The best traffic-free bike rides in Angus

Angus offers nearly 100 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes, providing a wide variety of options for cyclists looking to explore the region's diverse landscapes away from vehicle traffic. Among these, 30 are classified as easy, 47 as moderate, and 21 as difficult, ensuring there's a route for every skill level.

Yes, Angus is well-equipped with easy, no-traffic routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the View of Broughty Castle – Broughty Ferry Promenade loop from Carnoustie is an easy option, offering gentle terrain and scenic coastal views. The region's Strathmore Valley also provides more leisurely cycling experiences with rolling countryside.

Angus boasts an incredibly diverse landscape. You can cycle along rugged coastlines with stunning cliff-top views, through tranquil glens like Glen Esk, past serene lochs such as Loch Lee, and across rolling hills and heather-strewn moorland. The Strathmore Valley offers fertile countryside, while the Angus Glens provide more dramatic, challenging terrain extending towards the Cairngorms.

Many no-traffic routes in Angus pass by significant natural and historical attractions. You can encounter picturesque lochs like Loch Lee and Loch of Lintrathen. Historical sites include Invermark Castle Ruins and Balintore Castle. The coastline features expansive sandy beaches like Lunan Bay and striking red sandstone cliffs near Arbroath.

Yes, many no-traffic touring routes in Angus are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the challenging Scotland Trail: Glen Esk and Loch Lee Loop, which takes you through spectacular glens and around Loch Lee. The Circuit of Montrose Basin is another popular coastal circular route.

The best time to go touring cycling in Angus is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide beautiful colours and fewer crowds. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially when exploring the glens.

Yes, Angus is well-equipped with refreshment stops and accommodation options along many cycling routes. Towns like Kirriemuir, Montrose, Forfar, and Arbroath, which serve as starting points or pass-throughs for many routes, offer various amenities including cafes, pubs, and places to stay. Local cycle hubs also provide valuable information on services.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Angus, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning and varied scenery, from dramatic glens to serene lochs and rugged coastlines. The quiet, car-free paths and opportunities for wildlife spotting are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Absolutely. Angus is a haven for wildlife. Cycling through the Angus Glens, you might spot golden eagles and red deer. Areas around lochs like Loch of Lintrathen and Loch of Kinnordy are vital habitats for breeding songbirds and wintering birds like greylag geese. The Montrose Basin Nature Reserve, accessible via coastal routes, is particularly significant for migratory birds.

Many routes in Angus are accessible by public transport, particularly those starting or passing through larger towns. For those arriving by car, parking is generally available in these towns and at various trailheads. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient public transport links and parking facilities.

Yes, National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 1 traverses the Arbroath area of Angus. This important long-distance route offers well-maintained sections, with ongoing enhancements to improve accessibility and the cycling experience, such as those along Queens Drive and Elliot Links.