John D. Burns talks to Dave Barter about his new book Great Scottish Bike Rides. (Available to pre-order now) Released 6 July. Scotland has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world yet many cyclists have yet to explore its wild roads. David has selected 25 of the finest routes available for all abilities.
The book brings together twenty-five carefully curated road routes that showcase the very best cycling Scotland has to offer. From quiet Highland passes and rolling Borders roads to dramatic island loops on Mull, Skye, Arran and Bute, every ride has been ridden and refined to deliver an exceptional day in the saddle.
David speaks about how his interest in cycling began and why he is so fascinated by the Scottish landscape.
“In 2013 I left a well paid job to go on a mission to find the best road cycling in Great Britain and as a result “Great British Bike Rides” was born. In writing it I reaffirmed my love for Scotland and the fact that it really is my favourite place in the world. I’ve been visiting for over thirty years, returning year after year, and no matter how many times I go back, I find something new and a reason to return again.
I’ve ridden bikes in many countries and many great locations, but Scotland offers something unique. Its road riding has long lived in the shadow of mountain biking and a handful of famous climbs, yet the real appeal lies elsewhere. The landscape delivers challenge, beauty and solitude in equal measure, and the roads follow the land rather than fighting it. Every ride feels different, shaped by weather, light and chance encounters. There is no such thing as a typical Scottish ride.”
Riding in the Highlands can come with its own challenges. A s David Explains.
“I set out to ride Glen Kiltarlity without checking the snow cover. It was sunny in Tomatin when I left but once I got to the Glen I encountered some snow drifts. I thought I’d walk on for a bit to see if it cleared. After an hour I was committed. It didn’t clear until I reached the top after hours and hours of pushing my bike. I had a similar problem in Tarbert when it rained torrentially for the whole of the ride. I completed the loop with no photos and in a really bad mood so wrote no copy at all and had to go back and do it all over again months later. This has happened on many occasions and I now know these routes intimately.”
Cycling in Scotland offers two wheeled adventures unlike anywhere else in the UK. David’s expertly written book will offer any cyclist, from beginner to expert the chance to explore the country’s finest routes.
