The best traffic-free bike rides around St Cyrus National Nature Reserve

There are 13 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 3 moderate, and 5 more challenging options to explore the diverse landscapes.

The routes offer a mix of coastal paths, river valleys, and agricultural land. You'll encounter flat sections near the sea, gentle ascents inland, and paths winding through grasslands and farmlands. The dramatic scenery includes towering volcanic cliffs and expansive sandy beaches.

Yes, several easy routes are suitable for families. For instance, the Montrose Beach – Montrose Parkrun loop from Hillside is an easy 13 km ride, perfect for a relaxed family outing. Another great option is the Inverbervie – Inverberbie Stone Bridge loop from St Cyrus, which is also rated easy and covers about 25.5 km.

The area is beautiful year-round, but summer is particularly vibrant with breathtaking displays of wildflowers. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter can be good for spotting overwintering birds, but be prepared for cooler, potentially windier conditions, especially along the coast.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable attractions. You can enjoy clifftop views, expansive sandy beaches, and dynamic sand dunes. Keep an eye out for Woodston Burn Waterfall and Rocks or the St Cyrus Waterfall. You might also pass by historical sites like Ecclesgreig Old Church and Nether Kirkyard.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Lunan Bay – Signal Tower Museum, Arbroath loop from St Cyrus offers coastal roads and views over 71.9 km. For a moderate option, consider the View of Lunan Bay – Lunan Bay loop from Montrose, which is 23.3 km.

St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife. You might spot peregrine falcons soaring above the cliffs, and common and grey seals occasionally basking on sandbanks at the river mouth. Offshore, there are sightings of dolphins, porpoises, and even whales. Inland, look for roe deer and otters, and enjoy the incredible variety of insects and birds.

The St Cyrus National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, located in the old lifeboat station, provides facilities including toilets and accessible toilets, and is a common starting point for routes, often with nearby parking available. Specific parking details for individual routes can usually be found on their respective komoot tour pages.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal scenery, the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, and the diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. The well-maintained paths and varied terrain also receive positive feedback.

Yes, cycling routes often lead to or pass by towns and villages where you can find refreshments. Montrose, for example, is a nearby town that features in several routes, such as the View of Lunan Bay – Ferryden Viaduct loop from Montrose, and offers various cafes and pubs.

The area around St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is connected to the National Cycle Network Route 1, which forms part of the long-distance Coasts and Castles route and the North Sea Cycle Route. While there are short gaps, many local routes integrate with or run parallel to sections of this network, offering extended cycling possibilities.