10 great cycling routes...

THE HEBRIDES

Get away from it all on the Hebridean Cycling Route, which stretches 185 miles from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis.

EDINBURGH

An ideal introduction to Edinburgh’s many traffic-free cycle paths is the 1.8 mile route from Scotland Street to Leith.

DEVILLA FOREST

On the off-road forest paths in Devilla Forest, Fife, you could see some red squirrels. Keep an eye on the path, though!

LOCH LEVEN

If you follow the path round the Loch, you’ll have done 12 miles, but although there’s plenty of wildlife, it’s a flat route.

ASSYNT

Experienced cyclists may want to test themselves on the challenging circular Assynt 70 mile road route starting in Achiltibuie.

THE BORDERS

The four iconic abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh can be visited in a day by doing a loop that’s 55 miles long.

AYRSHIRE

The 19-mile route from Irvine to Ayr passes some picturesque scenery, including some wonderful views out to the Isle of Arran.

ABERDEENSHIRE

The Formatine and Buchan cycle route is set on a former railway line well away from the hustle and bustle of road traffic.

MONTROSE BASIN

A trip around this tidal estuary is great for wildlife spotting. The Montrose visitor centre is handy for a cuppa.

GLASGOW

The 11-mile route from the City Centre to Bowling is flat and easily shortened as it passes near several railway stations.