Scotland is a great place to cycle! Last summer I discovered that there was so much more to cycling and cycling in Scotland. Did you know there are a number of cycling routes in Scotland with both on and off-road available, over 2,100 miles of national cycling network including family routes and 11 spellbinding routes? Here are some of the top cycling events and routes you might like to experience in 2017!
Tour of Britain 2016, Glasgow ©MDHarding
Cycling in Scotland
Tour Of Britain (TOB)
Did you know "The Tour of Britain has been around in one form or another since the end of the 2nd world war" - Cycling Weekly
It has been in its current form since 2004, being one of the UK's top cycling events attracting top riders and spectators from around the world such as Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway. The only man to have won TOB twice in its current form.
I was lucky enough to be at the TOB start point of one of the stages at George Square, Glasgow in 2016, and what a unique experience! I got there early and as the crowd started to build so did the temperature. It must have been one of Scotland's hottest days on record. The square was surrounded by team-sponsored cars and buses. It really draw a crowd, the square was filled with both locals and visitors from near and far, and you could feel the excitement in the air. For enthusiasts, there was even the opportunity to buy sponsored merchandise. The stage was set and we didn't have too long to wait to be introduced to the teams and their riders. Soon everyone was at the starting line and the signal sounded. It was all just a blur as they speed past you, on their way to the finish line at the next stage in Dumfries and Galloway.
TOB finished in central London on the 11th of September 2016 with over 1.6 million spectators including 100,000 school children lining the roads in support, across the eight stages across Scotland, England, and Wales.
TOB was awarded the Sporting Event of the Year 2016 and the latest news for TOB 2017 will be released in the coming weeks, to take place between 3rd - 10th September 2017.
Sir Bradley Wiggins George Square, Glasgow Tour Of Britain ©MDHarding
Etape Royale
The Etape Royale is the first and only 100-mile closed road cycling event in Scotland, taking place in the Royal Burgh and the highland village of Braemar, Scotland. Last year's event took place over two days with live music/ entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Watch Scottish world record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont complete the 100-mile route on a Penny Farthing.
Register for this year's event taking place on 10th September 2017.
For more information on cycling in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeenshire Council offer a number of dedicated brochures for a variety of routes including Stonehaven & The Mearns, Deeside, Donside & Strathbogie, Inverurie & Bennachie, Turriff, Fyvie & Formartine, Peterhead & Central Buchan and Banff, Fraserburgh & The North Coast.
Etape Royale 2016 Ballater, Scotland ©MDHarding
4 Abbey's Cycle Route
The 55-mile cycle route, 4 Abbey's takes in the 4 historic abbey's located in the picturesque Scottish Borders. They are Melrose Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey, and Jedburgh Abbey.
Melrose Abbey ©MDHarding
Then of course there are the 11 Spellbinding Cycle Routes in Scotland. For more on Scotland's Cycle Routes, VisitScotland has information on family cycling holidays and much more!
The National Cycle Route, Aberfoyle ©MDHarding
If you would like to train in Cycling visit www.Cycling.scot which offers a large range of training courses in Scotland.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the renowned cycling events and routes in Scotland, don't forget to share! Happy Travels:) x