These five road cycling routes leave from the popular outdoors town of Aviemore, located in the Cairngorms National Park.
Kincraig Loop
Suitable for: Beginners and anyone else looking for a short, sweet ride.
Start/finish: Rothiemurchus, near Aviemore.
Distance: 22.54km
Elevation gain: 133m
See route on Strava.
The route follows the undulating B970 towards Feshiebridge and towards Loch Insh, through the village of Kincraig and then up The Brae. It returns on the B9152.
Aviemore to Loch Garten circuit
Suitable for: Beginner and intermediate cyclists.
Start/finish: Aviemore
Distance: 38km
Elevation gain: 337m
See route map
This is a mostly flat and undulating route but with a few short, sharp climbs. The route passes through the village of Nethy Bridge and around Loch Garten.
Kingussie loop
Suitable for: A moderate ride suitable for riders with a bit of energy.
Start/finish: Rothiemurchus, south of Aviemore
Distance: 47km
Elevation gain: 473m
See route map
The route is on mostly undulating roads although there are a few shorter, steeper climbs. You’ll pass through Feshiebridge with its beautiful views and visit Ruthven Barracks, as castle that was built in the 1700s.
Cairngorm Hill Climb
Suitable for: Riders who like a challenge.
Start/finish: Aviemore.
Distance: 33km
Elevation gain: 529m
See route map
This is must-do ride if you enjoy a hill. The route takes you up to the Cairngorm Mountain car park, located on the sixth highest mountain in Scotland. The route starts with a warm up on a flatter section of road from Aviemore before the start of the climb.
You’ll pass Loch Morlich and climb through woodlands at Glenmore. The views as you climb higher are wonderful and the height will bring a nice breeze.
Of course, there is the fabulous descent once you reach the high point and turn around headed back for Aviemore.
Hills and Views to The Lecht
Suitable for: This is a longer distance challenge for riders with stamina and experience.
Start/finish: Rothermurchus.
Distance: 106km
Elevation gain: 1134m
See route map.
The route starts out as the Loch Garten Loop and then carries on into the Cairngorms to take in so-called Heart Break Hill. After the climb, the route continues on the flatter Old Military Road before another climb, reaching up to a 20% gradient.
The route rises towards the highest village in the Highlands, Tomintoul, before heading on to The Lecht road and another climb up to the ski centre.
The return route is easier and with lots of opportunities to spin the legs and take in the views.