The best cycling routes in the Highlands

The Highlands offer a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 1500 routes available on komoot. This includes a wide range of difficulties, from easy paths to challenging mountain ascents, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Yes, the Highlands cater to all abilities. You'll find over 360 easy routes, many of which are gentle forest paths or canal towpaths. A great option for beginners is the Boat of Garten loop from Aviemore — Cairngorms National Park, an easy 14.9-mile trail through the scenic Cairngorms.

For those seeking longer adventures, the Highlands are home to iconic routes like the North Coast 500 (NC500), an epic coastal circuit, and the Great Glen Way, which stretches 79 miles from Inverness to Fort William. The Applecross to Shieldaig loop – Bealach na Ba is another challenging long-distance option, featuring a significant mountain pass with panoramic views.

Many routes in the Highlands are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Glenmore Forest and Boat of Garten loop from Aviemore is a moderate 26.7-mile circular path through forests in the Cairngorms National Park. Another popular loop is the Beauly Firth to Muir of Ord loop from Inverness.

The best time for touring cycling in the Highlands is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you'll experience milder weather, longer daylight hours, and fewer midges. However, the region's dramatic landscapes are beautiful year-round, with autumn offering spectacular foliage, especially in areas like Faskally Forest.

The Highlands are rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past iconic lochs like Loch Ness and Loch Morlich, traverse dramatic mountain passes, and explore ancient Caledonian pine forests. Routes often offer views of towering sea cliffs and serene white-sand beaches. Notable natural monuments you might encounter include the Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, or the majestic Ben Nevis summit.

Yes, many routes are suitable for families, especially those on quieter roads, forest paths, or canal towpaths. The Cairngorms National Park, particularly around Aviemore, offers an extensive network of trails perfect for family cycling. Routes like the Loch an Eilein and Loch Einich loop from Aviemore provide moderate distances and beautiful scenery.

The Highlands are known for their welcoming communities. Many towns and villages along popular cycling routes offer cafes, pubs, and local shops where you can refuel and rest. Areas like Aviemore, Fort William, and Inverness are excellent hubs with numerous amenities. Even in more remote areas, you might find bothies or small establishments like the Kingshouse Hotel providing hospitality.

The Isle of Skye offers some of the most dramatic and challenging cycling in the Highlands. Expect short, steep climbs and exposed coastal roads, but these are rewarded with immense views of the Cuillin mountains, rugged sea lochs, and stunning coastal vistas. The Struan & Sligachan Bridge loop from Portree is a difficult but highly rewarding route on the island.

The Highlands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1600 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's quiet roads, dramatic scenery, and the diverse terrain that offers everything from gentle forest paths to challenging mountain ascents. Over 35,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the Highlands, highlighting its popularity and appeal.

Absolutely! The vast moorlands, ancient forests, and rugged coastlines of the Highlands are home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for red deer, golden eagles, and various seabirds. The Cairngorms National Park, in particular, is a fantastic area for wildlife spotting, with routes like the Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest from Aviemore offering opportunities to see local fauna.

Many touring cycling routes in the Highlands pass by or provide access to historical and cultural sites. You can find routes near ruined castles like Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, or explore the historic village of Fort Augustus with its impressive canal locks. The Moy Bridge & Gairlochy loop from Banavie, for instance, offers scenic views and connections to the Caledonian Canal area.