Cycling in Caithness

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Thurso and the north of Scotland is abridge a bicycle saddle exploring the many varied cycle routes. This area has to be one of the nicest routes on the National Cycle Network. There are many popular destinations to cycle to from Thurso or as a worthwhile stop off on one of the longer cycles around this area.

The town is also home to the Caithness Cycling Club established in 1993 which has great success in races in both the North and the South. The club in homed in their beautiful stone club house in the town centre now called The Mack Mowat Memorial Clubrooms. The club was the launch pad of Sandy Crawford who became the Scottish 25 and 50 mile champion and later received a contract in France from Peugeot.

If you fancy testing your cycling skills and proving your pedalling power the club runs 10 mile time trials from April to September, this includes all types of cyclists from mountain bikers to racers, they may even let a penny farthing in or two. If you are planning a Northern cycling expedition be sure to factor in one of the club’s three open racing weekends for road racing and time trials.

You can reach the most northerly point of mainland Britain on a 22 mile cycle from Thurso. Although not the furthest destination to cycle to it is certainly a scenic route. Once you’ve left Thurso and seen the ruins of Thurso Castle, heading east you’ll pass the small idyllic village of Castletown with its beautiful harbour. There is also the option of longer cycles to Cape Wrath and Tongue which have equally stunning scenery to admire as you brave the Highland weather.

Don’t worry if you get a puncture on one of these adventures Thurso is equipped with two cycle repair shops, the aptly named The Bike Shop and Caithness Cycle Repairs. Be sure to stock up on puncture repair kits as the rocky terrain of the North-East can be very unforgiving.