Scotland's Bikepacking Routes
Scotland might not be the first place that comes to mind for cycling, often seen as too rugged, challenging, and too wet or windy. While that can be true, it does depend on the type of cycling you’re after. If cycling, being in nature, and just 'roughing it' appeals to you, you are on the right page. Bikepacking as it is called often involves riding a variety of roads and narrow trails across multiple days. Riders carry essential gear, like food, cooking utensils, and tools, and venture into the unknown.
You can camp, stay in hostels, or hotels and in that regard Scotland truly delivers.
Below is an ever-growing selection of routes and sometimes GPX files for your convenience.
This page will be regularly updated!
A word of warning: If you’re from a country with dedicated cycle paths (like my own home turf the Netherlands), be aware that bikepacking in Scotland is quite a different and often challenging undertaking. Many routes here aren’t smooth (at all!) or even particularly safe as there are sections that may be shared with motorized traffic!
Region: Argyll & The Isles
Bikepacking Argyll’s Islands
496 km / Start & Finish in Glasgow
The route does not include unrideable sections, but might require walking beside- or pushing your bike at uphill and downhill sections. Sometimes there are gates which, if closed, might require you to lift your bike.
Additional information: Bikepacking in Argyll & the Isles Scotland | Wild About Argyll
Region: Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
Bikepacking the North Coast 500
318 km / Start & Finish: Inverness
The route does not include unrideable sections, but might require walking beside- or pushing your bike at uphill and downhill sections. Sometimes there are gates which, if closed, might require you to lift your bike.
Additional information: UKH News - FRI NIGHT VID: Where Roads End
Region: Aviemore & The Cairngorms
Cairngorms National Park Loop
266 km / Start & Finish: Aviemore
Smooth gravel tracks, singletrack and mostly quiet roads. While the Cairngorms are home to four of the five highest mountains in Scotland, there are no extreme climbs and descents, and parts of the route will make great day trips as well.
Additional information: Markus Stitz Cairngorms Bikepacking - 360 degree loop
Coast to Coast
177 km / Start: Culross & Finish: Kilcreggan
Although this is certainly a challenging route the scenery is superb with expansive woodlands, stunning lochs and great gravel. You will also discover fascinating tall tower houses from the late 14th and 15th centuries, inviting towns and Roman hillforts and loads of places to stop and linger for a bit.
This is a route with multiple places to join by public transport so you can easily split it across a few rides too.The boat journeys though require forward planning!
Additional information: The 177km Bikepacking Route Coast to Coast Across Scotland
The GPX File for the Coast to Coast has an error in it. I will check regularly for an update