Gravel riding – what’s all the fuss about? For a die-hard roadie, the thought of swapping silky smooth tarmac for rough forestry tracks, farm roads, and God forbid, mud, might seem like heresy. But there’s no denying it, gravel is booming. More and more riders are turning away from the traffic-choked highways and pothole-ridden B-roads in favor of peace, solitude, and the kind of landscapes that leave your jaw hanging open. And that’s exactly what this book on our bookshelf, “Gravel Rides Scotland” by Ed Shoote captures so brilliantly, a gateway to Scotland’s most breathtaking and remote routes, designed for those who crave adventure beyond the asphalt.
And if you’re going to do gravel, Scotland is the place to do it. Enter Shoote’s “Gravel Rides Scotland“, a book that should be required reading for anyone looking to explore the wild and wonderful off-road routes our country has to offer.
Shoote is no armchair enthusiast; he’s spent years seeking out the best tracks and trails, and this book is the culmination of that obsession. With 28 carefully curated routes covering all corners of Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands, this is more than just a guide—it’s an invitation to adventure.
A Nation Built for Gravel
The beauty of gravel biking is its versatility. You’re not locked into the rigidity of road cycling, nor are you wrestling with the technical demands of mountain biking.
Instead, you get the best of both worlds: the freedom to roam far and wide, the ability to escape the relentless traffic, and a chance to see Scotland from a whole new perspective.
Shoote has broken Scotland down into seven distinct regions, each with its own unique character and terrain:
- Scottish Borders – Rolling hills, quiet lanes, and old drove roads make this a gravel rider’s dream. The ‘Tweed Valley Explorer’ is a highlight, weaving through pine forests and along riverside paths.
- Dumfries & Galloway – Vast forestry networks and rugged coastal trails. The ‘Big Country Loop’ is a stunner—80km of blissfully quiet riding through the heart of Galloway Forest Park.
- Argyll & Bute – Think lochs, ferry crossings, and gravel tracks that take you into the true wilderness. ‘Wild Argyll’ is one for the adventure-seekers.
- Highland Perthshire & Trossachs – A mix of fast-rolling gravel and lung-busting climbs through ancient woodlands and past mirror-like lochs. The ‘Loch Lomond Circuit’ is a particular standout.
- The Cairngorms (Deeside & Aviemore) – Home to some of the longest and most remote trails in Scotland. The ‘Cairngorms Explorer’ serves up grand scenery, with wide-open moors and mountain backdrops.
- North West Scotland – The kind of terrain that makes you feel small. Towering peaks, vast open spaces, and the kind of gravel roads that make you feel like you’re in a bikepacking film.
What Makes the Book Special?
Shoote doesn’t just plot out routes; he tells you why they matter. Every ride comes with historical tidbits, points of interest, and stunning photography that makes you want to drop everything and head out immediately.
Each route is meticulously detailed, with clear maps, elevation profiles, and GPX downloads to keep you on track.
But what really makes “Gravel Rides Scotland” stand out is its accessibility. Shoote understands that not every rider is looking for an ultra-endurance sufferfest.
Some days you want a tough challenge; other days, you just want a leisurely roll through stunning scenery with a good café stop thrown in. The book caters to all, with routes ranging from 31km to 128km, making it easy to find something that suits your level of fitness and ambition.
Gravel’s Growing Appeal
The rise of gravel riding isn’t just a fad, it’s a reaction to modern cycling’s biggest frustrations. Traffic is heavier than ever, roads are deteriorating, and drivers seem to have less patience for cyclists by the day. Gravel offers an escape. There’s a meditative quality to riding off-road, away from the noise and stress of car-filled routes.
It’s also incredibly social. Events like the ‘Dukes Weekender’ in the Trossachs and ‘Gravelfoyle’ in Aberfoyle are bringing riders together in a way that traditional road racing often fails to do.
There’s less emphasis on speed and more on exploration, camaraderie, and just enjoying the ride. Shoote taps into this ethos perfectly, encouraging riders to take their time, soak in the scenery, and embrace the adventure.
Final Verdict
If you’ve ever even thought about giving gravel a go, “Gravel Rides Scotland” is the book that will tip you over the edge. Shoote’s passion for the sport is infectious, and his routes are a perfect mix of challenge and beauty.
Scotland has long been a paradise for cyclists, and this book proves that the best roads aren’t always roads at all.
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“Gravel Rides Scotland” by Ed Shoote
- Publisher : Vertebrate Publishing Ltd (7 Apr. 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1839810505
- ISBN-13 : 978-1839810503
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