Cycling in Scotland can be the
most enjoyable and peaceful way to see the fantastic scenery which Scotland has to offer.
The down side to cycling in Scotland is that the weather is every unpredictable. Most of
the side roads seem to just follow the contour of the rolling landscape in no particular
fashion, weaving in and out, up and down, for miles on end, taking you threw some of the
worlds most spectacular scenery, but you do need to be pretty fit to tackle some of those
steep hills that you will most certainly come across.
Scotland is poorly served with
good cycling maps and routes, but as the demand is steadily increasing, local authorities
are starting to plan and make official cycling routes, one example is the old highland
railway which has been cleared and made into an excellent cycle route from Glasgow to
Killin via Loch Lomond. Highland Traveller has been unable to obtain any maps or
information on any good cycle ways, but as soon as we get any, we will put it online for
you.
OFF ROAD BIKE TRACTS
People in Scotland were
cycling off road long before the invention on the mountain bike, cycling along the ancient
pathways of the highlands, the same pathways that where probably used by the likes of
William Wallace, Robert de Bruce, Bonny Prince Charley Rob Roy and maybe the odd Roman or
two, who knows!.
In Scotland the cyclist is
entitled to use tracks and public rights of way where a right to cycle exists under common
law. Many of the traditional tracks through the glens will have right of way status for
cycles. The Forestry Commission can provide you with a excellent range of off-road routes.
BIKES ON TRAINS
If you intend to
transport your cycle by train always check in advance that the service will carry
bicycles. A few trains do not transport bikes and some trains may only
transport one bike per journey. Rail users can take their bicycle at no extra charge when
travelling by inter-city Sleeper, with Scotrail, between Scotland and London, but
reservations are compulsory.
Folding cycles completely
folded down and enclosed in a container or case throughout the journey are carried free on
all services.
BIKES ON BUSES
Most buses in rural areas will
let you take a bike on their bus, if there is room that is, never the less it would be a
smart move to check with the bus company first, you just never know.
BIKES ON FERRIES
Bicycles can be taken on all
car and passenger Ferries usually without the need to per-book. Some Ferries will charge
around £1 or so extra for your bike and others will carry your bike for free. So on the
whole you should have no problems taken your bike on a ferry.
