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    Advice needed: bikepacking in Scotland next summer


    Hi everyone!

    I’m planning a bikepacking trip to Scotland for next summer and I’m looking for some advice or suggestions.

    Here are some details:

    I'll be flying in from Italy and I'll have about 7 to 10 days available. Since I’m relying entirely on public transport to get to and from the airport, I need a route that is relatively easy to access by train or bus with a bike in tow.

    I’ve been looking at the "Coast to Coast" route by Bikepacking Scotland (https://bikepackingscotland.com/coast-to-coast-bikepacking/) as it seems like a great balance of scenery and accessibility, but I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.

    A few questions for you:

    1. Is the Coast to Coast a good choice for someone relying on public transport to get to the start/end point?
    2. Are there any other routes you’d recommend that fit a 7-10 day window and have decent train connections?
    3. How is the "midge" situation usually in mid-summer on this route?
    4. Any "must see" spots or specific areas along the way?

    I’m open to any tips regarding gear, weather, or alternative itineraries.

    Thanks in advance for your help

    by L18C

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    2 Comments

    1. MartijnR on

      The northern British Coast2Coast (C2C) route might be better suited as you can fly to Newcastle, cycle the Hadrian Wall route to the West Coast and back on the C2C, which makes a 6 day trip, so also leaves days for (city) sightseeing, hiking and detours. And no public transport needed. 

      I did the British C2C and cycled in Scotland, and gotta say that only the West Coast of Scotland really outshines the C2C IMHO. And West Coast would be tough to cycle in only 7 days, and high season will bring many cars to the roads on the West Coast. 

    2. JeremyWheels on

      I would suggest Badger Divide from Glasgow city centre to Inverness then possibly back down to the Cairngorms National Park ending at Kingussie or Blair Atholl train station

      Heading South from Inverness you could take in Loch Garten > Ryvoan bothy > Loch Morlich > Loch an Eilean > Uath lochans then finish at Kingussie or continue on the Glen Tromie route down to Blair Atholl train station.

      Lots of great gravel and quiet roads all the way and a mix of open barren landscapes and nice forest aro7nd the Cairngorms.

      Haply to throw a komoot route together as an idea.

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