Scotland: coast to coast cycle
Listed under Cycling in Scotland, United Kingdom.
This is a week long 'ride of your lifetime' crossing some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside from near Oban on the west coast north to Speyside and through the Cairngorm Mountains to Montrose on the east coast. As well as the passing scenery of green hills, rocky mountains, forests, lochs and wild glens, riders will get a chance to cycle by some historic sites including the spot where (Bonnie) Prince Charles landed during the Jacobite rebellion, Balmoral, the Great Glen and Ben Nevis.
Your path, along single tracks, bridleways and country lanes takes you through some of Scotland's most remote and pristine areas.
The route can be varied to suit riders of different abilities, different ascents or roads can be chosen making it more challenging, but the off road sections mean you need to be a strong, fit rider to be comfortable. More experienced riders will relish the opportunity to ride on two of Scotland's great cross country trails, the first at Fort William and a second on the toughest day near the middle of the trip where there is a dramatic crocodile run through woods and streams (this will be the highlight of the trip for many riders, while others will enjoy the section through whiskey country.).
The coast to coast track is a good riding trip for people who enjoy their adventure in the day and creature comforts in the evening: all along the route are comfortable B&Bs where you can expect a traditional highland welcome in the form of warm beds, hot showers and a tipple of what you fancy.
Written by 
John Fulton.
Other expert and press reviews
“Scotland off road Coast to Coast”
Go west from the Isle of Skye to Montrose on Scotland's east coast and ride on 235 miles of drovers roads, military tracks and forest trails through the Great Glen region and over high passes in the Cairngorm and Grampian Mountains. The civilised part… Read more...
Written by 
Andrew Straw.
Scotland off road Coast to Coast with Saddle Skedaddle
“Scotland, Coast to Coast Mountain Biking”
It's not just me who thinks that Scotland is great for mountain biking. The International Mountain Bike Association has voted Scotland the world's top mountain bike destination for the last 2 years. With great backcountry trails, superb scenery and the … Read more...
Written by 
Stevie Christie.
Wilderness Scotland Mountain Biking Trips
“The Tour de France? Far too easy”
By Rob Penn for 'The Observer' First published July 13, 2008 The Scottish coast-to-coast is an epic and deserves respect. We had assiduously planned our four-day ride from Aberdeen to Fort William following disused railway lines, Land Rover tracks, med… Read more...
Written by press. Read full article from The Observer, July 13 2008
“The perfect getaway for lone rangers”
By Sara Maitland for The Guardian. First published November 9, 2008. I break out of the forest and start struggling up the bulky shoulder of Corserine. It is early and though my spirit is willing my flesh feels decidedly weak after a night in a sleepin… Read more...
Written by press. See the full article in The Guardian, 9th November 2008
Comments, reviews and questions by other travellers
expercience of a lifetime
my boss is doing it just now started from skye at kingussie to night hoping to reach braemar tomorrow hope snow does't come in should arrive at montrose thursday afternoon 4 and half days not bad for a 56 year old
6 Replies
just spoke to my boss ian vause the man is doing this with no aid no back up vans just determination he's a hardy lad ,he has reached ballater for a good nights sleep mount keen tomorrow light snow on high ground but light wind from west good luck ian from crosshouse hospital estates dept
jimmyjee
- posted 19th October 2010
Let us know how he does - it's a pretty impressive jaunt whatever your age!
World Reviewer Staff
- posted 19th October 2010
Good luck to him - can't believe he's cycling in snow now as well!
World Reviewer Staff
- posted 20th October 2010
thats him finished got to montrose at 1800 well done him
jimmyjee
- posted 21st October 2010
Congratulations - it's a pretty decent achievement - what's next for him?
Dan Alba
- posted 24th October 2010
he 's just left this week to explore all the small islands off scottish west coast in his small motor boat and camping most off the time he 's mad he should be a tour guide he would make a fortune.
jimmyjee
- posted 25th October 2010
Route Map
Where can I find a detailed route map of this route?
Call me old fashioned, but why would anyone want to end a magnificent Scottish coast to coast mountain bike ride in ....Montrose?
Surely arriving with a view of Skye having just ridden one of the UK's best singletracks as a finale to an amazing trip cuts the mustard?
Who's been here
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Related links
- Scotland travel guide
- United Kingdom travel guide
- United Kingdom travel specialists
- The best Cycling
Always great to hear of those taking on an epic adventure. My buddies did this in September with Scotland Mountain Biking and have been telling me how great it was ever since! Thier route was from Aberdeen to Fort William. I've been to Montrose before - driving thru for work - and I wouldn't want to spend 10 miutes there never mind end my holiday of a lifetime in the place! I'm booked up for June next year ;-)