The best gravel rides around Royal Burgh Of St Andrews
4.8
(8)
42
riders
4
rides
Gravel biking around Royal Burgh Of St Andrews offers diverse landscapes, from coastal stretches to dense woodlands and rolling hills. The region features varied terrain, including both paved sections and unpaved tracks, providing a comprehensive gravel biking experience. Tentsmuir Forest is a prominent area for routes, while inland water bodies like Clatto Reservoir also feature in more challenging rides. The elevation changes across the area cater to different fitness levels.
Best gravel bike trails around Royal Burgh Of St Andrews
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Clatto Reservoir – Kame Burn Wooden Bridge loop from Craigtoun Miniature Railway, a 29.3 miles (47.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 13 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain around Clatto Reservoir.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Tayport Ice House – The Ice House Ruins loop from Leuchars, a moderate 21.2 miles (34.1 km) path. This route explores the coastal area near Tayport, passing historical ice house ruins.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Tentsmuir Forest – Leuchars to Tentsmuir Track loop from Tayport, a 17.8 miles (28.6 km) trail leading through Tentsmuir Forest, often completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Royal Burgh Of St Andrews is defined by coastal environments, extensive forests, and rolling hills with varied terrain. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging climbs.
- The routes in Royal Burgh Of St Andrews are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 70 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Royal Burgh Of St Andrews's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.8
(5)
13
riders
16.3km
00:57
40m
40m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
26.4km
01:39
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
riders
17.8km
01:00
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
32.6km
02:04
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Tracks and roads (gravel and dirt), and paths galore. Something for walkers and cyclists alike.
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Try the harbour cafe, excellent cake and coffee. Open every day and run by volunteers.
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Across the road from The Tavern pub is a bench on a patch of green that overlooks the gorgeous St Andrew's Bay. On a clear day you can see for miles up and down the coastline and out to the North Sea.
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At weekends, in summer, in addition to the normal food sale at the car park, there is also the "Salt & Pepper Largerita" pizza van, open until 9 p.m. The pizza is really amazingly good! You can sit at tables with benches, in the rustic wooden deck chairs, on new benches around the fire bowl or on the existing picnic blankets on the ground in the sand. Really nice atmosphere. Entry into the nature reserve and the car park costs £2 GBP. Toilets are in the green house behind the "wooden pyramid" at the front of the car park.
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Definitely a very nice waypoint on the cycle route that's worth a pause for that photo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in the Royal Burgh of St Andrews?
There are 7 gravel bike trails documented in the Royal Burgh of St Andrews area, offering a range of experiences from easy loops to more challenging rides.
Are there any easy gravel bike routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Tentsmuir Forest – Tayport Harbour loop from Leuchars. This 18.7 km trail is rated easy and takes you through Tentsmuir Forest towards Tayport Harbour, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.
What are the most challenging gravel bike trails in the region?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Clatto Reservoir – Kame Burn Wooden Bridge loop from Mount Melville is a difficult 47.1 km route with a significant elevation gain of 580 meters. This trail offers a more demanding gravel biking experience.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while gravel biking around St Andrews?
The Royal Burgh of St Andrews offers diverse landscapes for gravel biking, including scenic coastal views, dense woodlands like Tentsmuir Forest, and rolling hills. You'll encounter varied terrain, from paved sections to unpaved tracks, providing a comprehensive gravel biking experience.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes available?
Many of the gravel routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Leuchars to Tentsmuir Track – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Leuchars and the Tentsmuir Forest – View of the Tay Bridge loop from Leuchars, both offering varied scenery.
What are some scenic gravel routes that offer good views?
The Tentsmuir Forest – View of the Tay Bridge loop from Leuchars is highly recommended for scenic views, as it traverses Tentsmuir Forest and offers glimpses of the iconic Tay Bridge. The coastal proximity of St Andrews also ensures picturesque surroundings on many routes.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Royal Burgh of St Andrews?
The gravel biking routes in the Royal Burgh of St Andrews are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 17 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the beauty of Tentsmuir Forest, and the variety of options available for different skill levels.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the gravel bike trails?
While riding, you can explore nearby attractions such as the historic St Andrews Cathedral Ruins and St Andrews Castle. Further afield, you might encounter the Tayport Ice House or the Morton Lochs Bird Hide, offering cultural and natural points of interest.
Which areas are best for gravel biking in the Royal Burgh of St Andrews?
Tentsmuir Forest is a prominent and highly recommended area for gravel biking, featuring several routes suitable for various fitness levels. Inland areas around Clatto Reservoir also offer more challenging rides with significant elevation changes.
Can I find routes that combine forest riding with other natural features?
Absolutely. Many routes, particularly those originating from Leuchars, take you through Tentsmuir Forest, which is a key feature of the region's gravel biking. You'll experience a mix of wooded paths and open sections, sometimes with views of the coast or the River Tay, as seen on the Tentsmuir Forest – View of the Tay Bridge loop.
Are there any routes that pass by water bodies like lochs or reservoirs?
Yes, the Clatto Reservoir – Kame Burn Wooden Bridge loop from Mount Melville is a notable route that features the Clatto Reservoir, providing a scenic backdrop for your ride and highlighting the presence of inland water bodies in the region.
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