Author Ed Shoote believes “Scotland is a bikepacker’s dream, the options are endless”. As for our opinion, we’re just here for the pretty piccies.
Ed Shoote and his wife, Marion, have ridden in over fifty countries. Their latest and on-going mission is exploring all the nooks and crannies of Scotland to find the very best bits of gravel riding available.
“I wanted to focus on Scotland as it has so much riding and is one of the best places in the world to ride gravel bikes. Not only does it have stunning scenery but unlike other parts of the UK you are not limited to a few rights of way; the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) essentially means that if you see a track in the hills and it is responsible, safe and sustainable to ride it, then you can usually do so (save for certain exemptions).”
Weather is a major factor in planning any outdoor activity, but the fact that gravel routes are mostly all-weather surfaces holding up against most rain or snow conditions means they can be ridden in most conditions if you’re prepared with the right clothing and considerations.
The best months for riding in Scotland are usually May-June, and September-October, avoiding midges and tourists in the peak summer months, and snow and unpredictable weather over the winter.
To assist budding gravel riders, Shoote is publishing ‘Gravel Rides Scotland’ in April. “Filled with practical tips for those setting out on a gravel adventure, as well as twenty-eight routes across the mainland of Scotland from the borders to Beauly, and even one on the Isle of Rùm.”
Five reasons to gravel
Here are Shoote’s top five reasons:
- It’s perfect for beginners. It’s straightforward and easily accessible with so many routes to choose from. You don’t have to include technical riding or massive inclines unless you want to.
- Gravel riding offers something to every cyclist. If you’re a mountain biker, gravel riding allows you to explore further than you could on a mountain bike, while if you’re a road cyclist, a gravel bike let’s you leave traffic far behind you.
- Leading on from that, it’s versatile, instead of owning and maintaining both a mountain bike and a road bike, plump for one gravel bike.
- It can be a short activity or it can become an entire holiday if you pack your bags and head out on a bikepacking adventure. A gravel bike gives you the flexibility to ride for a few hours or a few days.
- Adventure … gravel biking lets you explore remote places and discover incredible sights on your own steam, what could be more thrilling?
Gravel Rides Scotland book
Contains 28 routes, ranging from 31 to 128 kilometres in length, exploring the very best gravel riding that Scotland has to offer.
The routes are clustered within six outstanding gravel destinations – the Scottish Borders; Dumfries and Galloway; Argyll and Bute; the Trossachs; the Cairngorms; and North West Scotland – each section makes a base for a short break, or combine some of the routes together on a bikepacking trip. Classic gravel routes such as ‘Gravelfoyle’ and the Galloway Big Country Route are listed alongside hidden gems including Loch Eck and the Lammermuir Herring Roads.
Each route includes information you need to help you plan your ride, interesting background information about the local area, types of terrain covered and refreshment recommendations, in addition to detailed directions, stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available. This book has tips and advice on all aspects of gravel riding, including the bike itself, essential kit to carry when out on a ride, as well as a brief history of gravel riding in Scotland.
The book is available to pre-order in the Singletrack Bookshop.
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