Ten best Scottish cycling routes for spring

Dark winter nights and snow-saturated weekends could well be behind for us for another year as much of the Scottish countryside opens up with the advance of spring.

While this is by no means guaranteed, it pays to be prepared for good weather in a country where sunshine can be at best fleeting.

So with this in mind, we’ve put together a list of our best spring cycles to get you in the mood for those days when venturing out on outdoor activity need not involve dressing like one is about to embark on arctic expedition.

1) KYLE OF SUTHERLAND

The Kyle of Sutherland takes the River Oykel out to sea. This is quiet and remote country where on a sunny day the air really does seem clearer than further south.

You can make a trip round the southern end - a walk over a long footbridge which crosses the Kyle offers great views.

The footbridge allows you to go from Invershin to reach a Culrain before you go south to Ardgay before recrossing, heading back north to the start.

The River Oykel has abundant stocks of Atlantic salmon and is designated as a special area of conversation.

Distance: 9 miles

Time taken: 1.5 hours

Landranger: 21

2) ARCHAEOLOGY TOUR OF ORKNEY - MAINLAND

Orkney is perfect for cycling and for stunning views across the relics of ancient man.

Standing sontes, brochs, and a Neolithic village are all grouped together as if in a theme park, it is no wonder UNESCO designated this a World Heritage Site.

To go in a loop across Orkney’s mainland using part of the National Cycle Network is a long route and you will probably need a full day. For some it may be better to go along the first stretch from Maes Howe and the Stones of Stenness to Skara Brae.

A full circuit, via the Bough of Birsay, Broch of Gurness and Tingwall, is recommended.

Distance: 38 miles

Time taken: 6 hours

Landranger: 6

3) ARRAN

Arran is known as “Scotland in miniature” because of its soaring mountains, peaceful lowlands and varied coastline.

Many routes for cyclists involve hills but on the west coast you can enjoy a relatively level route while looking from the mountainous end of Arran across Kilbrannan Sound to Kintyre.

Starting from the northern end of Arran at Lochranza, the west coast of the island is followed down to picturesque Blackwaterfoot. Look out for seabirds including gannet, eider duck and gullemots. Golden eagles are also a possibility, swiftly swooping down from the surrounding mountains.

Distance: 17.5 miles

Time taken: 3.5 hours

Landranger: 69

4) WEST FIFE CYCLEWAY, DUNFERMLINE

This flat route is ideal for families who want to take it easy yet enjoy the experience of a cycle ride through quiet countryside.

Using a disused railway (a section of the former Dunfermline to Alloa line) means the gradient is very easy on the legs and the opportunity to look around is enhanced. The Ochil Hills rise sharply to the north while ahead and to the south is the Forth Valley.

Wildflowers border the route while birdsong fills the air in spring.

This is a linear route but to go there and back is an extremely pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon outside.

Distance: 8 miles (one way)

Time taken: 1.5 hours

Landranger: 65

5) CLATTERINGSHAWS LOCH, DUMFRIES and GALLOWAY

Set amid the extensive Galloway Fost Park, Clatteringshaws Loch is an easily accessible place to enjoy a bike ride in beautiful scenery.

The visitor centre has an interesting interactive wildlife exhibition displaying the huge range of fauna you may see during your visit.

This is red kite country and you may be lucky enough to spot one of these soaring overhead as you make your way right around the loch.

Beyond the water the Galloway hills can be seen; this is remote country, in many ways remoter than parts of the Highlands because of the lack of people who pass this way. Enjoy the peace and quiet.

Distance: 14 miles

Time taken: 3 hours

Landranger: 77

6) WATER OF LEITH, EDINBURGH

Starting in Balemo, this route follows the Water of Leith through the heart of Edinburgh to the port of Leith.

There is much excitement about wildlife along this stretch of river and recently kingfishers and even otters have been spotted along the water. The Water of Leith walkway is followed for virtually the whole route but where steps become too steep or the terrain too rough, cycle path options are in place.

Take your time to enjoy this “silver thread in a ribbon of green”. You will find it difficult to believe that you are travelling through a capital city for the most of the way.

Distance: 13 miles (one way)

Time taken: 3 hours

Landranger: 66

7) AVIEMORE to CARRBRIDGE

Carrbridge is one of those small, secret, little places just off the beaten track (in this case the A9) which presents a most charming and interesting interlude.

A “must see” and photograph, is a bridge over the River Dulnain which was built in 1717 but damaged in a massive flood known as the Muckle Spate just over a century later. You can’t cross it any more but it makes a great sight with water crashing below the span.

This route is mainly off road and allows views across to the Cairngorms to be enjoyed as you leave Aviemore behind and head towards Boat of Garten.

Distance: 11 miles (one way)

Time taken: 2 hours

Landranger: 36

8) ABERFOYLE to GARTMORE

Aberfoyle sits on the Highland Boundary Fault which splits Scotland in two. To the north is hilly and mountainous country but going south is flatter terrain, the lowlands.

On the edge of this area is a good short cycle, particularly for younger families.

Heading on a cycle path south from Aberfoyle, a quiet country road takes you into Gartmore, surrounded by rolling farmland and forest with open views to the hills and mountains. By heading east, and crossing the A81, you can make a circuit by heading back into Aberfoyle via a disused railway line, which makes for a pleasant return journey.

Distance: 6.5 miles

Time taken: 1 hour

Landranger: 57

9) BIGGAR to PEEBLES

The Tweed Cycleway runs for 95 miles from Biggar to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Completing a section of it is a lovely way to spend a spring day.

This route leaves Biggar and then cuts across country to join the mighty River Tweed.

Sections of the journey are quite steep but in general the gradient is fairly level, allowing for a gentle ride through the countryside and the chance to spot wildlife.

Look out for dippers on the river. These birds have developed the ability to walk underwater, feeding on nymphs and the larvae of insects, collecting them from among the plants and small stones in fast-flowing rivers and streams.

Distance: 22 miles (one way)

Time taken: 4.5 hours

Landranger: 72 and 73

10) RIVER KELVIN, GLASGOW

The River Kelvin has become a very popular commuter route, taking pedestrians and cyclists from the north of Glasgow into the heart of the city.

Once you get close to Patrick the Clyde will then guide you into the hustle and bustle of city life. This is a far cry from the tree-lined route which passes the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and through Kelvingrove Park.

The great cycle paths make for a lovely, short route. Because the distances are not too great on this route, it is relatively easy to turn the same way, although you cold, however, return by train to Maryhill.

Distance: 5 miles (one way)

Time taken: 1 hour

Landranger: 64