When visitors think of recreation in Scotland, golfing or attending the Highland Games may come into mind. What about mountain biking as a part of your holiday in Scotland? This country has many trails that visitors and locals should be well aware of. From Stonehaven to the Kinkell Bridge, there are numerous paths to choose from that take you to some of Scotland’s most beautiful sights and cities.
- Biking Routes in ScotlandIrvine Smith / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced mountain biker, you will find a route that is great for you.
Historic sites from Aberdeenshire
Many biking routes exist from Aberdeen to beautiful locations that are well worth seeing during your holiday. One route includes biking to Stonehaven and though this route is intermediate, it’s a much shorter distance at about 22km and takes about one and a half hours. If you want to make a trip that lasts the whole day or break it up into two days, Aberdeen has a route that goes all the way to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. I suggest breaking it up into two days because the journey takes about 220 km and 14 hours overall to complete.
Looping Through Perthshire
If a direct route from one city to the next is not in your ideal agenda, consider Perthshire for biking routes that loop back to where you began your journey. One route idea is to leave from the city centre of Perth and bike to the Kinkell Bridge and return back to the city. Kinkell Bridge is a great place to take a break from your route and enjoy the scenery at Earn River. This route is at an intermediate level but still takes some time to complete. It’s about 60 km and takes about four hours if biked continuously.
Biking in Stirling for a Cause
Throughout the summer months, cities in Scotland will host charity biking events. In Stirling, this historic city is hosting Pedal for Parkinson’s on August 4th, 2013. Other charitable biking events are on-going in Scotland if you happen to not be able to make this one. Stirling also includes many other historical routes every bike enthusiast should be aware of as well. If you are looking for another beautiful view at the end of your journey, check out the route from Stirling to North Third Forest. From King’s Park in Stirling, it’s not a very long journey at 8 km and takes an hour and a half to complete. However, compared to the previously listed trails, it has been rated as one of the more difficult trails by other bikers so be prepared to use a lot of energy!
These are just a couple of the many mountain biking routes that Scotland has to offer holiday visitors. You may enjoy visiting and staying in the cities, but this year consider the Holiday Parks Scotland has throughout the country and getting out there to really enjoy the landscape’s beauty.
Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and travel blogger. She enjoys revisiting past destinations to enjoy them with new activities.
