Bike
MTB
The 5 most picturesque MTB rides in Scotland
Take your bike into the stunning Scottish wilderness.
Choosing five of the most scenic rides in Scotland is a tough gig, like choosing five of the best grains of sand in the Sahara. The country is littered with trails, views and pockets of wilderness you can disappear into – if you look in the right place.
We stuffed our trail packs with some waterproofs and an extra energy bar and went in search of the best.
1. The Fisherfield Forest
Solitary singletrack between the mountains
© Andy McCandlish
Despite being called a forest, there is barely a stick on this 40km wilderness trek from Dundonnell to Poolewe. Cutting through some of the most wild and remote countryside Scotland has to offer, you will not see a road or permanent dwelling until you emerge out into Poolewe at the far end. The route sacrifices nothing to trail quality either – the singletrack is superb and, combined with towering mountains and roaring rivers throughout, it is hard to beat as an remote riding location. To complete the wilderness feel there is a cracking bothy (a Scottish term for a small hut or cottage) and a waist deep river crossing to contend with on the way.
2. Bealach na Lice, Torridon
The rocky route of Bealach na Lice
© Andy McCandlish
Torridon is well known for the quality of its rocky trail cutting through the mountains, and the Bealach na Lice is one of the finest stretches in the area. Climbing up from Culags, the trail passes a picturesque bothy before hiking hard to the summit of the pass. With pointy mountains rearing up all round you it is easy to feel like you have strayed into Mordor from Lord of the Rings, with bedrock and boulders your road all the way down to Annat and Loch Torridon. Complete the ride by making a circuit through the Coulin Pass to the north.
3. Rothiemurchus
Stop and enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery
© Andy McCandlish
A bit closer to civilisation than the previous two locations, Rothiemurchus is never too far from a cafe or road, but that doesn’t affect the downright jaw-dropping scenic quality of the area or top notch singletrack on offer. A stronghold of Scotland’s Caledonian Pine population, these beautifully gnarled trees shelter the riding on wild days, and the backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains filters through the pine needles on regular occasions to keep your head up. Ride on the wonderfully dry grit trails, or cut through pine needle loam in the heart of the forest.
4. Fife Coastal Path
Can't beat biking by the beach
© Andy McCandlish
For a bit of coastal change, take to the ribbon-like singletrack of the Fife Coastal Path on the much underused east coast. Threading its way through fishing villages, glittering beaches and famous golf courses there are stretches of pure gold here to be had. Start at Leven and follow the beaches north, finishing up in Crail – and don’t forget to try the legendary fish and chips at the Anstruther Fish Bar. A must.
5. The West Highland Way
St Rannoch
© Andy McCandlish
At 100 miles give or take, the West Highland Way is a chunky undertaking for anyone to ride in a day, although plenty have. If you are up to that challenge you will see the landscape change from the tame and lush surroundings of the lowlands around Glasgow to the craggy and sheer mountains of the Highlands through Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Kinlochleven and finally through Glen Nevis into Fort William. Even better would be to take a few days over it, stay at one of the cosy pubs on the way and soak up that incredible scenery.
Need some more inspiration? Check out our tips below.
