The best road cycling routes around Howgate

There are over 150 road cycling routes around Howgate, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The region's landscape of rolling hills and open moorland provides diverse terrain for exploration.

Yes, Howgate offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners. There are over 50 easy routes available. A good option to consider is the Moor Road – Scottish Borders – Tesco Penicuik loop from Penicuik, which is 30.8 km long and features gentler elevations.

Road cycling routes around Howgate are characterized by rolling hills and open moorland. You'll encounter a mix of rural roads and scenic paths, with elevations that provide both challenging climbs and more gentle sections, offering a diverse environment for cyclists.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Howgate has over 15 difficult routes. The Moor Road – Scottish Borders – Paddy Slacks Climb loop from Penicuik is a demanding 157.2 km route with significant elevation gain, perfect for those looking for a strenuous ride.

The routes around Howgate offer expansive views, particularly across the moorland. You can also find several notable viewpoints in the nearby Pentland Hills, such as View from Allermuir Hill, Caerketton Hill, and Castlelaw Hill. The Moor Road – Scottish Borders – View of the River Tweed loop from Penicuik specifically offers scenic views of the River Tweed.

Many of the road cycling routes around Howgate are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the The Meadows – Wojtek the Bear Statue loop from Penicuik and the Fields Near Aberlady – Dalkeith Park Gazebo loop from Penicuik.

The best time for road cycling in Howgate is typically from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, you can expect more favorable weather conditions, including milder temperatures and less chance of harsh winds or rain, making the open moorland routes more enjoyable.

While many routes involve some elevation, there are easier sections and quieter rural roads that can be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with moderate distances. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' or 'moderate' with less significant climbs.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Howgate, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the expansive moorland scenery, and the network of routes that cater to different ability levels, from gentle rides to challenging climbs.

Many routes start or pass through towns like Penicuik, where you can find cafes, shops, and other amenities. For example, the Moor Road – Scottish Borders – Tesco Penicuik loop from Penicuik passes by a supermarket, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. Shorter, moderate routes like the The Meadows – Wojtek the Bear Statue loop from Penicuik (34.3 km) can take around 1 hour 30 minutes, while longer, difficult routes such as the Moor Road – Scottish Borders – Paddy Slacks Climb loop from Penicuik (157.2 km) can take over 6 hours.