The best traffic-free bike rides around Dundee City

This guide features 8 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Dundee City. Among these, 5 are rated as easy, and 3 are considered moderate, offering options for various skill levels.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families looking for a quiet ride. The trails within Tentsmuir Forest, such as the Tayport Heath Gravel Path – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Tayport, are generally easy and offer gentle terrain, making them ideal for a family outing.

You'll encounter a diverse range of landscapes. Many routes traverse the extensive forest tracks of Tentsmuir Forest, offer scenic paths along the River Tay, or wind through green spaces like Camperdown Country Park. Expect views of the Firth of Tay and the iconic Tay Bridges on several rides.

Yes, many of the featured routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Tentsmuir Forest – Leuchars to Tentsmuir Track loop from Tayport is a popular circular option for exploring the forest.

While riding, you might pass by significant points of interest. For example, the View of the Tay Bridge – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Dundee offers stunning vistas of the Tay Bridge. You can also explore nearby attractions like the Dundee Law Summit and War Memorial for panoramic city views, or the RRS Discovery in the city centre.

Parking availability varies by route. For trails starting in Tentsmuir Forest, there are often designated car parks at forest entrances. For routes originating from Tayport, you'll typically find parking options within the town, providing convenient access to the trails.

Many areas around Dundee City are accessible by public transport. For routes across the Tay in Fife, such as those in Tentsmuir Forest, you can often reach starting points like Tayport or Leuchars by bus or train, though it's advisable to check specific routes and schedules with local transport providers for bike carriage policies.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Dundee City, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, the forest tracks of Tentsmuir Forest can be enjoyed year-round, though some paths might be muddier in winter or after heavy rain.

While this guide focuses on easy to moderate trails, the region offers scope for more challenging rides. The View of the Tay Bridge – Tentsmuir Forest loop from Dundee is a longer, moderate route at 58.3 km, providing a good challenge. For more advanced terrain, the nearby Sidlaw Hills offer mountain biking opportunities that can be adapted for gravel bikes with suitable tires.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Dundee City and its surroundings, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the trails, the scenic views, and the variety of routes available, particularly within Tentsmuir Forest.

The Dundee Cycle Hub is a great resource, offering bike hire, tours, and expert advice for cyclists exploring the area. It's a good first stop for any cycling-related needs.