The best traffic-free bike rides in Angus

Angus offers a fantastic selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails. Our guide features 15 curated routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every rider looking to escape the roads.

The terrain on Angus's traffic-free gravel trails is incredibly diverse. You'll find yourself cycling through the serene Angus Glens with their rolling hills and forests, past picturesque lochs like Loch Muick and Loch of Lintrathen, and even along coastal paths with views of the North Sea. Many routes utilize forest tracks, old railway lines, and quiet estate roads, providing a true gravel experience.

Yes, Angus caters to various skill levels. Our guide includes 6 easy routes perfect for beginners or a relaxed ride, 5 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 4 difficult routes for experienced gravel riders looking for a demanding adventure with significant elevation gains, such as the Glas-allt-Shiel Bothy – Loch Muick loop from Spittal of Glenmuick.

Angus's traffic-free gravel trails are rich with natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can expect to see stunning glens, tranquil lochs, and expansive forests. Highlights include views of Mount Keen, the most easterly Munro, and the dramatic landscapes around Glas Maol summit. The Montrose Basin, a significant wildlife haven, is also a prominent feature on some routes.

Absolutely! Many of the easier routes are ideal for families. For instance, the Tayport Heath Gravel Path – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Tayport offers a shorter, less challenging ride through Tentsmuir Forest, perfect for a family outing. Look for routes marked as 'easy' in our guide for the most suitable options.

Many of the traffic-free gravel trails in Angus are suitable for dogs, especially those in country parks and forest areas. However, always keep your dog under control, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves like Montrose Basin. It's advisable to check local signage for specific restrictions, especially during nesting seasons or in protected areas.

Yes, many of the best traffic-free gravel routes in Angus are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the View of the Tay Bridge – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Dundee and the Tentsmuir Forest – Leuchars to Tentsmuir Track loop from Tayport, offering varied scenery throughout your ride.

Angus offers several charming spots to refuel. Routes winding through the glens or near villages often have cafes or farm shops. For example, the Wee Bear Cafe and Peel Farm Café and Farm Shop are popular stops on routes in the Glenisla area. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially in more remote locations.

Parking is generally available at or near the starting points of many popular gravel trails in Angus, particularly in country parks or designated trailheads. For routes starting in towns like Dundee or Tayport, public car parks are usually an option. Always check specific route details for parking recommendations.

The komoot community highly rates the traffic-free gravel trails in Angus, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the peacefulness of the car-free paths, and the diverse landscapes that transition from coastal views to the dramatic Angus Glens. The sense of escape and immersion in nature is a common highlight.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for gravel biking in Angus. In spring, the glens burst with new life, and the weather is generally mild. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, especially in the forested areas, and cooler temperatures. While summer is also popular, be prepared for potentially busier trails and midges in certain areas. Winter can be beautiful but requires more preparation for colder, wetter conditions.