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The second option is to travel by car. There are car parks close by most of the routes in this guidebook (they’re indicated on the route maps), which can make travelling by car easier and more convenient than by train due to time restrictions, engineering works and long-winded rail connections.

Accommodation

There’s a diverse range of accommodation available to suit most budgets throughout southern and central Scotland, from campsites and bunkhouses to B&Bs, hotels and guesthouses. The Visit Scotland website (www.visitscotland.com) is a good place to start as it also lists cycle-friendly accommodation providers.

Book your accommodation well in advance of your trip, particularly during the summer season. Scotland is a very popular small country!

When to go

Big puddles in Mugdock Country Park during the West of Scotland monsoon season (Route 19)

Each season has it’s own particular charms, but paths, tracks and trails are obviously at their driest in summer, when you can fairly zip along ridges and enjoy greater traction on the uphills. The summer months are also busier than other seasons – especially at weekends and during the school summer holidays – which requires greater vigilance for other mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other folk out enjoying the landscape.