Cycling has been fast growing in recent years and now a new report has revealed that “cycle tourism” is worth millions of pounds to one of our favourite cycling destinations, Scotland.  The Value of Cycle Tourism report, commissioned by Sustrans Scotland, shows that cycle tourism could boost the Scottish economy by up to £239m per year. The report also recommends that Scotland should be branded a "must visit" destination for cycle tourism. We can’t disagree! In particular, the study highlights areas for growth including cycle touring holidays, family day trips and themed tours. Colin Howden, director of Transform Scotland, a national alliance for sustainable transport, said: "From family day-trips to one-day cycle events to long-distance tours, it's clear that leisure cycling makes a significant economic contribution. While Scotland has built up a reputation for mountain biking, much more could be done to brand Scotland as a 'must-visit' destination for cycle tourists and leisure trips. "There is substantial room for growth in touring and leisure cycling and with appropriate promotion it could make an even greater contribution to Scotland's economy."

Top five bike tours in Scotland

Why not join the cycling revolution on a cycling tour holiday or self-guided bike route? Here are our five top rides. Great Glen Cycleway: The Great Glen takes cyclists past dramatic lochs and glens and follows a stunning geographical fault line that splits Scotland in two. You’ll also travel from coast to coast and enjoy a variety of riding, from easy-going canalside riding to high-speed singletrack. 

Four Abbeys Cycle route: Combine a trip through history visiting four great Scottish Borders abbeys, Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh, with wonderfully scenic cycling. Isle of Skye Cycle Tour: A six-day cycle tour on the Isle of Skye covers every corner of this magnificent island, giving you time to discover the magnificent landscape, Gaelic culture and welcoming people. Lochs & Glens cycle route: The 214-mile National Cycle Path Route 7 heads from the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow to the Highlands capital of Inverness. A stunningly beautiful route passes picturesque lochs, bustling tourist towns, moorlands and ancient pine forests. Also see our week-long best-of Scotland’s Lochs and Glens tour Tell us about your favourite Scottish cycle route. *Post has been updated to include new information