The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most dramatic and rewarding cycling in the world. Vast empty roads, stunning mountain scenery, and minimal traffic make it a destination cyclists return to year after year. Here are some of the best routes for every type of rider.
The North Coast 500
The NC500 is Scotland’s most famous road route — a 830 km loop starting and finishing in Inverness, circling the far north of Scotland. For cyclists, it offers a genuine adventure: dramatic coastal cliffs, remote glens, and some of the quietest roads in the UK. The route is best split over 10–14 days. The western section (particularly around Torridon and Applecross) is the most scenic and also the most challenging, with steep mountain passes. Book accommodation well in advance in summer.
The Great Glen Way
Running 127 km from Fort William to Inverness along the geological fault line that cuts through the heart of Scotland, the Great Glen Way follows the Caledonian Canal and the banks of Loch Ness. Much of the route is off-road on forest tracks and canal towpaths, making it ideal for gravel or hybrid bikes. The views over Loch Ness are worth the effort alone.
Rannoch Moor and Glencoe
The A82 road through Glencoe is one of the most spectacular cycling roads anywhere. The approach across the flat, eerie expanse of Rannoch Moor gives way to the towering walls of Glencoe. The climbing is serious but the descents into the glen are unforgettable. Start from Tyndrum or Bridge of Orchy for a memorable full-day route.
The Cairngorms
Britain’s highest national park offers exceptional cycling, particularly around the Speyside area near Aviemore. The Lairig Ghru is a mountain pass route through the heart of the Cairngorms — rough, remote, and requiring a mountain bike or at minimum a robust gravel bike. For road cyclists, the roads around Braemar and Deeside are beautiful and challenging.
Practical Tips for Cycling in the Highlands
- Weather changes fast. Always carry waterproofs and a warm layer regardless of the forecast.
- Midges are a real problem from late May to September. Midge repellent and a head net are not optional in certain areas.
- Services are sparse. Some sections of the NC500 have no food, water, or accommodation for 50+ km. Plan provisions carefully.
- The right to roam under Scottish law means wild camping is legal, making bikepacking in the Highlands particularly rewarding.