E-biking Trips in Scotland You Don’t Want to Miss

Fabulous E-biking Trips in Scotland

On my recent visit to Scotland, I went on three e-biking trips that were highlights of my journey. Scotland is a very bike-friendly country with quiet roads, breathtaking scenery, and respectful drivers. An e-bike is an excellent way to explore the hills and valleys of all parts of Scotland, as you can cover distances and elevations with ease. Certainly, non-electric bikes are a perfect choice for those game for a bit more challenge.

I share three e-biking day trips I did in Scotland that introduced me to the striking scenery of Loch Katrine, the Isle of Mull, and the Isle of Arran. It was the perfect way to get out of a vehicle, slow down, and see the hidden gems of Scotland.

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E-biking Tour along Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine is a remote body of water in the heart of the Trossachs area of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. I did a 4-hour tour of the loch with Trossachs E-bike Tours. My guide Anna, a certified bike tour pro, shared a wealth of information on the history and nature of the area. I learned about the literary history of Loch Katrine, inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s famous poem “Lady of the Lake”. Additionally, Anna told stories about the MacGregor clan member, Rob Roy, and painted the life of this Robin Hood character of Scottish fame.

The e-bike ride is 28 miles with lots of stops for Anna to share tidbits about the plants and animals of the area, as well as the history. Trossach’s Pier at the head of Loch Katrine is the meeting place for the tour. The bike route is along an almost traffic-free paved road.

The e-bike trip proceeds along the side of the loch with views of the surrounding mountains. At the turnaround point of the bike tour, Stronachlachar Pier has a lovely café (The Pier Café). The restaurant has yummy Scottish classics and gorgeous lochside views.

The e-bikes are comfortable and easy to ride. You don’t need previous e-biking experience to participate; however, prior biking experience is advised. You are provided with a high-quality helmet, panniers to stow your gear, and bike gloves if you need them. Bring a water bottle and snacks.

If you mention my name or blog while booking through Trossach E-Bike Tours, you can receive £20 discount off the tour price.

Highlights of the E-biking Tour Along Loch Katrine

Anna has planned in special stops along the tour. At one overlook, a famous location in the Outlander film series, she pulled out a flask of local whiskey for a wee tasting. We used the traditonal Scottish silver chalice called a quaich. She also shared tablet, a favorite sweet treat of Scotland.

We also had a chance to see the historic steamer, the SS Sir Walter Scott ship that has sailed the waters of Loch Katrine since 1899. Passengers can enjoy a ride the length of the lake to Stronachlachar and return. I enjoyed seeing the majestic steam ship as we biked around the lake.

Related post -> The Best E-biking Tour Along Loch Katrine in Scotland

E-Biking on the Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is often called Scotland in miniature as it contains all the ecosystems of Scotland. A cycling trip through the island is an ideal way to see the many natural areas of Scotland in one day.

I hired an e-bike from Arran Bikes in Brodick to spend a marvelous day exploring the south end of the island. An e-bike is perfect for the many hills and dips on the roads. I found myself riding in the turbo gear often to crest the hills for a beautiful view.

I did a lasso-shaped route starting in Brodick. The ride continued along the coast through Lamlash, Whiting Bay, and onward to Lagg. Then I turned right at an old church and rode the Ross road across the interior of the island back to Lamlash and onward to Brodick. The whole route was 30 miles.

The first part of the trip had brilliant blues of the ocean and rugged views of Holy Isle (home of a spiritual community). Whiting Bay has a splendid white sand beach. I stopped for coffee and a scone at the Shore Café on the beach to admire the view.

As the tour progressed, farm fields with sheep and newborn lambs came into view. Cycling up and down along hedge-lined roads with peeks at the ocean across expansive green pastures was exhilarating.

Bike services along the route

I stopped at The Lagg for lunch and to charge my bike. They have a convenient charging area and a station with bike tools. The inn grounds were a delightful mix of native trees and a babbling brook. The Lagg, an inn dating back to the late 1800s, is a wonderful place to stay to explore the island. It has super-friendly hosts, great food and beer in the restaurant, and a cute resident dog.

Arran Bikes has a limited supply of e-bikes, so reserve ahead of time. They require cash payment in person, but you can pay by card on the website if you prefer. They supply helmets, a safety vest, panniers, a charger, a pump, and a lock with the rental.

Highlights of E-biking on the Isle of Arran

The ride up and over the Ross road was my favorite part of my e-biking excursion. The low-traffic road climbed through a glen on the side of a wide river valley. Sheep dotted the bucolic hillsides. The view from the apex of the ride of the coast was spectacular. I swooped down the long, steep hill, braking the whole way and giving thanks I had ridden the route clockwise so I could enjoy going down the hill rather than up.

E-Biking on the Isle of Mull

I hopped on an earlier ferry so I could fit in a half-day of e-biking on the Isle of Mull. I’m thrilled I did because the biking on Mull was one of my best experiences in Scotland. Mull is a biker’s paradise due to its abundance of quiet, single-lane roads that pass by mountains, beaches, and sea lochs.

I rented a high-quality e-bike from Cycle Mull in Salen. Sheena, the owner, suggested several possible routes for my ride. I chose the 24-mile out-and-back route beside a gorgeous loch.

The first part of the ride was past some of the highest mountains on the Isle of Mull, including Ben More, the only Munro on Mull. Munros are mountains over 3000 feet high, revered by Scottish hill walkers. I rode past picturesque farms and historic buildings until I reached Loch Na Keal.

It was easy riding along the one-lane road as the very polite drivers I encountered would pull off in the passing places for me to go by. Most of the sparse traffic seemed to be birdwatchers searching for a headland to put up their spotting scope. Yes, the bird life was amazing, especially the orange of the oystercatchers.

May is lambing season on Mull. Therefore, the roadside was packed with ewes and their cavorting offspring. The babies would leap in joyous but awkward jumps while the mamas would herd them off the road.

Highlights of E-biking on the Isle of Mull

There was no better introduction to the wild scenery of the Isle of Mull than a bike ride along the sea. Imagine the wind in your hair, sparkling ocean blue on one side, and the barren green hills sprinkled with yellow gorse clumps on the other.

My turnaround spot after 12 miles of cycling was at the Bacca Cottage, a traditional whitewashed stone bugalow tucked under remote cliffs. The views of the islands are spectacular from here.

Additionally, there is at a golden sand beach that rivals the more famous Calgary beach on the island. Shore birds and sheep were everywhere. I enjoyed my lunch while lounging on the beach and watching the lambs play.

With an e-bike, I had hardly noticed that the ride to the point of the peninsula was uphill. I had a thrilling downhill return trip down the smooth and secluded roads.

Related post -> Fantastic Isle of Mull Outdoor Adventures

Logistics of E-biking in Scotland

Related post -> Tips for Planning an Outdoor Adventure Trip to Scotland

Accommodations for E-biking Trips in Scotland

With all accommodations in Scotland, it’s important to book early. Desired places to stay are reserved up to six months in advance. I make sure to book accommodations with free cancellation on Booking.com so I can be flexible with planning.

Accommodations for E-biking on Loch Katrine

The closest town to Trossachs Pier is the quaint village of Callander. I enjoyed my stay in the Dalgair House Hotel right on Main Street. The old school rooms are above the pub, which occasionally has music. A cosy bistro on the property has yummy food. A full Scottish breakfast comes with the room. I liked the charm of an authentic Scottish inn without breaking the budget.

For a bit more upscale accommodations, the Roman Camp Country House Hotel will wow you. It was built in 1692 and has gorgeous period furniture and spacious grounds. You can fish in the private ponds or relax in the oak-paneled library. A full breakfast is served in the on-site restaurant.

Accommodations for E-biking on the Isle of Arran

The Lagg, an inn with old world charm, is located on the quiet side of the island. This biker-friendly accommodation has facilities for charging your e-bike and tools for making adjustments or repairs. The family-owned inn with attentive staff is located in a lovely woodland area. An onsite restaurant and pub has a warm vibe, serving as a community gathering place for travelers passing by. The Lagg is an excellent base for island-wide cycling trips.

For more budget-minded accommodations, try the Arran Lodge & Arran Sleep Huts in Lamlash. The sleep huts are cosy, attached cabins with an ensuite bathroom. The lodge features a spacious, brand-new kitchen that overlooks the bay and Holy Isle. There are sitting and dining rooms with fantastic views and chances to interact with other travelers. The well-located property is a hostel on steroids, with friendly staff and a superior overlook view. I enjoyed staying here for a few days of homey comfort.

Accommodations for E-biking on the Isle of Mull

It’s worth staying on the Isle of Mull for a few days. Besides biking, there is amazing sea kayaking along the lochs. In addition, don’t miss the boat tour to see the Staffa Island cave and the puffins on Lunga Island.

I stayed in a centrally located area on the Isle of Mull, allowing me to be near many outdoor adventures. The bike rental company was just down the road in the next town over. My stay at the Arle Lodge near Aros was totally enjoyable. The self-catering lodge has huge windows overlooking a gorgeous sea loch. There is a large living room with comfy sofas to relax after a busy day of outdoor adventure. I enjoyed meeting other travellers in the common spaces to share tales of our explorations. The large self-catering kitchen is the most organized I’ve ever seen.

Getting Around Scotland

I highly recommend having a car to visit Scotland. While it’s possible to use the excellent public transportation system in Scotland, there are many places for an outdoor adventurer to explore that require a car. I found driving on the left side to be very manageable. If you aren’t comfortable driving a manual car, make sure to book an automatic, as the standard shift is the usual default for car companies.

I use and recommend Discover Cars for your Scotland car rental. Discover Cars works with reliable local car rental companies to give you the best price and rental experience. I’ve used them often and have always been pleased with my car rental and the cheaper prices.

Related post -> Amazing Sea Kayaking on the Wild Coast of Scotland

Communications for Scotland

The best way to get the data needed to use apps and communicate in Scotland is with a digital SIM card for your phone.

I’ve become a fan of eSIM cards for communication on international trips. An eSIM card can be bought online and easily installed on your phone before you travel. When you reach your destination, turn on the eSIM in your settings, and you will have data to use when you are away from Wi-Fi.

I use an Airalo eSIM card for all my international travel. eSIMs are significantly less expensive than my phone carrier’s international charges. Plus, it’s easy to top them off when you run low on data.

Wrap Up of E-biking Trips in Scotland

Scotland is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. There is no better way to slow down and see it’s beauty and wildlife than by e-biking day trips in Scotland.

Scotland is famously hilly, therefore, an e-bike lets you climb the steep glens and rolling moorlands with much less exertion. It opens up routes that might be too demanding on a regular bike.

E-biking also offers a low-impact way to experience Scotland’s natural beauty without the emissions of a car or the footprint of a tour bus. It’s easier to stop to enjoy any sight that draws your attention.

Finally, the mental and physical benefits of cycling can be found on an e-bike without the fatigue at the end of the day.

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