The best cycling routes around Unst

There are 4 touring cycling routes listed for Unst. The majority are classified as difficult, offering a significant challenge, while one route is rated as moderate, suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

While Unst's terrain features significant inclines, making most routes challenging, the Sand Water – Loch of Garth loop from Cullivoe is rated as moderate. This 10.9-mile (17.5 km) trail leads through inland lochs and the island's interior, offering a more accessible option for those seeking a less demanding ride.

Unst offers dramatic and varied landscapes. You'll encounter wild coastlines exposed to both the Atlantic and the North Sea, often featuring beautiful, deserted beaches. The island is characterized by rolling hills and unique natural features, including opportunities to spot abundant seabird colonies and explore areas with rich Viking heritage.

Cyclists can explore several points of interest. The View of Hermaness Cliffs and Sea Stacks offers stunning vistas, and the Puffin Viewing Point at Hermaness NNR is ideal for wildlife spotting. You might also pass by historic sites like Muness Castle or scenic spots like Lund Beach and Funzie Beach.

The duration varies significantly by route. For instance, the moderate Sand Water – Loch of Garth loop from Cullivoe can be completed in about 1 hour 12 minutes. Longer, more difficult routes like the Unst Bus Shelter – Norwick Beach loop from Uyeasound typically take around 3 hours 35 minutes, while the extensive Ulsta Ferry Terminal – View of Burra Voe and Burravoe loop from Bigga can take over 7 hours.

Unst's weather can be unpredictable. While specific recommendations for the 'best time' are not provided, the island's wild coastlines are exposed to both the Atlantic and the North Sea, suggesting that milder, drier periods would be most enjoyable for cycling. Always be prepared for changing conditions.

Yes, all the touring cycling routes listed for Unst are loops, offering circular journeys. Examples include the Unst Bus Shelter – Victoria's Vintage Tea Rooms loop from Mid Yell and the Sand Water – Loch of Garth loop from Cullivoe.

Ferry travel to Unst is bicycle-friendly, with a single ticket covering access to both Yell and Unst from Toft to Ulsta. For those who prefer not to transport their own bikes, bicycle hire is available on Unst, specifically in Saxavord.

The touring cycling routes in Unst are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. Over 40 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Unst's varied terrain, often praising the unique landscapes, quiet roads, and the sense of remoteness the island offers.

Unst is home to 'The Final Checkout' shop, known as Britain's most northerly village shop, which serves as a unique and memorable stop. Additionally, the Unst Bus Shelter – Victoria's Vintage Tea Rooms loop from Mid Yell passes by notable local stops, including the tea rooms themselves, offering a chance for refreshments.

Yes, the roads on Unst are generally in excellent condition, which is a significant benefit for touring cyclists. While the island is part of a hilly archipelago with no entirely flat options, the well-maintained surfaces make for a more enjoyable ride despite the inclines.