The best cycling routes around Northmavine

Northmavine offers a selection of 7 touring cycling routes, catering to various preferences. These routes range from moderate to difficult, providing diverse options for exploration.

The touring cycling routes in Northmavine are generally categorized as moderate to difficult. There are 4 moderate routes and 3 difficult routes, ensuring options for different skill levels. While gradients are mostly gentle, the longer distances and exposed coastal sections can add to the challenge.

Yes, experienced cyclists looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes. For instance, the Esha Ness loop from Ollaberry — Shetland is a difficult 26.1-mile (42.0 km) path featuring the dramatic Eshaness coastline. Another challenging option is the Esha Ness Lighthouse – Northmavine Coastline loop from Brae, which covers 33.9 miles (54.5 km) of coastal scenery.

Northmavine's touring cycling routes feature quiet roads with good surfaces and generally low traffic. The terrain, while not entirely flat, has mostly gentle gradients. You can expect dramatic coastlines, rugged sea stacks, impressive cliffs, and volcanic rock formations, particularly around Eshaness. Some main roads are wide and include hard shoulders for cyclist safety.

Yes, many of the routes in Northmavine are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Little Ayre to Hams Circular Trail, which explores the northern part of the region, and the Calder's Geo – Esha Ness Lighthouse loop from Hillswick.

Northmavine is rich in stunning natural features. You can cycle past the unique Mavis Grind Isthmus, where the Atlantic nearly meets the North Sea. The Eshaness area is particularly notable for its dramatic cliffs, Calder's Geo, and the Holes of Scraada. You might also spot iconic sea stacks like The Drongs from various viewpoints.

Absolutely. The Esha Ness Lighthouse is a prominent landmark and can be visited via routes like the Calder's Geo – Esha Ness Lighthouse loop from Hillswick. For historical interest, you can also find sites such as the Broch of Houlland in the region.

While the weather in Shetland can be unpredictable, the summer months (June to August) generally offer the mildest conditions and longest daylight hours, making them ideal for touring cycling. However, the consistent and dramatic scenery makes for a rewarding experience throughout much of the year, provided you are prepared for changeable weather.

Yes, you can explore routes that provide stunning views of Northmavine's unique voes. The View of Voe loop from Brae is a moderate 20.3-mile (32.6 km) route specifically designed to showcase these beautiful fjord-like inlets.

The touring cycling routes in Northmavine are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the wild and unspoiled scenery, the low traffic on the roads, and the dramatic coastal landscapes, particularly around Eshaness. The sense of tranquility and connection with nature is a recurring highlight.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, Northmavine does offer some off-road mountain biking routes for those seeking a different kind of adventure. The region's diverse terrain and wild landscapes provide opportunities for various cycling disciplines beyond paved roads.

Many routes in Northmavine offer access to beautiful beaches and stunning coastal viewpoints. For example, the Mavis Grind Isthmus – Sand Wick Beach loop from Braewick will take you past Sand Wick Beach. The entire Eshaness area is renowned for its seascapes and dramatic cliff views.