Top 8 'Wilderness-Unlocking' E-Gravel Cycling Trails to explore in the Scottish Highlands in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a special kind of magic that happens when your tyres leave the tarmac and hit the gravel. It's a sound of liberation, the crunch of adventure beginning. Now, imagine that feeling amplified by the epic, soul-stirring landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. This isn't just cycling; it's a full-body immersion into one of the world's last great wildernesses. For years, these rugged paths and remote glens were the domain of only the hardiest mountain bikers and hikers. But the game has changed.
Welcome to the era of the e-gravel bike. These incredible machines are not about making it 'easy'; they're about making it possible. They are wilderness-unlocking keys, giving you the power and range to explore deeper, climb higher, and connect with this ancient landscape in a way that feels both primal and futuristic. That extra push on a gruelling climb means you have more energy to soak in the view from the top. That extended battery range means you can link two incredible valleys in a single day, a feat previously reserved for multi-day expeditions.
So, as you start planning your adventures for 2025, let's look beyond the well-trodden tourist trails. Let's gear up, charge our batteries, and explore the raw, untamed heart of Scotland. I’ve ridden these trails, felt the burn in my legs and the wind on my face, and I've curated this list of the absolute best e-gravel routes the Scottish Highlands has to offer. Get ready to have your breath taken away.
1. The Glen Affric Circuit: Riding Through 'Scotland's Most Beautiful Glen'
Often hailed as the most stunning glen in the country, Glen Affric is a masterpiece of nature. This is a place of ancient Caledonian pinewoods, shimmering lochs, and jagged mountains that pierce the sky. A full loop around Loch Affric and Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin is a quintessential Highland gravel ride, and your e-bike will make the undulating, sometimes challenging, terrain an absolute joy.
The trail itself is a mix of well-maintained forest roads and rougher, rockier land rover tracks. You'll pedal past the gnarled trunks of Scots Pines that have stood for centuries, their scent filling the air. The real reward is the feeling of deep remoteness. Halfway through the loop, with no sign of civilisation other than the track beneath your wheels, you'll feel a profound connection to the wild. The e-bike's assistance is a godsend on the punchy climbs that lead to breathtaking viewpoints over the water.
Pro Tip: Start your ride from the car park at the end of the public road. The best time to visit is late spring or autumn for fewer midges and spectacular seasonal colours. Pack a flask of hot tea and a hearty lunch; there are no cafes out here, but you'll find countless perfect picnic spots by the lochside. Remember to check stalking schedules on the estate websites during the autumn season.
2. The Old Bealach na Bà, Applecross: The Gravel Road to the Sky
While road cyclists flock to conquer the famous tarmac of the Bealach na Bà, gravel riders know the real secret lies on the old pass. This historic singletrack and drovers' road is a rugged, exhilarating alternative that offers an even wilder experience. This is not a ride for the faint of heart, but with an e-gravel bike, this epic ascent becomes a thrilling and achievable challenge.
The climb is steep and technical in sections, demanding your full attention. You'll navigate loose gravel, rocky steps, and grassy tracks as you gain height with staggering speed. The motor on your e-bike turns a potential hike-a-bike slog into a powerful, rhythmic climb. The reward? Utterly mind-blowing panoramas across to the Isles of Skye and Raasay. The descent on the other side is a pure, grin-inducing blast back towards the coast.
Pro Tip: This is a serious mountain route, so check the weather forecast religiously and go fully prepared with spares, food, and waterproofs. A bike with wider gravel tyres (45mm or more) will be a huge advantage. Afterwards, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal at the famous Applecross Inn – their seafood is legendary.
3. Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms National Park: A Fairytale Forest Loop
If you’re looking for a perfect introduction to Highland e-gravel cycling, or a stunning ride the whole family can enjoy, the Loch an Eilein trail is it. Set within the magnificent Rothiemurchus Forest, this route is pure magic. It's a relatively flat, well-surfaced loop that circumnavigates a loch so beautiful it looks like it was plucked from a fantasy novel.
The centrepiece is the mysterious 13th-century island castle ruin that sits in the middle of the loch. The trail winds through ancient pine forests, offering tantalising glimpses of the Cairngorm mountains looming in the distance. Your e-bike will allow you to explore further, easily connecting to the vast network of trails in the area, like the path towards Loch Morlich, without tiring out. It’s a gentle adventure that delivers a huge scenic punch.
Pro Tip: The trails here are multi-use and popular with walkers, so be courteous and use a bell. The visitor centre near the start has a fantastic little shop. For a post-ride refuel, head to the nearby Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore for great food and a vibrant atmosphere.
4. The Great Glen Way: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston
The Great Glen Way is a 79-mile coast-to-coast route, but you don't have to tackle it all at once. The high-level forest track section between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston is a perfect day out on an e-gravel bike, offering some of the most iconic views of Loch Ness you can find. It was on a ride here last year, discussing the future of adventure cycling with Goh Ling Yong, that we agreed e-bikes are the key to unlocking these routes for more riders.
This section takes you high above the loch on sweeping, well-graded forestry roads. The climbs are long but steady, and your e-bike’s motor will let you spin up them comfortably, saving your energy to enjoy the spectacular vistas. You'll feel like you're flying above the water, looking down on the boats cruising the Caledonian Canal. The descent into Invermoriston is fast, flowing, and an absolute hoot.
Pro Tip: Look out for the viewpoint at Allt na Criche. It requires a short, sharp climb but offers an unbeatable photo opportunity over Loch Ness. In Fort Augustus, spend some time watching the boats navigate the impressive ladder of canal locks before you set off.
5. Ardverikie Estate: The 'Monarch of the Glen' Ride
Ever wanted to cycle through the set of a TV show? The Ardverikie Estate was the main filming location for the BBC's Monarch of the Glen, and it's every bit as dramatic and romantic in real life. The estate features miles of private land rover tracks that are perfect for e-gravel exploration, taking you alongside the beautiful shores of Loch Laggan.
The main attraction is the stunning Ardverikie Castle, but the real joy is the riding itself. The tracks sweep through forests and across open moorland, with the imposing mountains of Creag Meagaidh as a backdrop. A popular route takes you along the southern shore of the loch to a remote sandy beach that feels more like the Caribbean than the Highlands on a sunny day. The e-bike makes the return journey against the prevailing wind feel effortless.
Pro Tip: The estate is a working environment, so always check their website for access information before you go. There is a designated car park for visitors. Pack a midge net if you plan to stop by the water in the summer months – you’ll thank me later!
6. The Caledonia Way: Oban to Fort William Section
For a taste of coastal gravel, this section of the Caledonia Way (National Cycle Network Route 78) is hard to beat. While much of it is on a paved cycle path, there are glorious gravel diversions and the scenery is consistently world-class. You'll ride alongside the shimmering waters of Loch Linnhe, with the mountains of Ardgour and the Isle of Mull providing a stunning backdrop.
The route is mostly flat, making it a fantastic social ride. Your e-bike's power means you can cruise along at a comfortable pace, chatting and taking in the views without getting breathless. The section around Castle Stalker, a picturesque castle on a tiny island, is a major highlight. This ride is less about technical challenge and more about pure, unadulterated scenic pleasure.
Pro Tip: The route is well-signposted. A fantastic detour is to take the passenger ferry from Port Appin over to the Isle of Lismore, which has a wonderfully quiet singletrack road loop offering incredible 360-degree views.
7. The Fyrish Monument, Easter Ross: A Climb to a Curious Landmark
This ride offers something a little different: a rewarding climb to one of the Highlands' most bizarre and impressive follies. The Fyrish Monument is a set of three towering stone arches, built in 1782 to represent the Gate of Negapatam in India. Perched high on a hill, it commands an incredible view over the Cromarty Firth.
The ride up is on a wide, steep, and often loose forestry track. It’s a real power climb where the ‘turbo’ mode on your e-bike will become your best friend. Breaking out of the trees and seeing the monument for the first time against the sky is a brilliant moment. The panoramic view from the top is your reward, stretching for miles on a clear day. The descent is fast and requires concentration, but it's an absolute blast.
Pro Tip: The main car park can get busy, so aim for an early start. The track can be quite exposed once you leave the forest, so a windproof jacket is a smart addition to your kit, even on a nice day.
8. The Ryvoan and Loch Morlich Loop, Cairngorms
We circle back to the Cairngorms for our final trail, a true classic that combines a bit of everything. This loop takes you from Glenmore past the emerald-green waters of An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan), up to the remote Ryvoan bothy, and back via the shores of Loch Morlich. The diversity of terrain makes it a perfect e-gravel adventure.
The climb to the Ryvoan bothy is on a rocky, demanding track that will test your handling skills, but your e-bike provides the constant traction and power needed to clean it. The bothy itself is a classic photo spot and a perfect place for a snack. The return journey is pure joy, with a fast, flowing descent followed by a beautiful cruise along the sandy beaches of Loch Morlich, with the Cairngorm plateau dominating the skyline. It’s a ride that captures the very essence of the Highlands.
Pro Tip: An Lochan Uaine is said to get its magical green colour from the local fairies washing their clothes in it. The trail from the bothy back towards Glenmore has a few line choices—stick to the main track for an easier ride, or explore the little side singletracks for more of a challenge.
The Scottish Highlands is a vast, endlessly rewarding playground for the adventurous cyclist. With an e-gravel bike, the possibilities for 2025 are bigger, wilder, and more accessible than ever before. These eight trails are just the beginning, a starting point to spark your imagination. Each one offers a unique flavour of the Highland spirit, from tranquil lochs to epic mountain passes.
Now, it’s over to you. Start planning, get inspired, and prepare to unlock the wilderness.
Have you ridden any of these trails? Or do you have another hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands to share? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear about your adventures
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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