The best cycling routes around Dundee City

Dundee City offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 120 options available on komoot. These routes cater to different preferences, ranging from easy leisure rides to more challenging, longer excursions.

Touring cycling in Dundee City provides a diverse experience, blending urban and natural environments. You can expect stunning waterfront views along the Firth of Tay, lush woodlands in areas like Camperdown Country Park and Templeton Woods, and panoramic vistas from elevated points such as Dundee Law and the Sidlaw Hills. The city's varied elevation, from sea level to over 380 meters, ensures a range of scenic rides.

Yes, Dundee City is well-known for its circular routes, most notably the Green Circular. This 26-mile route fully encircles the city, passing through parkland and along the Firth of Tay. An excellent example is the Dundee Law, Broughty Castle & the Firth of Tay loop, which incorporates sections of the Green Circular.

For easier rides, consider routes that stick to the flatter coastal paths or dedicated greenways. The Tay Rail Bridge – View of Broughty Castle loop from Dundee is an easy 19.2 km (12 miles) route, perfect for a relaxed outing. Dundee also has 32 easy touring cycling routes available on komoot, many of which are on shared-use paths.

Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, the Sidlaw Hills to the north of the city offer more demanding terrain and rewarding climbs. A difficult route like the Perth Bridge – Tay Rail Bridge loop from Dundee covers over 84 km (52 miles) with significant elevation gain, leading through the wider Tayside region.

Many routes pass by or near significant landmarks. The Green Circular, for instance, takes you past historical buildings like the Tay Bridges and Broughty Castle. You can also incorporate visits to cultural sites such as V&A Dundee, RRS Discovery, and the Dundee Law Summit, which offers panoramic views. The View of Broughty Castle – East Haven Coastal Path loop is another route that highlights coastal attractions.

Yes, Dundee is committed to making cycling accessible. The city offers bike rental services through its Cyclehubs. You can find a Dundee Cycle Hub, which can be a starting point for routes like the Dundee Cycle Hub – Tay Rail Bridge loop from Broughty Ferry.

Dundee is well-integrated into the National Cycle Network (NCN). NCN 1 heads east and crosses the Tay, while NCN 77 goes west towards Perth, offering opportunities for longer touring through picturesque villages and natural reserves in the wider Tayside region. Routes like the Dundee Cycle Hub – Tay Rail Bridge loop from Dundee can connect you to these wider networks.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 170 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from urban waterfronts to tranquil woodlands, and the well-developed cycling infrastructure, including the Green Circular and various greenways. The blend of accessible natural spaces and city attractions is frequently highlighted.

Yes, beyond the Firth of Tay, you can find pleasant coastal rides towards areas like Broughty Ferry Beach, Monifieth Beach, and Carnoustie Beach. The Tayport Harbour – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Dundee is a moderate route that leads through varied terrain, including coastal areas and forest landscapes, offering a taste of the wider coastal region.

While cycling is possible year-round, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Dundee City, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the varied landscapes mean that autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, and winter rides can be invigorating if you're prepared for cooler conditions.

Many routes in Dundee City offer this blend. The Green Circular is a prime example, taking you through city parks, along the urban waterfront, and past natural features like the Dighty Burn. The Tay Rail Bridge – Dundee Cycle Hub loop from Broughty Ferry also provides a good mix, connecting urban cycle hubs with scenic views of the Tay.