The best road cycling routes in Orkney islands

The Orkney Islands offer over 50 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. These routes traverse quiet country roads, dramatic coastlines, and ancient historical sites, providing diverse cycling experiences across the archipelago.

The Orkney Islands are generally best for road cycling during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more favorable weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and the opportunity to see vibrant wildflowers and abundant wildlife.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet roads, the stunning coastal scenery, and the unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history that can be explored by bike.

Yes, the Orkney Islands offer several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, A loop of Loch of Harry & Loch of Stenness from Stromness is an easy 40 km route, and St Mary's to South Ronaldsay via Churchill Barriers & Wheems Organic Farm offers a gentle 31 km ride.

For those seeking a challenge, Orkney provides routes with significant ascents and longer distances. The Orkney West Mainland loop from Stromness is a difficult 102 km path with over 800 meters of elevation gain. The island of Hoy is also known for its more demanding terrain, offering routes with nearly 500 meters of ascent.

Orkney is rich in ancient history. Cyclists can explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Other notable sites include burial cairns like Maeshowe Chambered Cairn and Unstan Cairn, often accessible from quiet country roads.

Absolutely. The Orkney Islands boast breathtaking coastal scenery. You can cycle past the dramatic Old Red Sandstone sea-cliffs of Yesnaby, featuring formations like the iconic two-legged sea stack, Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack. On Hoy, the famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy, is a prominent natural landmark. The Gloup Sea Cave is another unique natural monument to discover.

Yes, inter-island ferries allow you to take your bicycle free of charge, opening up numerous possibilities for exploring the distinct character of various islands. This enables multi-day tours and diverse cycling experiences beyond the Mainland, such as on Hoy, Shapinsay, Rousay, and Sanday.

Many of Orkney's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Orkney mainland loop From Stromness and the East Mainland, Burray & South Ronaldsay loop, which offer comprehensive tours of their respective areas.

Inter-island ferries are a key part of public transport in Orkney and are bicycle-friendly, allowing you to transport your bike between islands at no extra cost. This makes it easy to plan multi-island cycling adventures, such as the Hoy & Houton loop on the ferries from Stromness.

Many of Orkney's roads are quiet country roads, making them suitable for family cycling, especially on islands like Sanday and Shapinsay which have a gently undulating landscape. It's advisable to choose routes designated as 'easy' or 'moderate' and to be aware of traffic on busier main roads.

Orkney's diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. Cyclists may spot numerous bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and gulls along the coastlines. On Hoy, there's a chance to see white-tailed or golden eagles. Seals are commonly seen in the surrounding seas, and occasionally, whales, dolphins, and orcas can be spotted. The islands also boast around 500 native plant species, with vibrant blooms in summer.

Beyond the Mainland, islands like Hoy offer challenging routes with dramatic coastal views and wartime heritage. Shapinsay, Rousay, and Sanday provide dedicated cycling routes, often featuring ancient burial sites, nature reserves, and tranquil landscapes. Sanday Big Cycle is a great example of exploring a smaller island.