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A VISITORS GUIDE TO CYCLE TOURING IN SCOTLAND |
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If you have read the tourist books, studied the maps, developed a taste for single malt, watched Braveheart and have finally settled on Scotland for your cycling holiday - good choice. Scotland, in our totally unbiased opinion, offers some of the best scenery in the world including some of the last wilderness in Europe. This adds up to some great cycling, but to get the most out of your visit to our bonnie shores, read this first.
Will it be okay to bring my own bike to Scotland? If you have decided to bring your own bike, a few things to remember. Speak to your airline. Some tell you to wheel it on, some advise a bike bag (so do we), some supply a box. If you take the wheels off to box your bike, remember to put a block of wood or some spacers between the wheel dropouts. Check your travel insurance - you would not be the first person to have your bike squashed flat by airport handlers. Deflate the tyres slightly before putting the bike in the plane (but retain a little pressure - about 25psi - to protect the wheel rims in transit). Low pressure in the cargo hold can cause fully inflated tyres to explode.
Scotland is a hilly place. Even most of the towns and cities are built on hills. These hills are not the 20 mile gradual inclines you might find in the Swiss Alps. Instead, the roads tend to slope up and down in a short sharp fashion, so make sure your bike is geared to cope with this. Console yourself with the thought that the hills do make for some spectacular views - and who wants to cycle on flat roads all day?
Mudguards (fenders to our American cousins) We're on an island in the North Atlantic, so It can rain any time of day, and at any time of the year in Scotland. It can be a nice clear morning - then pour with rain all afternoon. I cannot stress the need for mudguards enough unless you're into road splash.
It's light 'till after 10.00pm in Midsummer, and it gets dark slowly, so unless you are cycling round the clock, you probably won't need lights. However if you are visiting us in winter, you won't get far without lights. Over the winter solstice, it can be dark from 4.00pm 'till 10:00 the next morning.
Where can I cycle in Scotland? You are free to use any of the public highways in Scotland with the exception of the motorways that you wouldn't want to cycle on anyway. And remember: we cycle on the left hand side of the road. Roads and tracks are well mapped out in Scotland. If you are planning your route in detail, order the appropriate Ordnance Survey Maps - Landranger Series 1:50,000 - from your local book store. These are essential if you are planning any mountain bike trips off road. There is an increasing network of cycle paths and recommended routes for cyclists in Scotland. These are being added to every day. We would recommend you use these wherever possible. Also use unlisted 'C', and 'B' roads (see Ordnance Survey maps) because the 'A' roads in Scotland can be very busy. Chose your route carefully. Go for quality. Do not try and 'do Scotland' in 2 weeks. You will enjoy your cycling more if you stick to the quiet routes. Remember most of the best scenery - and the most cycling-friendly routes are - in the more remote areas. The West Highlands and Western Isles such as Skye, Mull, Barra, Uist and Harris are the most spectacular. If your time is too limited to strike out to these remote regions, you can still enjoy a heady cycling experience plootering over the rolling hills of the Borders or Perthshire, a mere 30 miles from Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are also many books with recommended cycle routes both on tarmac and off road. Two of the best are 101 Bike Routes in Scotland (£9.95), and 101 Mountain Bike Routes in Scotland (£14.95) - both by Harry Henniker - a customer and all round nice guy who runs the BikeBus company taking riders and their bikes away most weekends. These books can be ordered from Edinburgh Bicycle. enquiries@edinburghbicycle.com
What is the weather like and what clothing should I bring? In general, Scotland enjoys a temperate climate with summer temperatures averaging about 15-20Ü centigrade, and in the winter, somewhere around 5Ü centigrade. Having said that, it can get very cold in the winter if you are out in the mountains - minus 15Ü centigrade plus the wind chill factor. The key point about Scottish weather is that it is famous for being unpredictable. You really can experience all 4 seasons in one day.
Our advice would be: May - September The sun is very high in summer. It's possible to enjoy 19-21 hours hours of daylight in June and July, and when a cool North Sea wind blows, you might not realize that you're slowly getting burned. Suntan lotion and shades are highly recommended. October - April. If you do choose to come over in winter, dress wisely. Gloves, hat/snood, good quality waterproofs, thermals, and insulating layers. The sun is very low and can often be blindingly bright - straight in the eyes - so good quality sunglasses are recommended. PS: Don't attempt any mountain biking up to the 3,000ft peaks unless you're led by a sussed local guide. The weather can change in minutes from lovely sunshine to a blizzard.
Outside the central belt of Scotland (the area between Edinburgh and Glasgow) and larger towns such as Inverness, Aberdeen, and Fort William, there are precious few cycle shop. We would therefore advise you to carry a reasonable tool kit and basic spares such as patches, inner tubes, brake blocks and cables with you.
For further information on where to stay we would suggest you contact the following: Scottish Youth Hostel
Association If looking for accommodation
with that certain Scottish flavour in a hotel or bed and Breakfast
check out the About Scotland Holiday web site Scottish Tourist
Board's Official Site is full of details on accommodation,
what to see and do, activities, and further contacts. The site
has too many graphics and search engines, but it's worth sticking
with, as most of your questions will (eventually) be answered
on this site.
Can I take my bike on a train? The situation is improving.
ScotRail have abolished the fee for taking your bike on the train
with you, so bikes go free. Bike carriage space can be limited
however, so their advice is to always book your bike on the train
in advance. From our experience, we would agree. For more information
and time tables contact. This site also has links to the UK national train services.
Is there a regular ferry service to the islands? During the summer months there are loads of ferries, and in winter few. Always check and book if you can. (I have never had any problem getting a bike on a ferry. A car is a different matter). It's worth noting here that many locals are strict about observing the Sabbath in the Highlands and Islands, so some ferries don't operate on Sundays. You can find out times,
maps, links to bus services and prices from Caledonian MacBrayne
- the major ferry operators to the Scottish Islands at
Is there any animal wildlife we should avoid? Scottish wildlife is generally benign, but watch out for the following: The Scottish Midge. Snakes. Sea Creatures Hunting Season
Two more websites that will help you find your way round Scotland. Scotland
on Line EdinburghGuide.com
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