trossachs Pier. Bike hire and ferry tickets can be pre-booked online. 

Updated 2025. Information correct at time of going to press.