On your bike: New Scottish tourist routes for cyclists

Families exploring the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies along NCN Route 754.Families exploring the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies along NCN Route 754.
Families exploring the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies along NCN Route 754.
Three new long-distance cycle touring routes and 15 day trips have been created across Scotland as lockdown sparks a massive shift away from motorised transport to pedal power.

The routes have been devised by tourism agency VisitScotland and cycling charity Sustrans Scotland in a bid to encourage more people to explore the country by bike as coronavirus restrictions lift.

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The Glasgow-to-Inverness Lochs and Glens Way, the Edinburgh-to-Glasgow Union and Forth & Clyde Canals and the Loch Ness 360 touring routes are featured in an interactive, online journey planner on the VisitScotland website.

Shorter trips across the Highlands, Argyll and Bute, Stirling, Perthshire and the Central Belt are also included.

The journey planner is also available in a German language format as part of a push to promote cycle tourism as Scotland reopens to visitors.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “The tourism industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic so we’re encouraging everyone to explore what’s on their doorstep, supporting businesses and enjoying all our beautiful country has to offer in a responsible way.

“Our own insights show that cycling is a popular activity, particularly for domestic holidaymakers and daytrippers seeking a sense of wellbeing and the opportunity to take in some incredible sights along the way.

“The economic contribution of adventure tourism is vitally important too and has a key role to play as we look ahead to the recovery of Scotland’s visitor economy.”

John Lauder, deputy chief executive of Sustrans, said: “The impact of coronavirus means that many people will be choosing to holiday in Scotland this summer.

“That’s why we have teamed up with VisitScotland for the creation of this planner, which makes it easier than ever for people to find the information they need to plan 
gentle leisure trips or longer adventures by bike in Scotland.”

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Cycle tourism is estimated to be worth up to £345million to the Scottish economy and is already of key importance to many rural communities throughout the country.

The journey planner is part of a shake-up of Scotland’s National Cycle Network, managed by Sustrans.

The trails have been unveiled as the latest Cycling Scotland traffic survey shows a fivefold rise in the number of Scots using bikes to get around.

The figures reveal 3.4 per cent of all travel is now by bike, up from 0.7 per cent a year ago.

Meanwhile use of cars, taxis, buses and coaches has gone down.

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