Hey there,
I am planning to go around Scotland for about 3 weeks, probably in July as I can't go earlier.
Any particular recommendations about something not to miss, to visit, or an area to go by?
Here are pics of the itinerary I made so far. 1660km (7 to 8k elevation), with maybe some options in the north or the south to cut it shorter if I feel like it.
Cheers,
Safe travel.
by Lost-Dragonfruit6003
7 Comments
I like the look of the route, and planning in ways to cut it short is a sensible choice – leaving aside any physical or mechanical issues you’ve got a lot of ferry crossings so are at the mercy of Calmac and the weather there. Trains in the Highlands, if you need to get one, will generally require an advance booking for bikes.
2 major things to note are midges, Scotland’s apex predator, and supply stops. If you are prone to getting bitten then make sure you have good insect repellent and a head net for when you stop. Ticks are also a common issue in Scotland, so make sure you have a remover of some kind.
The islands and the west coast of the Highlands can be tricky for resupply, on the islands water is less plentiful even with a filter than the mainland and also shops are closed on Sundays generally there too.
Edinburgh is nice if you’re only going to Scotland once. Also be ready for the rain, cold and wind in the Highlands.
Look awesome! I am going to Scotland to cycle as well, in June, for the Trans Alba Race. Are you going off road? The race route is all pavement, but its a pretty full on ultra bikepacking event, so maybe there will be some overlap. The route is published on their website [https://www.transalbarace.com/transalbahome](https://www.transalbarace.com/transalbahome)
If there is anything you want to know before you go in July, ask me at the end of June!
Looks like a great well planned route! I love that road up the middle to Tongue, good choice. You could consider the Badger Divide from Glasgow to Inverness which is a beautiful route.
Personally i would probably avoid Skye (roads are really busy in Summer) and take the ferry from Ullapool over to Stornoway further North on Lewis. But you’ll have that option at the time.
From Inverness an alternative would be to head to Contin then hop onto good gravel to Loch Vaich then through Alladale Wilderness reserve then out along quiet roads to Ardgay.
Did you consider Orkney at all? I’ve cycled some of this route but went over to Orkney and cycled round it in a couple of days. It’s a fantastic place to get to if you can afford the time and not much more to add onto the route.
it’s hard to see from your pics cos the 1659 sign literally always covers it, but you definitely don’t want to miss applecross, the biggest climb in the UK road network
Definitely recommend cycling the East coast road on South Harris. Luskentyre beach is the highlight of the West coast road and is gorgeous, but otherwise the East side is quieter and more beautiful.
The Quiraing pass at the North end of Skye is also fantastic cycling.