Mountain biking facts
- Recommended travel time
April to October
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
People tend to speak of the Scottish weather with little enthusiasm. However, it is only thanks to regular rainfall that this stunning natural landscape thrives. Nevertheless, it is advisable to always pack some rainwear. Scotland is part of Britain’s ‘National Cycle Network’, which comprises over 25,000 kilometres of mountain biking, cycling and walking routes across the whole of Great Britain. The ‘VisitScotland Cyclists Welcome Scheme’ lists accommodation specifically suited to cyclists. Another thing to remember is that traffic in the UK drives on the left, and this also applies to mountain bike trails.
Top mountain biking trails in the Edinburgh area
Stranraer to Dunbar: from coast to coast Difficult
The journey, which takes a total of around 13 hours by bike from Stranraer (just over 3 hours 15 minutes’ drive by car from Edinburgh) on the west coast of Scotland to Dunbar in the east, is best spread over a few days, as there is an awful lot to see along the way. For example, it takes you through Galloway Forest Park with its impressive wildlife. There are a number of challenges along the way, including a climb of over 300 metres in altitude to Wanlockhead (471 m), Scotland’s highest village. Of course, various sections can also be planned as day (circular) routes. If you fancy a bit more sightseeing, you can take the slightly longer route via Irvine, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
- Tour duration 2 to 6 days
- Distance 272 km
- Ascent 3,760 m
- Descent -3,750 m
A charming little gem near Glasgow Light
A good 1.5 hours’ drive from Edinburgh, near Glasgow, lies the area between Bridge of Weir and Lochwinnoch considered to be one of the prettiest places in Scotland. This short circular route offers plenty of opportunities to get off your mountain bike — for a picnic, a canoe or boat trip, a spot of archery, a walk or even a visit to the 18th-century Weaver’s Cottage, which is often brought back to life by weavers on weekends. Anyone with plenty of energy left by the end can have a swing at one of the nearby golf courses.
- Tour duration 1 hr 20 min
- Distance 22.2 km
- Ascent 230 m
- Descent -230 m
A day trip for families and nature lovers Light
Loch Leven is the largest freshwater lake in the Scottish Lowlands and one of the most important nature reserves for wild birds. Located 50 minutes’ drive north of Edinburgh, the Loch Leven Heritage Trail around the lake makes for a great day out for mountain bikers of all ages. Loch Leven Castle stands on an island in the middle of the lake and can be reached by boat during the on-season. The trail is mostly flat; there are just a few gentle inclines and descents to the south of the lake. Cyclists share the path with hikers, so please be considerate.
- Tour duration 1 hr
- Distance 17.9 km
- Ascent 40 m
- Descent -40 m
A popular route taking in the four monasteries Difficult
Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh. These are the names of the four famous 12th-century ruins situated a good hour’s drive south of Edinburgh. They are linked by the ‘4 Abbeys’ route, one of the most popular cycling routes in southern Scotland. Cyclists love the uneven terrain just as much as the beautiful countryside. If you want to cycle round all four medieval monasteries in a single day, you’ll need stamina and good lung capacity. If you want to spend a bit more time, not only can you stop off at the abbeys — all of which are open to visitors — but you can also visit a market or one of the fine restaurants along the route.
- Tour duration 5 to 6 hrs
- Distance 87.4 km
- Ascent 910 m
- Descent -900 m
On a journey of discovery with a professional
Innerleithen and the Forest of Ae are among Scotland’s most popular mountain biking spots. Adrenalin Uplift offers a special service in this region. Firstly, they run a shuttle for cyclists, which connects the main trails. Alternatively, you can explore the area with a local guide. The ‘Ride With The Local’ team, led by professional mountain biker Sam Flockhart, is open to individuals or groups of all ability levels.
Bike hire at the destination
- The Tartan Bicycle Company
- Biketrax
- Pedal Forth
- nextbike, Glasgow and Stirling
Sports baggage
Search for flights