Ancient castles, misty lochs, and rugged highlands set the scene for unforgettable cycling adventures in Scotland. We celebrate these journeys through "Epic Rides," a collection of stories contributed by our community and sponsored riders.
With "Everyone has a story, what's yours?" Sonder invites you to share your Scottish cycling adventures. Whether it's getting lost in the wild Highlands, finding tranquility on a coastal path, or experiencing the warmth of a small village, your story is a unique testament to the magic of cycling in Scotland.
"Epic Rides" aims to capture the essence of cycling here— the personal triumphs, the shared moments of camaraderie, and the deep connection with Scotland's breathtaking nature.
If you were to spend one week riding your bike, with the first rays of the year shining down on you, you’d be hard pushed to beat the West Coast of Scotland as a location. - Jenny Graham
Mountain Biking: mountain trail centres and big mountain days
Scotland's Highlands are a mountain biker's dream, offering trails that range from gentle forest paths to challenging singletracks. The Fort William area, known for hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, features routes for all skill levels, with breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. It also marks the end of the challenging West Highland Way.
Road Biking: Pedal through picturesque landscapes
Scotland's road biking is unparalleled, with quiet country lanes and scenic coastal roads offering peaceful rides through historic landscapes. The North Coast 500 route is a must-do for any road biking enthusiast, providing 500 miles of stunning vistas, from rugged cliffs to tranquil beaches. Springtime's clear skies and cooler temperatures make for ideal conditions for some multiday Island hopping through the Outer Hebrides.
Gravel riding: Adventure off the beaten path
Gravel riding in Scotland allows you to explore the less-trodden paths, combining the thrill of mountain biking with the endurance of road cycling. The Cairngorms National Park offers expansive gravel trails that meander through ancient forests, alongside rivers, and across moorlands, all while offering a good chance of spotting wildlife. Over on the West Coast go Wild in Argyle and explore the gravel paths weaving around the coast and lochs of the Argyle Trail.
Cycle touring: Explore Scotland at your own pace
Cycle touring is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Scotland's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With a network of quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths, you can plan a multi-day journey that takes you through historic towns, alongside famous lochs, and into the heart of the Scottish wilderness. The Caledonia Way and the Hebridean Way are excellent choices for spring adventures, offering a mix of coastal views, mountain landscapes, and opportunities to taste Scotland's famous hospitality.
Bikepacking: The ultimate adventure
Bikepacking combines cycling with minimalist camping, allowing you to travel further and experience Scotland's wild places up close. The Great North Trail is an epic bikepacking route that offers a mix of off-road tracks, forest paths, and remote trails, leading you through some of Scotland's most remote and beautiful areas. The Cairngorm Loop is an epic 300km route through the Cairngorm National Park. Approaching a highpoint of 2600ft it challenges the most experience bike packer.
Cycling in Scotland
Scotland offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure cycling, whether you're tearing down mountain trails, gliding along serene roads, navigating gravel paths, touring scenic routes, or bikepacking through the wilderness. So, why wait? Dust off your bike, gear up, and set off on a Scottish cycling adventure.
Sonder Bikes
- Sram Apex AXS XPLR 12-speed groupset
- Sonder Nova 700c UK Made wheelset
$2,349.00
- Sram Apex AXS XPLR 12-speed groupset
- Sonder Alpha 700c UK Made wheelset
$3,799.00
- SRAM Rival AXS XPLR 12-speed groupset
- Sonder Alpha 700c UK Made wheelset
$2,799.00
- SRAM Force AXS XPLR 12-speed groupset
- Sonder Alpha 700c UK Made wheelset
$4,549.00
- SRAM Rival AXS XPLR 12-speed groupset
- Sonder Alpha 700c UK Made wheelset
$4,199.00
- Shimano Tiagra R4700 Hydraulic 10-speed groupset
- Sonder Nova 700c UK Made wheelset
$1,799.00
- Shimano 105 R7170 Di2 12-speed groupset
- Sonder Alpha 700c UK Made wheelset
$2,949.00
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