FAQs

The truth about rain

Don't believe the comments that it always rains in Scotland - and don't just take our word for it - the following quote comes from the Met Office:

"There is a general misconception that the whole of Scotland experiences high rainfall. In fact, rainfall in Scotland varies widely, with a distribution closely related to the topography, ranging from over 3,000 mm per year in the western Highlands (comparable with rainfall over the mountains of the English Lake District and Snowdonia in Wales) to under 800 mm per year near the east coast (comparable with the Midlands of England)."

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Don't know which area to visit?

Despite it's relatively small size Scotland has a huge variety of cycling routes and one area can differ to another. To help you choose an area to suit your interests visit the Find a route section and select an area of Scotland. There you will find a brief description and a list of routes for that area.

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Long Distance or short cycle?

Scotland has a number of long distance routes making excellent multi-day trips but it is worth noting that many sections of these routes make excellent short walks for a day or less. See our Long Distance Paths page for more details on these routes.

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Is it possible to cycle from the top to the bottom of Scotland?

Of course it is – here’s a possible route to take. Start in Edinburgh and head towards Oban, take a ferry to the Western Isles, eventually ending up north in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. From here take a ferry to Ullapool then follow the North West route (Durness, Bettyhill) to John O’Groats. Then double-back to Bettyhill and head south to Lairg, Inverness and then pick up National Cycle Route 1 back to Edinburgh.

Tips:
1. Make sure you have enough food with you, since shops can be infrequent.
2. Take spare parts for your bike as bike shops can also be infrequent.
3. Hills on the coast are not very high but some of them really steep, up to 20%: mount a very low gear ratio.

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What if it's wild, windy or wet?

Although you might consider this a time to stay indoors why not wrap up well and venture out to see the power of nature. A wild and windy day can be the perfect time to visit some of our sea cliffs as huge waves crash against the shore - but do take care.


It may come as a surprise but it does occasionally rain in Scotland! However, you can still make the most of your day - why not visit one of our many spectacular waterfalls at a time when they are at their best. The highest waterfall in the UK can be found at Eas Coul Aulin north of Kylesku in the north-west Highlands.

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Autumn colours

In autumn the countryside takes on a very different look - warm colours emblazon the countryside in a blanket of golds, ochres, reds, and bronze. Low-lying mists and the smell of fungi add to the autumnal atmosphere, while wild geese flying overhead herald the first frosts. Why not time your visit to see what for many is Scotland at its best.

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More than just mountains

Although Scotland is justifiably known for it's routes through mountain forests there are many easier but equally rewarding routes. On the coast why not try some dramatic sea cliff routes in areas such as Shetland or the Mull of Galloway. Inland, the ancient Caledonian Pine forests of Glen Affric, Speyside and Deeside or the open deciduous woodlands of Perthshire. The Trossachs and the Borders offer a huge range of woodland routes and for those who want a leisurely cycle there are plenty of flat cycle ways such as the old railway line at Pencaitland.

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Is it possible to cycle from Inverness to Fort William in one day?

Using the main (A82) road, Inverness to Fort William is 66 miles, so theoretically possible in one day. However, this road is busy, especially in summer. If time allows, it’s better to mix some main road cycling with as much of the Great Glen Cycle Way as possible. This may involve some steep climbs but the views are worth it and more importantly its safer. This route is probably best tackled over two days. If you travel from Fort William to Inverness the prevailing wind will be at your back. A good option for an overnight stop would be at Fort Augustus around 30 miles from Fort William.

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Make the most of your day

Scotland's northerly position gives it long summer days allowing you to really make the most of your day. In June you will often find the sun doesn't set until long after 10pm, meaning you can easily undertake evening cycles. This is when the light is at its best and, of course, there are also those famous West Coast sunsets to look out for!

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