Route 7
National Route 7 of the National Cycle Network is a long distance cycle route between Sunderland and Inverness via Penrith, Carlisle, Dumfries, Ayr, Glasgow, Pitlochry and Aviemore. The route is fully open and signed.
The route is described here from Sunderland to Inverness but is signed in both directions. Where no printed map is available for a particular section please use the Sustrans online mapping.
Sunderland to Carlisle
National Route 7 forms two-thirds of the famous Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route and includes almost 35 miles of traffic-free cycling between Sunderland, Stanley, Consett and Parkhead including the Consett & Sunderland Railway path. At Penrith National Route 7 heads north away from the Sea to Sea cycle route to Carlisle.
Map: NN7A Sea to Sea (C2C) [Also shows Penrith to Carlisle.]
Carlisle to Glasgow
Carlisle to Glasgow via the Ayrshire coast is known as the Lochs & Glens (South) cycle route. The route passes through Gretna, Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart before crossing Glen Trool Forest. On reaching the Ayr National Route 7 loosely follows the coast through Troon and Irvine and then heads inland to Glasgow on disused railway paths. Newton Stewart via Glasgow to Inverness also forms part of EuroVelo 1.
Map: NN7B Lochs and Glens South. For the NCN in Scotland also see Routes2Ride Scotland.
Glasgow to Inverness
Passing through two National Parks - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Cairngorms, the Lochs & Glens (North) cycle route takes the cyclist through some of the most stunning scenery on the National Cycle Network. The route leaves Glasgow by following the River Clyde to Dumbarton and then heads to Inverness via Abefoyle, Callander, Killin, Pitlochry, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge. Highlights include the Glen Ogle viaduct on the railway path between Lochearnhead and Killin.
Map: NN7C Lochs and Glens North