Gravel Rides Scotland: 28 gravel bike adventures in the wilds of Scotland

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The Highland Perthshire Drovers Trail is just one route that proves if you miss out on Perthshire, you’re missing out on some of the best of Scotland.

There is also a handy Sustrans map for you to see where routes start and end, what cities, towns and attractions are nearby, how difficult the route is and more. Here are a few route suggestions to get you started: Filled with practical tips and advice on all aspects of gravel riding, including the bike itself, essential kit to carry when out on a ride, as well as a brief history of gravel riding in Scotland. For each route, Markus sought out a gravel rider based in the area, from GBDURO winners Josh Ibbett and Gail Brown in East Anglia to Markus’ fellow round-the-world record holders in Scotland, Jenny Graham and Mark Beaumont. The end result is a guidebook which is not only full of local expertise and exceptional bike routes, but which also has more of a human edge. Stitz 26 routes are split between Wales, England and Scotland, and each is based on the expertise of local riders. Photo: Markus Stitz

I was also keen to make as many routes available by public transport as possible, so we can encourage people to get out of their cars and use their bikes.” After a day in the rain, you’ll probably not want to ride a second day in wet kit, so take several changes of clothing. If you’re camping, make sure that it’s all well wrapped up in dry bags. Take something to wash out wet, dirty clothing with too. Our 4.5 stage route in Slovenia goes from the shores of Lake Bled to the Adriatic through the foothills of the Julian Alps, deep forests and rolling hills.

Leading on from that, it’s versatile, instead of owning and maintaining both a mountain bike and a road bike, plump for one gravel bike. With a social ride the day before the action begins, and the accompanying festival Raiders Gravel has the optimal mix of competition, adventure, exertion, culture and relaxation, making for an unforgettable cycling event in one of Scotland ’ s unspoilt gems. We worked with the Cateran Ecomuseum on the development of seven new road, gravel and mountain bike journeys of varying lengths. You can find out more here. The Scotrail network is extensive though and can get you to some far-flung areas, although it too peters out towards the northwest. Look out if you’re planning to take your bike on the train north of Inverness, to Oban and on a few other routes, as some services require a reservation to be sure your bike will be carried. I follow lots of people on Komoot that I find really inspiring and they get me amped up to explore and ride more. That’s really useful if you’re all out of ideas.”Ed Shoote and his wife, Marion, have ridden in over fifty countries. Their latest and on-going mission is exploring all the nooks and crannies of Scotland to find the very best bits of gravel riding available. Weather is a major factor in planning any outdoor activity, but the fact that gravel routes are mostly all-weather surfaces holding up against most rain or snow conditions means they can be ridden in most conditions if you’re prepared with the right clothing and considerations.

Trains offer a great way to link up routes. Scotland is home to some iconic train lines like the West Highland Line and the Scot Rail from Glasgow to Oban (and soon extending to Fort William), which has dedicated bike carriages. Some routes rely on trains, such as Beauly to Ardgay, so train stations are indicated to help you link up the rides. Raiders Gravel is all things to all cyclists. Race it or simply ride it, we have three stages on some of the UK’s best gravel trails through the heart of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Another example of that is that the route also goes by Olney, where 'Amazing Grace' was composed. There's a pavilion where you can sit and look out on a field, and that's where Reverend John Newton used to sit and write. Those kinds of things I find really interesting.” Lomond Hills Gravel, Perth and Kinross/Fife, Scotland The Lomond Hills are a range easily reached from Kinross, a town between Dundee and Edinburgh. Photo: Markus Stitz

Lauf Gritfest

The Loch Ness 360 - connecting the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail, keep your eyes peeled for Nessie as you pedal around the surrounding countryside.

While the Cairngorms are home to four of the five highest mountains in Scotland, there are no extreme climbs and descents on the route, which is suitable to ride on gravel and mountain bikes. Several businesses along the route offer bike hire and bike-friendly accommodation. You can find out more here. The route takes in everything from Glen Fearnach and Glen Tilt to the Cairngorms, the River Tay (Scotland’s longest river) and even passes the last surviving oak tree from the wood that inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The National Cycle Network is made up of signposted walking and cycle routes that connect towns, cities and the great outdoors. I’m just an average guy who found bikes a bit later in life and is trying to make up for lost time. In the last five years I’ve raced a few seasons of cyclocross, done a bit of touring around Scotland and completed two ultra-distance cycling events: the Transcontinental Race and the 2020 Atlas Mountain Race. I love just how much distance you can cover in a relatively short period of time and exploring local lanes and new destinations.Plus, with the Freedom to Roam Act, you can explore gravel and mixed terrain routes throughout all of Scotland (albeit with some exceptions), as long as you act responsibly.” Komoot tips Contains 28 routes, ranging from 31 to 128 kilometres in length, exploring the very best gravel riding that Scotland has to offer. This route is not super long and it's also not super tough to ride,” says Markus. “Plus, it's an easy one to get to from Edinburgh or Glasgow. It starts in Kinross, and there's an electric bus service that runs there, Ember, on the way from Edinburgh to Dundee.”