The Best Gravel Rides in Scotland: 9 Routes Tested
The Best Gravel Rides in Scotland
Scotland is arguably the finest country in Britain for gravel cycling, and these are the best gravel rides in Scotland I've found. A network of old estate roads, forestry tracks, drove roads and Land Rover trails threads through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe — quiet, legal to ride, and utterly wild. These are nine gravel routes I've ridden and loved, from a gentle forest spin you could do before lunch to a 157-kilometre Trossachs grand tour that will empty your legs completely. Every one starts and finishes in the same place, and every one has somewhere good to sleep and eat nearby.
The nine routes at a glance
1. Rothiemurchus Loop — Cairngorms · Aviemore · 24.8 km / ~220 m · Easy
2. Aberfoyle & Loch Ard — Trossachs · 37.3 km / 684 m · Easy–Mod
3. Glen Affric — NW Highlands · Cannich · 55.8 km / 778 m · Moderate
4. Callander Trossachs Loop — Trossachs · 64.0 km / ~900 m · Moderate
5. Cairngorms Classic — Cairngorms · Aviemore · 75.1 km / 963 m · Mod–Hard
6. Abernethy Forest — Cairngorms · Aviemore · 85.5 km / ~680 m · Mod–Hard
7. Great Trossachs Loop — Trossachs · Callander · 101.5 km / ~1,160 m · Hard
8. Cairngorms Big Day — Cairngorms · Aviemore · 132.6 km / ~1,300 m · Very hard
9. Loch Earn Grand Tour — Trossachs · St Fillans · 156.9 km / 2,269 m · Epic
1. Rothiemurchus Gravel Loop, Aviemore (24.8 km)
The perfect first taste of Scottish gravel: sheltered, low-commitment and beautiful.
Distance: 24.8 km · Ascent: ~220 m · Ride time: ≈ 1 hr · Start / finish: Aviemore · Region: Cairngorms
If you've never ridden gravel in the Highlands, start here. This gentle loop rolls east out of Aviemore into the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Rothiemurchus, skirting the fringes of Glenmore and Loch Morlich. The first half of the route uses the ‘Old Logging Way’ that’s a smooth, well drained trail away from traffic. There’s no significant climbs to tackle, but the route is uphill from the start until Glenmore. It’s only 1-2% so barely noticeable.
This route is a great foundation to explore the area further. If your legs are feeling strong, you can extend towards Inshriach and Loch an Eileen.
Where to stay: Aviemore Bunkhouse (right by the station, with a drying room, heated boot racks and covered bike storage) or the Spey-side Old Bridge Inn & Bunkhouse. Campers and pod-fans should head seven miles up the road to Glenmore campsite / Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel beside Loch Morlich.
2. Aberfoyle & Loch Ard Gravel Loop, The Trossachs (37.3 km)
Rolling forest gravel through the heart of the Trossachs.
Distance: 37.3 km · Ascent: 684 m · Ride time: ≈ 1 hr 40 (moving) · Start / finish: Aberfoyle · Region: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
A tidy half-day loop from the bustling village of Aberfoyle, winding west through past Loch Ard, Loch Chon and the scattered houses of Kinlochard. The route kicks off with a long but steady climb to the highest point of the route at 250m. The gravel is some of the best you’ll find in the UK, so you can focus on getting th power down rather than picking a smooth line up the hill. Once you’ve reached the top, the views are spectacular with vistas extending north into the southern Highlands.
The descent can be ridden conservatively, but it really rewards those that saved some legs to push on. The forest commission tracks are smooth and ripping fast with flowing corners rewarding those that can pick an apex. A handful of small rises keep you honest and make you work for the thrills, but it’s some of the best riding in the UK packed into just 37km.
Heading back towards Aberfoyle, there’s the promise of cake, a pint or even fish and chips.
Where to stay: The Aberfoyle Inn in the middle of town, or the Cobleland campsite (a Forestry site a couple of miles out, right on the cycle path). For a bigger base, the Macdonald Forest Hills resort sits above Loch Ard. For any last minute bike issues, head to Aberfoyle Bike Co.
3. Glen Affric Gravel Route, Cannich (55.8 km)
Into one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, and back.
Distance: 55.8 km · Ascent: 778 m · Ride time: ≈ 3 hr 20 (moving) · Start / finish: Cannich (57.345, −4.767) · Region: Highlands, west of Loch Ness
Glen Affric is regularly called the most beautiful glen in Scotland, and riding into it on gravel is the best way to understand why. From the village of Cannich the route heads deep up the strath, past Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin and into a wilderness of ancient Scots pine, still water and big remote hills. It's an out-and-back into genuinely wild country — take everything you need, because there's nothing out there but the view. [Add komoot/GPX embed + photo]
The route heads west from Cannich on what will be the south side of the loch, staring on a very quiet tarmac road before heading through a few gates and across farmland. The most notable climb of the day comes early, only 10km or so into the day and it’s on fairly chunky gravel so see your eyes up for the smoothest line. Once over the top, the mountains in the distance hone into view and you’ll realise you're in the proper hills here. A short and owing descent lead into some genuine champagne gravel on the southern shores of the loch, with views peaking through the ancient Caledonian Pines. The trials are fast rolling and slightly downhill, so you can really tank along this section.
Once you reach the furthest point is where you’ll really earn your keep. Passing a bothy, our cycling route joins the well trodden Affric - Kintail hiking route meaning you might see a couple of hikers but the key point to note I that the trail becomes a hiking trail. In winter it’s very slow going with bursts of riding interspersed with hikeabike foreground 8km. In the summer the trail should be less waterlogged but still slow going.
Once the hikeabike section is behind you, it’s back onto the champagne gravel past the uber luxurious Glen Affric Estate and then a brief sting on tarmac back to the start.
This loop is absolutely spectacular to ride and you feel like you’re in the true wilderness and don’t be put off by the hikeabike section
Where to stay: Cannich Caravan & Camping Park at the mouth of the glen has pods, pitches and a café, or take a cabin at Glen Affric Holiday Park on the River Glass. Loch Ness is only fifteen minutes away if you want more options.
4. Glen Finglas Loop, The Trossachs (64 km)
Lochs, forest and one proper climb, all on the doorstep of Callander.
Distance: 64.0 km · Ascent: 1600 m · Ride time: ≈ 4 hr 30 · Start / finish: Callander · Region: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Callander is an attractive little town at the Eastern edge of the Trossachs and right on the doorstep of some premium adventure gravel. The elevation on this ride is nothing to be baulked at, although the views form the top are stunning and it’s another ride where you feel deep in the wilderness.
The route initially heads north, using the EV1 cycle path alongside Loch Lubnaig up to Strathyre. From here you’ll get the first taste of many of the days hills. It’s nothing oo long, but enough to get the legs warm for what’s to come. A fairly rough descent back down to the northern shores of Loch Venacher offers some respite before the real climbing begins.
A stint along the loch path feels like easy going as soon as you make the turn north towards Glen Finglas with gradients into double figures for brief stretches as the terrain heads skywards. Take the right fork in the road and get your head down for some climbing, the lower slopes hide the track int he distance so you never know what’s coming until about 2/3 up the climb, where the terrain opens up and the track snakes off into the distance.
Once again, the views from the top are stunning in all directions. The descent down requires close attention, steep gradients means you’ll pick up speed rapidly and potentially come unstuck on the large drainage ditches.
The route back into Callander is mercifully flat, using the southern shore path which offers some nice flowing singletrack most of the way back into town.
There’s plenty of options for refuelling in Callander, Mhor Bread is a particular favourite or Ben Ledi Coffee across the road is also great.
Where to stay: Plenty in Callander itself — the Crown Hotel or Dalgair House Hotel in the centre, Annfield House or Lubnaig Guest House for a B&B, or Keltie Bridge Caravan Park just outside town for camping.
5. Glen Feshie and Glen Tromie Loop, Aviemore (75 km)
The quintessential big Cairngorms gravel day: forest, moor and a proper mountain pass.
Distance: 75.1 km · Ascent: 963 m · Ride time: ≈ 3 hr 45 (moving) · Start / finish: Aviemore / Rothiemurchus (57.174, −3.797) · Region: Cairngorms
This is the ride that sells people on Cairngorms gravel. From Rothiemurchus the route takes in some familiar trails towards Loch An Eilean before taking in new trails heading south, passing through the Inshriach Forest and onwards towards Glenfeshie. The trails are generally smooth with a few chunky sections around Loch An Eilean, but it gets a little technical once you’ve left the estate track at Glenfeshie. It’s all rideable but he trial gets twisty and rocky in places so do take care.
The trail opens out into easier terrain after a few kilometres and soon you’ll pass a small bothy, just before the trail abruptly ends and you face to face with the river Feshie.
This route is best attempted during drier periods as the river can be very wide and fast flowing when in spate. You also will definitely get wet feet, so not one for a baltic day.
Once you’re over th river is when the fun really starts. Ahead lies a 3.5km climb with ramps up to 20%; thankfully the surface is good and the views once you’re over the top are even better. The descent can be ridden full gas, but be aware of the occasional loose path of gravel.
The run back towards Aviemore along the banks of the River Tromie is slightly downhill so it’s possible to hold some real speed along this section, offering welcome respite to weary legs. There’s a slight wiggle around the Uath Lochans and then onto the Speyside way into town.
This route has a bit of everything from fast forest road, lung-busting climbs, technical descents and that unmistakable big-sky Highland emptiness. Pick a clear day and take a camera.
Where to stay: Aviemore Bunkhouse (right by the station, with a drying room, heated boot racks and covered bike storage) or the Spey-side Old Bridge Inn & Bunkhouse. Campers and pod-fans should head seven miles up the road to Glenmore campsite / Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel beside Loch Morlich.
6. The Burma Road, Aviemore (85.5 km)
A big, quieter loop into the pinewoods and passes north of Aviemore.
Distance: 85.5 km · Ascent: 1280 m · Ride time: ≈ 5 hr 20 · Start / finish: Aviemore · Region: Cairngorms
Where most riders head south into the mountains, this loop turns north and explores the hills on the western side of the A9 and tackles the Burma Road. Aside from one big hill, it’s a fairly rolling ride.
This route covers familiar territory for the first 30km taking in the trails around Loch Morlich, Inshriach and the Speyside way. Take care crossing the A9 as it’s a busy and fast road. It’s very much a crossing rather than riding along it so take your time and wait for a good gap in the traffic. Once over the road, the climb kicks in immediately and doesn’t let up for the next 4.5km and 450m of ascent. Gradients hover around 10% with little respite so lock in and get your head down.
As always, the views from the top are exceptional over to the Cairngorm Plateau and beyond. You’re in remote country here, so take care not he descent and enjoy the run along the river Dulnain towards Carrbridge. The majority of time not he road is coming up heading south to Boat of Garten, where you’ll pick up the purple made Speyside way trail back into Aviemore.
Where to stay: Same Aviemore options as above; the Old Bridge Inn & Bunkhouse is a fine place to refuel a hungry pair of legs afterwards. Nethy Bridge itself has a handful of B&Bs if you'd rather be closer to the forest.
7. The Great Trossachs Gravel Loop, Callander (101.5 km)
A century of gravel linking Callander, Loch Katrine and the shores of Loch Lomond.
Distance: 101.5 km · Ascent: 2200 m · Ride time: ≈ 7 hr 15 · Start / finish: Callander · Region: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
This is a big Trossachs day. This hundred-kilometre loop stitches together the finest gravel in the national park including the traffic-free road along Loch Venachar, the forests around Loch Ard, and some of the punchy gradients in the lesser listed areas of Aberfoyle. It's a real adventure with enough distance and some serious climbing to command respect, but almost all of it on forgiving surfaces.
This route takes in some of the trails from the Aberfoyle and Glen Finglas loop, but starts in Callander and includes a double ascent of Three Lochs Drive to keep the legs ticking over. Resupply is scarce, with the route passing through Aberfoyle at 40km and 85km and nothing else.
There’s some epic riding to be had in Aberfoyle and this takes in most of it, with a number of challenging hills to keep your attention, but you’ll be rewarded with the descents.
Flat road is not really a thing in Aberfoyle, and you’ll soon discover most of the day will be spent either going up or down one of the 9 hills on route.
Whilst this route is long, it’s quite compact with many bail out points to make it shorter.
Where to stay: Callander makes the ideal base (see route 4). For a wilder finish, the lodges along Loch Lubnaig put you right on the water a few minutes north of town.
8. Cairngorms Gravel Epic, Aviemore (132.6 km)
130 kilometres of remote Highland gravel. The one you'll still be talking about.
Distance: 132.6 km · Ascent: ~1,300 m · Ride time: ≈ 8 hr 30 · Start / finish: Near Aviemore / Rothiemurchus · Region: Cairngorms & Badenoch
This is one of those rides that live long in the memory. Save it for a long summer day and good legs and saviour the rare feeling of being very, very remote.
From Rothiemurchus the route strikes out south and west through Glen Feshie onto the Old Military Road to Loch Cuaich over a very exposed climb. The run from the loch to Dalwhinnie is mercifully downhill to give the legs some recovery time. Dalwhinnie is the last resupply point for the next 50km so stock up and buckle up for what’s to come.
The gravel track down the side of Loch Ericht is proper champagne stuff with a couple of ramps thrown in for good measure. At Ben Alder lodge, the route swings away from the loch and the first realisation of how remote you are will begin to dawn. The next road looking south west is the A82, some 50km away. This section of the route has tendency to be very wet and body as it runs along the edge of the loch but it does eventually join with a gravel track.
The track runs longwise the river Pattack, then over the hill towards Ardverekie Castle before pushing on towards Laggan. There’s a resupply point at the Ralia Cafe at 108k before the last push back into Aviemore.
It's a serious undertaking — big distance, big remoteness, limited bail-out points — but ride it in the right conditions and it's the finest day's gravel in the country. Treat it like a mini expedition: spares, food, layers, and tell someone your plan.
Where to stay: Stay in Aviemore the night before and after (see routes 1 and 5). Given the length, an early start and a big breakfast at the Old Bridge Inn or in town is strongly advised.
9. Loch Earn Gravel Grand Tour, St Fillans (156.9 km)
The biggest day in the book: 157 kilometres and 2,269 metres linking Loch Earn to the heart of the Trossachs.
Distance: 156.9 km · Ascent: 2,269 m · Ride time: ≈ 7 hr 45 (moving) · Start / finish: St Fillans, Loch Earn · Region: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
If route 8 is the Cairngorms at their biggest, this is the Trossachs equivalent with a full day in the saddle stringing together the best of the southern Highlands. From the pretty lochside village of St Fillans the route heads south past Balquhidder and Callander using a dedicated cycle path, so no traffic to contend with.
Once through Callander, we pick up section of previously mentioned routes over Three Lochs Drive to Aberfoyle and then onwards towards the head of Loch Katrine. Stop for a snack or lunch at the Pier Cafe in Stronachlacher before riding the traffic free tarmac around the northern shores of the loch. The route heads back towards Callander for the second time but climbs immediately out of town into what feels like very remote and rugged country. With 20km still to ride, we’re back on quiet roads and cycle paths to Comrie and then onto St Fillans.
Over two thousand metres of climbing across a hundred and fifty-odd kilometres make this a genuine test and a pretty big day out so pack for a long day, plan your resupply, and savour it. It’s rare to ride gravel with so much variety in one day.
Where to stay: St Fillans has the lochside Four Seasons Hotel and the boutique Achray House right at the start; a couple of miles west, Mhor 84 in Balquidder is a great spot and on the route, with camping at Loch Earn Leisure Park on the south shore.
Before you go
A few things worth knowing. Scotland's access rights are generous; the right to roam covers cycling on most tracks but ride responsibly, give way to walkers, and check for stalking on estate land in autumn. The weather turns fast and the remote routes have no phone signal, so carry layers, food, and the means to fix a mechanical. And whatever the forecast says, bring midge repellent from June onwards.
Gravel riding in Scotland: FAQs
Is gravel cycling legal in Scotland?
Yes. Scotland’s outdoor access rights, the ‘right to roam’, let you cycle on most tracks, paths and estate roads, as long as you ride responsibly, avoid causing damage and give way to walkers. Check for deer stalking on estate land between roughly August and October.
Where is the best gravel riding in Scotland?
The Cairngorms around Aviemore, the Trossachs (Callander, Aberfoyle and St Fillans) and the north-west glens such as Glen Affric are the standout areas — all featured in this guide. They combine huge traffic-free track networks with easy access and good places to stay.
What bike do I need for Scottish gravel?
A gravel bike running tyres of at least 40mm is ideal. For the longer, rougher routes, prioritise tyre clearance and comfort over outright speed.
When is the best time to ride gravel in Scotland?
May to September gives the longest days and driest trails, though midges arrive from June so carry repellent. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful, but come prepared for fast-changing mountain weather.
Do I need to download the routes?
Yes. Most of these routes have little or no phone signal, so download the GPX or komoot file to a GPS computer before you set off.