The best road cycling routes around Scalloway

There are over 18 road cycling routes around Scalloway, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. These include 1 easy route, 14 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.

Road cycling routes around Scalloway feature a mix of dramatic landscapes. You'll find smooth roads winding through rolling green fields, wild moorland, and stunning coastal scenery. Expect varied elevation changes, from gentle valley rides to challenging climbs that reward you with panoramic vistas of the surrounding lochs and small islands.

Yes, Scalloway offers routes suitable for easier rides. The route from Scalloway to Tingwall and beyond, for example, is described as 'very easy' and follows smooth roads through fertile green valleys, offering views of Asta and Tingwall Lochs. While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the data, the presence of easy routes suggests options for less strenuous cycling.

The region is rich in history. You can cycle past the ancient **Scalloway Castle**, a roofless ruin from the 17th century. The route connecting Lerwick and Scalloway offers views of picturesque Scalloway, its castle, and surrounding islands. Further afield, you might encounter the Neolithic Stanydale Temple or the ancient Iron Age structure of Clickimin Broch, which is part of the Clickimin Broch – Mousa Sound Viewpoint loop from Lerwick.

Absolutely. Many routes offer spectacular views. The Scalloway - Walls route includes a significant climb to Wormadale, providing magnificent views of Whiteness Voe, the southern islands, and even Foula on clear days. You'll also frequently encounter views of the 'small isles' off Scalloway, such as Green Holm, Burra, Trondra, Oxna, Papa, and Hildasay, as well as numerous lochs like Loch of Tingwall.

The Shetland Islands, including Scalloway, are known for their dramatic weather. While specific 'best time' is not provided, the region offers unique cycling experiences year-round. Cyclists should be prepared for varied conditions, but the longer daylight hours in summer might be preferable for exploring the extensive routes.

Yes, Scalloway is a key point for long-distance routes. The North Sea Cycle Route (EuroVelo 12), a difficult 58.3-mile (93.7 km) trail, covers extensive distances across varied Shetland terrain. Another option is the North Sea Cycle Route: Shetland Mainland Loop, a difficult 53.3-mile (85.7 km) path offering a comprehensive tour of the mainland's diverse landscapes.

The road cycling routes around Scalloway are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic coastal scenery, wild moorland, and rolling green fields, as well as the varied terrain that offers both challenging climbs and gentler rides.

While not directly on a cycling route, a walk up Berry Road from Scalloway provides gorgeous views down the Tingwall Valley and back towards the village, and is an excellent place to see Shetland ponies in the fields. These hardy, native ponies have been on the islands for thousands of years.

Yes, there are circular routes available. For example, the Clickimin Broch – Mousa Sound Viewpoint loop from Lerwick is a 40.6-mile (65.3 km) trail that leads through historical sites and coastal viewpoints. Another option is the 'Nesting Loop' (B9075), which offers constant twists, turns, and scenic surprises through an intricate landscape of sheltered inlets and scattered crofts.

The elevation gains vary significantly across routes. For instance, the difficult North Sea Cycle Route (EuroVelo 12) involves over 1200 meters of ascent, while the Clickimin Broch – Mousa Sound Viewpoint loop from Lerwick has an elevation gain of approximately 859 meters. Expect a mix of challenging climbs and more gentle sections, providing diverse experiences for road cyclists.