The best gravel rides in South Lanarkshire

South Lanarkshire offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 30 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy paths to challenging, long-distance rides.

You'll find diverse terrain, from the extensive networks of tracks within the Whitelee Wind Farm and Black Law Wind Farm to scenic routes along the Clyde Valley and around reservoirs like Daer Reservoir and Strathclyde Loch. The region features a mix of paved and unpaved tracks, rolling hills, and remote roads, including challenging passes like the Menock Pass.

Yes, South Lanarkshire has several easy routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Black Law Wind Farm – Black Law Wind Farm loop from Climpy is an easy 18.2 km ride that offers a good introduction to gravel biking in the area.

For a significant challenge, consider routes like the Daer Reservoir – Kettleton Byre Bothy loop from Doddin, which is a difficult 53.1 km path with substantial elevation gain. Another demanding option is the View of Wind Farm – View of Wind Turbines loop from Abington, a 45.5 km route with over 800 meters of climbing.

Absolutely. Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable natural features. You can cycle through the scenic Clyde Valley, past the ancient Cadzow Oaks in Chatelherault Country Park, or explore the vast wind farms. The Falls of Clyde, near New Lanark, are also a spectacular natural monument worth visiting, known for being the largest waterfalls in Britain by water volume.

Many of the gravel routes in South Lanarkshire are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Whitelee Visitor Centre & Café – Whitelee Wind Farm loop from Caldermill and the Strathclyde Loch – Chatelherault Country Park loop from Larkhall.

Yes, some routes offer convenient stops. For instance, the The Heron Farm Shop & Café – Whitelee Wind Farm loop from Caldermill starts near a farm shop and café, providing an opportunity for refreshments before or after your ride. The Whitelee Wind Farm also has its own visitor centre and café.

The gravel biking routes in South Lanarkshire are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the extensive network of tracks, and the variety of options for different skill levels.

Yes, areas like Chatelherault Country Park and Strathclyde Loch offer more accessible paths that can be suitable for families. Local Nature Reserves such as Jock's Burn and Milton in Carluke also feature improved paths for walking and cycling, connecting to wider networks.

South Lanarkshire offers gravel biking opportunities year-round. However, for the most pleasant conditions, spring and autumn often provide cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Winter rides are possible, especially on the well-maintained wind farm tracks, but always check local weather conditions.

While specific public transport links to trailheads can vary, many towns in South Lanarkshire are accessible by train or bus. From these towns, you may be able to cycle to nearby trail networks. For example, routes around Strathclyde Loch and Chatelherault Country Park are relatively close to populated areas like Larkhall.

Yes, the wind farms are a major feature for gravel biking in the region. You can explore the extensive networks at Whitelee Wind Farm with routes like the Whitelee Visitor Centre & Café – Whitelee Wind Farm loop from Caldermill, or venture into Black Law Wind Farm on trails such as the Black Law Wind Farm – Black Law Wind Farm loop from Law.