Scotland was the first place I ever cycle toured and it still remains one of my favourites. The islands are beautiful, the highlands are stunning, the people are friendly. There’s a great cycle network to help you get around. Wild camping is legal so your lodging options are numerous. It really is just an all round amazing place to cycle tour.
Cycling Scotland does, however, come with its challenges — like a tendency for rain and pesky midges. But these should not be deterrents — you just need to be prepared! That’s why I’ve put together a video on my 5 tips for cycling Scotland.
Not able to check out the video at the moment? Here’s a brief rundown on what to expect and how to prepare for a bike tour in Scotland:
1. Use the National Cycle Network
The National Cycle Network is a series of bike routes all over the UK. It’s a compilation of bike paths, quieter roads and, occasionally, rural tracks, that can take you through many areas around Scotland. It’s a great starting point to begin putting together your bike route.
2. Prepare for rain
It’s true what they say, there is a fair bit of rain in Scotland. But don’t let that discourage you! There are plenty of dry, sunny days as well. And the rain really isn’t so bad if you come prepared. So invest in a good rain coat, rain pants, waterproof booties to go over your shoes, and some warm waterproof bike gloves. A pair of yellow tinted glasses so you can see better on those overcast days will also be a big help. With the right gear you can create a nice little warm cocoon for yourself and bike through the rain no problem!
3. Prepare for midges
There’s no two ways about it, midges can be a real pain. Midges are these little tiny insects you’ll find throughout much of Scotland. There can be a lot of them and they bite. Fortunately, they won’t bother you while you’re biking or on windy days. But when you’re sitting by your tent on a non-windy evening… they’ll surely come out to find you. You may want to invest in a bug net for your face or you can go for sprays such as Avon Skin So Soft or Smidge. Come prepared and don’t let the midges dampen your stay in this beautiful country!
4. Know your lodging options
Wild camping is legal in Scotland! That means you can pitch your tent just about anywhere for the night. If you like a few comforts in the evening, though, there are plenty of affordable campsites where you can have a nice shower. Hostels and bunkhouses are plentiful as well and filled with other cyclists and hikers with stories to tell and helpful information to share. And I also met some of the loveliest warmshowers.org hosts in Scotland so be sure to give that a try.
5. Get ready for fun!
When I talk about the rain and midges you’re likely to encounter in Scotland, sometimes people get scared off. But don’t let that be the case! In my cycle tour of 11 countries across Europe, Scotland remains one of my favourites. The cycling community there is amazing — with everyone eager to wave, swap stores and help out if you need a hand. And there are castles, islands, mountains and more just waiting for you to explore. So what are you waiting for!?
If you have any questions about cycling Scotland not answered in this video, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below!
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