Cycling In Scotland
The bicycle was invented in Scotland, near Dumfries, so it seems appropriate that travelling by bike is one of the best ways to explore the country. Most towns and cities, however, are not particularly cycle-friendly. Very few have proper cycle routes, and there's the added problem of security. It's best to stick to rural backroads, especially unclassified roads and country lanes, which are not numbered but are signposted and marked on OS maps. There are also forest trails and dedicated routes along canal towpaths and disused railway tracks. The main problem in rural areas, though, is the availability of spare parts.
Cycling and mountain biking in Scotland
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The south of Scotland is particularly good for cycle touring due to the quiet roads, gentle gradients and large number of B&Bs and pubs. The wild and remote Highlands are popular with cyclists, but this is also walking country, and cyclists should stick to tracks where a right to cycle exists and be considerate towards walkers. The Forestry Commission has 1150 miles of excellent off-road routes up and down the country. These are detailed in a series of Cycling in the Forest leaflets, which are available from Forestry Enterprise offices (see above) and from most tourist offices. These are best used by mountain bikes with multi gears, though easier routes can be attempted on hybrid or standard bikes.
You can cut down on the amount of pedalling you have to do by transporting your bike by train. Bikes can be taken free on most local rail services on a first come-first served basis (call ScotRail bookings, Tel. 08457-550033). On long-distance routes you'll have to make a reservation and pay a small charge . Space is limited on trains so it's a good idea to book as far in advance as possible. Bus and coach companies will not carry bikes, unless they are dismantled and boxed. Ferries transport bikes for a small fee and airlines will often accept them as part of your baggage allowance. Check with the ferry company or airline about any restrictions.
Bike rental is available at cycle shops in most large towns, cities and tourist centres. Expect to pay from around £6 to £15 per day, or from £50 a week, plus a refundable deposit. There's also the option of a cycling holiday package, which includes transport of your luggage, prebooked accommodation, route instructions and food and backup support.
The STB publishes a free booklet, Cycling in Scotland, which is useful and suggests routes in various parts of the country, as well as accommodation and repair shops. Many area tourist boards also provide cycling guides for their own areas. There is also a promotional website for cycling in Scotland here with useful information on cycling in Scotland.
Cycling organisations
Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC), Cotterell House, 69 Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3HS, Tel. 01483-417217, The Cyclists Touring Club The largest cycling organization in the UK, providing a wide range of services and information on transport, cycle hire and routes, from day rides to longer tours.
Forestry Enterprise, 21 Church St, Inverness, IV1 1EL, Tel. 01463-232811. Provides information on Scotland's extensive network of forest trails.
The Scottish Cyclists' Union (SCU), The Velodrome, Meadowbank Stadium, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 6AY, T0131-6520187, The Scottish Cyclists Produces an annual handbook and calendar of events for road racing, time trialling and mountain biking.
SUSTRANS, 53 Cochrane St, Glasgow, G1 1HL, Tel. 0141-5720234, Sustrans Organisation Provides information on new cycle trails.