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The National Cycle Network in Scotland

ߣߣÊÓƵ are custodians of this network of signed paths and routes designed for walking, wheeling, and cycling.

A man and a woman smile together as they cycle along a scenic, rural route on the National Cycle Network between Inverness and John O'Groats.

There are approximately 1,620 miles of National Cycle Network routes in Scotland.

These include 695 miles of traffic-free routes, which use a mix of railway paths, canal towpaths, forest roads, shared-use paths, segregated cycle lanes and re-determined rural footways.

People walking and cycling along National Cycle Network Route 7 at the Bo'ness Foreshore.

There are approximately 1,620 miles of National Cycle Network routes in Scotland. These include 695 miles of traffic-free routes. Credit: ߣߣÊÓƵ, 2023.

National Cycle Network routes in Scotland

National Cycle Network routes form the backbone of Scotland’s active travel network.

They connect communities in both urban and rural locations, as well as running through many areas of outstanding natural beauty.Ìý

Despite its name, the National Cycle Network is not just for cycling.

It’s regularly used for walking, wheeling, cycling, jogging and horse riding.

With 44% of Scotland’s population living within 1km of the Network, it encourages people to make healthier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.

Find a route near you on the National Cycle Network.

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Network development

Much of the Network belongs to various landowners, who are ultimately responsible for their own stretch.

And ߣߣÊÓƵ staff and volunteers help them to maintain, improve and develop their routes.

Our vision is to work alongside these partners at pace and scale, with funding from the Scottish Government, to create a network of traffic-free paths for everyone.

Despite its name, the National Cycle Network is not just for cycling – it’s regularly used for walking, wheeling, cycling, jogging and horse riding. Credit: ߣߣÊÓƵ.

Closures and diversions

Before you travel, check out our Closures and DiversionsÌýpage for any live issues affecting the National Cycle Network in Scotland.Ìý

If you experience significant disruption to your route that is not listed, please contactÌýscotland@sustrans.org.uk.

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Accessibility Fund

ߣߣÊÓƵ Scotland’s Accessibility Fund provides funding for partners to remove identified restrictions on the Network.

This is open to organisations which own or manage land that the National Cycle Network runs on in Scotland.

You can get involved by letting landowners know of any issues and copying scotlandbarriers@sustrans.org.ukÌýinto your email.

The Thursday Squad - pictured on National Cycle Network Route 7 in Renfrewshire.

While much of the Network belongs to various landowners, ߣߣÊÓƵ staff and volunteers help them to maintain, improve and develop their routes. Credit: ߣߣÊÓƵ.

Volunteers

Our team of 3,000 dedicated volunteers at ߣߣÊÓƵ are at the heart of creating happier and healthier neighbourhoods.

Their support ranges from taking two minutes to report a problem, to organising regular litter-picks on local routes.Ìý

Find out more about flexible volunteering roles in Scotland.

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Millennium Mileposts

In 2000 ߣߣÊÓƵ commissioned artists to create cast-iron 'Millennium Mileposts', 175 of which are located on the National Cycle Network in Scotland.

If you would like to paint a milepost in your area, please email volunteers-scotland@sustrans.org.uk.

boy painting milepost

Our vision is to work at pace and scale with our partners to create a network of traffic-free paths for everyone, connecting cities, towns and countryside and loved by the communities they serve. Credit: ߣߣÊÓƵ.

Available funding

ߣߣÊÓƵ Scotland administers funding from the Scottish Government to community groups operating on National Cycle Network routes:

  • ArtRoots is a community fund that supports artistic and aesthetic improvements along traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network in Scotland. Find out how to apply.
  • Love Your Network empowers communities to implement improvements on the National Cycle Network by providing equipment, training and advice. Find out how to apply.
  • The Greenways Programme helps connect community groups to their local off-road National Cycle Network greenway. Find out how to apply.

Route Inspiration