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Cycle Routes & Maps

National Cycle Network

Various routes of the National Cycle Network can be found in the Strathclyde area, listed below. Full details can be obtained from Sustrans. Sustrans cycle routes consist of a mixture of quieter roads and motor-traffic-free paths. Some paths are alongside main roads, while others, particularly in rural areas, can be some distance from the nearest road. Many of these paths are built on the trackbed of former railway lines, reusing previously derelict land. All routes are signed, with the signs including the National Cycle Network route number.

The National Cycle Network routes around Glasgow can be found in this Sustrans leaflet.

 7 
Cycle symbol Right arrow
Route 7: Sunderland - Carlisle - Newton Stewart - Ayr - Lochwinnoch - Paisley - Glasgow - Clydebank - Balloch - Callander - Inverness
Within Strathclyde this long-distance route follows the Ayrshire Coast northwards to Kilwinning, then minor roads to Glengarnock where a former railway line is followed to Paisley. Riverside paths and minor roads take the route into Glasgow, then it follows the north bank of the Clyde, on various paths, to Dumbarton before following the River Leven northwards to Balloch. After Balloch it follows minor roads north-eastwards towards the Highlands.		 Railway path route
 73 
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Route 73: Kilmarnock - Irvine - Ardrossan - Brodick - Lochranza
The route heads west from Kilmarnock along a former railway line, then takes to the coast for the section between Irvine and Ardrossan. A ferry trip is needed to join the next section - on the Isle of Arran it follows the coast road from Brodick to Lochranza.		 Railway path route
 74 
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Route 74: Gretna - Lockerbie - Lesmahagow - Strathclyde Park - Uddingston
This route takes in lengthy sections of downgraded A74 dual carriageway, where one carriageway has been converted into a cycle path, on the way from Gretna to Douglas. The section beyond Douglas has yet to be built.		 Dedicated cycle track
 75 
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Route 75: Gourock - Kilmacolm - Paisley - Glasgow - Uddingston - Airdrie - Livingston - Edinburgh - Leith
This coast-to-coast route starts following the waterfront from Gourock to Greenock, then joins a former railway line through to Paisley. NCN 7 is joined between Paisley and Glasgow, from where this route follows the River Clyde to Uddingston. After there is heads north to Coatbridge and joins various railway lines to continue through Airdrie to Bathgate. Paths and minor roads take the route to Livingston and at Balerno the route joins the Water of Leith Way and then the Union Canal for the journey into Edinburgh. The final section to Leith is along a former railway line.		 Path route
 754 
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Route 754: Clydebank - Kirkintilloch - Falkirk - Linlithgow - Edinburgh
This route follows the Forth & Clyde Canal through north-west Glasgow and onwards to the Falkirk Wheel. It then follows the Union Canal to Edinburgh.		 Path route
 756 
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Route 756: East Kilbride - Cathkin - Rutherglen - Glasgow
This inter-urban route leaves East Kilbride on the route of a former railway line, then follows alongside the main A749 road between Nerston and Cathkin. Once in Rutherglen, minor roads are followed through Overtoun Park and then the route ends up at Shawfield Bridge, across from Richmond Park.		 Suburban route
 40 
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Regional Route 40: Balloch - Luss - Tarbet
This route follows paths and sections of quiet and closed-off roads along the western shore of Loch Lomond.		 Path route
 82 
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Regional Route 82: Carstairs - Thankerton - Biggar - Peebles - Innerleithen
The Tweed Cycleway takes various minor roads to link into the Borders, where it connects with NCN 1 which continues onwards to the coast.		 Country lanes route

Local Cycle Networks

Roadworks & Diversions

It is always useful to check for roadworks, so you can plan your own diversion in advance. Or would you rather cycle on a temporary road surface while other traffic attempts to squeeze between you and a line of cones?

Airdrie to Bathgate Raillink Project

See this leaflet about the closure of the Airdrie to Bathgate cycle path, a section of NCN Route 75, during the construction of the Airdrie to Bathgate Raillink. The path is presently closed and the replacement cycle path is expected to be completed by December 2010.

Suggested Cycle Rides

See Suggested Cycle Rides for a few routes for cycle rides, based on rides Go Bike has gone on in the past.

Cycle Routes Websites

The following sites have suggestions for routes to cycle, and descriptions of signed cycle routes and cycle paths. Use them to help plan your route. There are alternatives to taking the main roads!

See also the Cycle Map and Journey Planner links below.

Canal Links

Information from British Waterways on canals in Central Scotland, which can form pleasant and useful routes for cycling.

Some information and photos about the remaining section of canal in Paisley:

Cycle Map Links

Cycle Journey Planner