Scottish route developments
Sustrans is constantly reviewing the status of the National Cycle Network and is working with local authorities and other partners to bring all sections of the Network up to standard. The following information summarises our current progress on developing the Network. Under each route heading, the first section explains changes to the routes since the most recent Sustrans map of that route was published, while 'Other Developments' gives information on recent works.
All featured maps are available from the Sustrans online shop.
Edinburgh to Newcastle (Coast and Castles South)
Most recent map: 4th edition, 2011
NOTE: Only information on the section from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Edinburgh is given here.
Edinburgh to Aberdeen (Coast and Castles North)
Most recent map: 2nd edition, 2009
Route changes since map was published: None
We have been contacted by Queensferry Recreation Centre in Ashburnham Road, South Queensferry (next to Queensferry High School) and right on National Cycle Route 1. Cyclists are welcome to use the facilities, which include toilets and showers - or just a wee break from cycling. Could be useful for day trips or for long distance tourers! For more information, contact the duty manager on email douglasmackay@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Aberdeen to Shetland
Most recent map: 2nd edition, 2010
Route changes since map was published: none
The Nigg-Cromarty Ferry runs from May to September, see www.cromarty-ferry.co.uk
Other developments: A track has been upgraded along the River Don through Riverside Park in Dyce - a very pleasant route with some good bird watching. This links into National Route 1 just north of Dyce and currently ends on Riverside Drive, near the Travel Inn and BP offices. Long term plans are for this route to continue alongside the river to Seaton Park.
Inverness to Glasgow (Lochs & Glens North)
Most recent map: 5th edition, 2011
Increased bike space on Edinburgh-Inverness Trains
Of interest to those planning to do this section of Route 7 - the 10.45 Inverness to Edinburgh and the 10.35 Edinburgh to Inverness trains now have 8 reservable cycle spaces (4 on each unit) from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On summer Saturdays there will be 12 reservable cycle spaces on these trains (which are formed from class 158 units, for those interested in that sort of thing!). The summer dates will be roughly from mid/late May to late September. Bike reservations are mandatory on trains to and from Inverness - check the ScotRail website for details of train times. However, it is not possible to reserve bike spaces online - this is usually best done in person at a railway station. (Updated 28 November 2011)
Glasgow to Gretna (Lochs & Glens South)
Most recent map: 4th edition, 2007
Route changes since map was published: None. The map includes National Route 73 (North) from Kilmarnock to Ardrossan and National Route 73 (South) from Newton Stewart to Stranraer.
Other developments: The Maxwellton Railway path from Nithside to Cargenbridge was opened in 2006 and a further extension to the east was opened in June 2008 (Connect2 project).
Ardrossan to Kilmarnock/Newton Stewart to Stranraer/Brodick to Lochranza
Ardrossan to Kilmarnock and Newton Stewart to Stranraer are covered in Lochs & Glens South (2007). Brodick to Lochranza is not yet fully mapped, but the route follows the main road along the east coast of Arran.
Route changes since map was published: The upgrading to the route between Irvine and Kilmarnock is now complete.
Other Developments: Dumfries & Galloway Council is progressing the Stranraer branch in connection with improvements to the A75 trunk road. The route will link to Cairnryan for the Irish ferries and is due to be completed in 2011-12.
A feasibility study is currently being carried out between Brodick and Corrie on the Isle of Arran. An excellent cycle map for Arran has been produced by Arran Bike Club - see the Maps and Leaflets section.
Gretna to Glasgow via Douglas
There is no map available for this route.
National Route 74 is already open south of Douglas to Gretna. The section north from Douglas, which will meet National Route 75 at Uddingston, is being taken forward by South Lanarkshire Council.
Edinburgh to Glasgow, Gourock, Dunoon and Portavadie (Clyde to Forth)
Most recent map: 1st edition of the Forth and Clyde map, 2009.
The map covers all of Central Scotland, including Route 75 and Route 754.
Route changes since map was published: None.
Route 754 - Edinburgh to Glasgow and Bowling
Most recent map: 1st edition of the Forth and Clyde map, 2009
The map covers all of Central Scotland, including Route 75 and Route 754.
Route changes since map was published: None.
National Route 754 uses the towpaths of the Forth & Clyde Canal from Edinburgh to the Falkirk Wheel, where it joins the towpath of the Union Canal to Glasgow, ending at Bowling on the Clyde.
Round the Forth
Most recent map: 2nd edition, 2008
Route changes since map was published: The path along the coast between Hopetoun Estate / Abercorn Church and Blackness was completed in early 2011.
The dedicated cycling and walking track has been completed alongside the road between Kincardine and Culross.
The Clackmannanshire Bridge to the west of Kincardine opened in November 2008. Route 76 now uses a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A876 trunk road to the south side of the Kincardine Bridge (between Grangemouth and Airth). To the north of the Forth, the route uses a new road bridge over the dual carriageway now heading north from the Clackmannanshire Bridge. The construction of new multi-use paths connecting the Kincardine and Clackmannanshire bridges provides a much improved network and better access to and from Kincardine and Alloa.
Other developments: Design/negotiation studies have been undertaken for preferred or alternative routes from Cambus to Old Tullibody, Stirling to Manor Powis and Cowie to Fallin.
Under our new route numbering regime, the proposed route from Doune to Callander will become Route 765. Option studies have been conducted and land negotiations have to be carried out for certain sections. Stirling Council opened the new traffic-free route along the disused railway from Argaty to Doune in November 2005.
Dundee to Pitlochry via Perth (The Salmon Run)
Most recent map: 1st edition, 2005
Route changes since map was published: None
The route was officially opened in August 2004.
We wish to remind all route users that access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 do not apply to private gardens near houses. Therefore where the description of the Three Lochs Run suggests that you "go through Meikleour Estate", please stay on the main track and keep away from the residential buildings. Respect the landowner's right to privacy. Thank you.
Campbeltown to Oban, Fort William and Inverness (The Caledonia Way)
Most recent map: 1st edition, 2005 (Oban to Campbeltown)
Route changes since map was published: the current map only covers Oban to Campbeltown.
Campbeltown to Ballycastle Ferry
The ferry between Northern Ireland and the Kintyre Peninsula re-opened in May 2011, re-establishing the link across the 34 nautical miles between Route 78 at Campbeltown and Route 93 at Ballycastle. The ferry carries a maximum of 6 bikes and bikes travel free. For timetables and price information, see www.kintyreexpress.com
Campbeltown to Claonaig
The route from Campbeltown to to Claonaig is now part of Route 78, not 73 as previously. A traffic-free path has been built between Kilmartin and Carnassarie Castle. An off-road route has been constructed between Ardrishaig and the B8024. This is an alternative to the main road with excellent views, but is steep in parts and not recommended for heavily laden tourers or thin-tyred bikes.
Ford to Taynuilt
Cyclists should take care along this section of on road route as it is extremely potholed after the winter freeze.
Oban to Fort William - under development
New - route map available (pdf)
Sustrans, Transport Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Argyll & Bute Council are working in partnership on building a traffic-free path for the 32 miles between Oban and South Ballachulish. The path will use sections of the disused railway, minor roads and multi-user paths alongside the trunk road. For details of the sections that have already been built, what is planned and suggested circular routes that can be cycled, see Oban to Fort William Path - what's happening?
Fort William to Inverness - under development (no map)
The route from Fort William to Inverness is under development and is not signed. It is possible to cycle between these destinations using the canal towpath between Fort William and Fort Augustus and minor public roads along the south side of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus to Inverness. See the Great Glen Way website for more information on the current walking route. Please note, the Great Glen Cycleway is no longer signed. Mountain bikers are advised to devise their own route along the many forestry tracks to the north of Loch Ness.
Future route development
Please continue to write to your MSPs, councillors (name & address can be found at http://www.writetothem.com) and local authorities to ensure progress in improving the existing National Cycle Network and completing new routes.
Your feedback (both positive and negative) is always welcome. You can contact the Scottish office on 0131 346 1384 or email scotland@sustrans.org.uk. If you're contacting us to let us know of a problem on the route, it is useful if you can give us an Ordnance Survey grid reference for the location or a very good description of the location.
The National Cycle Network in Scotland is coordinated by Sustrans, but a significant proportion of the Network is maintained by local authorities. If you have maintenance issues with a section of traffic free path (i.e. a pothole, fallen tree across path or a missing sign) on the National Cycle Network use FixMyStreet.com to report it to the appropriate local authority and they will endeavour to rectify the problem.
Additionally, if you find a pot hole on an on-road section of the Network, report the problem to FillThatHole.org.uk for the issue to be forwarded to the correct council.