For those who want something different on a cycling holiday, the entire British island is a must-see. We wrote about it earlier. Peak District What a wonderful location. Also in Yorkshire You can start your journey with all sorts of beautiful routes to the adjacent National Park. About Snowdonia Not to mention Wales. All these places are under the border of England and Scotland. Now the Scottish Highlands famous and infamous. Famous for her beauty, infamous for the weather and the circumstances. But we recommend Cycling in Scotland Especially because of the natural beauty and the possibility to camp anywhere. Did anyone say that? bikepackingCheck it out in our review of Cycling in Scotland: highlands and more.
Read more about Scotland Gravel and the adventure of Jeff & Maks
This is not England
There are very few things that you can get Scots to agree with, and that is to say the same thing about England. Because despite the political ties, Scotland is still a very different country. Scotland We also like to be independent in our actions and behavior. The Scottish landscape is unique and whisky is not without reason the national pride. Our experiences with the Scots have been generally positive. Friendly, eager to have a drink, welcoming. For example, Edinburgh is a breath of fresh air for anyone used to British people from London. The city is perfect for starting your biking adventure in Scotland. For example, you take the boat to Newcastle and then head towards Edinburgh, or the train to London and the Caledonian Sleeper to Edinburgh.
JOG
It might seem a bit strange to put the word JOG in an item about cycling holidays. However, the experts will know that this is the abbreviation for John O’Groats. This is the most northerly point of Scotland. It is a popular spot for race cyclists, bikepackers, gravel enthusiasts and anyone else who enjoys extreme sports. The most famous route or challenge is the LEJOG. Here, cyclists (or hikers) travel from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats. An epic route, in our opinion. Many will want to visit this place and the most logical way to get there is via National Route 1, which runs from the Scottish border via Aberdeen to the Shetland Islands. This route even starts in Dover, in Southern England. Absolutely recommended.
Next level island hopping
Scotland is rich in islands. On the north side you have the Orkney Islands, famous for their shells and crustaceans. The Shetland Islands are inextricably linked to ponies. On the northwest side of Scotland you have the Isle of Skye peninsula, where it is absolutely stunning to cycle. Both on the road and off the road. The Quiraing is probably the most visited and photographed, but there are also stunning places further along.
One of the next-level island hopping experiences is the route through the Hebrides. Start at the southern tip and end at the idyllic and stunning Eoropie Beach. Tip: Bring your swimsuit, but also something to warm up with! In the meantime, you’ll pass places like ‘Lewis and Harris’, the Callanish Stone Circle and many more as you make your way across the islands. You’re definitely here for the tranquility, the rugged surroundings and the space. Very special!
Cairngorms
Cairngorms might be the typical Scotland that everyone knows and expects in terms of looks and feel. The national park is located right in the middle between Aberdeen, Inverness, and Dundee. One of these cities would therefore be a good starting point or base camp. The village of Ballater in the park is perhaps the most ideal place. The landscape here is rugged in autumn and winter, but you’ll also find beautiful colors there in the summer. Tip for the adventurer: there is a ski center here. That means that it will be quite cold here in winter. Try to plan a trip to Glen Derry anyway.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is very much celebrated in Scottish culture. It is perhaps the song with the most Scottish identity among the many other songs that have been written about Scotland. Although Loch Ness may be more well-known for the monster, Loch Lomond National Park is an absolute must-see. You can drive on Route 7 here, which is called the Lochs and Glens Way. You will encounter a multitude of lochs (lakes) here. But it is perhaps even more beautiful to leave the route and go on the unbridged paths. You will then come to viewpoints that you would not otherwise reach. Moreover, you can probably even stay the night there! The road is also very quiet, so it is pure enjoyment. The only downside: If you are really unlucky, it might take a while before someone comes along.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.