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Many people have this perception of Scotland being small, damp and not worth more than a few days exploration. Whilst they’ve gotten the moody weather pretty spot on, this country is actually home to a number of amazing and picturesque attractions that make it the perfect choice for your next adventure. In fact, motorcycle tours of Scotland are growing in popularity is the ideal way to see them all in one go.
If you’re thinking about or even planning a Scotland bike tour, we’re sure that you want to learn more about the must-visit destinations:
1. Aberdeen
Known as the Gateway to the Highlands and a port city, Aberdeen is actually home to a more international community and you’ll see their touches everywhere. It’s home to famous golf courses, dozens of castles, dolphin spotting and delicious whisky trails. Popular attractions include the Maritime Museum, Art Gallery, St Machar Cathedral, Johnston Gardens and the Brig O’ Balgownie.
2. Edinburgh
The first city that tends to spring to mind when we think of Scotland, Edinburgh is a top destination for visitors. It’s home to an intact medieval castle and a network of vast (and supposedly haunted) underground passageways, as well as being host to some world-famous festivals. From the aptly named Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Yacht Brittania, there is something for everyone here.
3. Glasgow
Once viewed as dodgy and crime-ridden, Glasgow is now a popular start or end point for motorcycle tours of Scotland. Unconventional and eccentric, this city is home to many attractions including George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Necropolis, the Gallery of Modern Art, Linlithgow Palace, the Lighthouse, the People’s Palace and Glasgow Green.
4. Glencoe
A narrow valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and playing host to the River Coe, Glencoe is considered by many people to be the most spectacular scenery in all of Britain. If you have some time up your sleeve, this is a great place to include some trekking in your itinerary – the Three Sisters (a series of steeply-sided ridges) forms a particularly popular trekking route.
5. Hogwarts Express & Glenfinnan
Whether you’re a Harry Potter lover or not, we’ve all seen the iconic scenes where the scarlet red train travels across that suspended bridge. This is actually a real place, one we highly recommend visiting on Scotland bike tours. What you’re seeing is the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite Train, which travels an 84-mile stretch between Fort William and Mallaig.
6. Inverness
The largest city and capital of the Highlands, Inverness is also the closest major city to the fabled Loch Ness. There is plenty to see and do here, making it a great stopover so you can have some rest from the road. Popular attractions include Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, Botanic Gardens, Museum and Art Gallery, the Ness Islands and Bellfield Park.
7. Isle of Skye
One of the few remaining areas that has retained a strong traditional Gaelic spirit, the Isle of Skye is a great addition to motorcycle tours of Scotland. The area was less about kings and queens, and more about Viking legends and faeries. The postcard-worthy attractions here include the Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the Fairy Glen, the Storr, Quiraing and Armadale Castle.
8. Stirling Castle
About an hour from Edinburgh and half an hour from Glasgow, mystical Stirling Castle is a must-visit on Scotland bike tours. It’s what many of us picture when we think of a castle. It has seen the crowning of several kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots back in 1542. It also sustained at least eight different sieges in a 60-yeartime span during the Wars for Scottish Independence.
9. The NC500
The barren, hauntingly beautiful landscape of Northern Scotland is a real favourite for motorcycle tours of Scotland. It consists of a 500-mile stretch of road known colloquially as the North Coast 500, which is truly breathtaking to cruise down on your motorbike. Must-stop destinations along the route include Rogie Falls, Sheildaig, Bein Eighe National Reserve and Mellon Udrigle Beach.
10. Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness
What trip to Scotland would be complete without paying a visit to the famous Loch Ness – you might even catch a glimpse of the mythical monster said to live in its depths (affectionately known as ‘Nessie’). The nearby Urquhart Castle is also worth a visit; the ruins date back to the early 13th century but archaeologists discovered it was actually built on the foundations of an old medieval castle.
There can be no denying this country’s rugged beauty and historical roots – what better way to discover it for yourself than on a Scotland bike tour? Whether you want to completely craft your own itinerary or you want to join a pre-planned tour, this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime and one you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. There is so much magic and mystery here, just waiting for you to discover it.