The National Cycle Network in Scotland
Sustrans are custodians of this network of signed paths and routes designed for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
There are approximately 1,620 miles of National Cycle Network routes in Scotland.
These include 695 miles of traffic-free routes, which use a mix of railway paths, canal towpaths, forest roads, shared-use paths, segregated cycle lanes and re-determined rural footways.
There are approximately 1,620 miles of National Cycle Network routes in Scotland. These include 695 miles of traffic-free routes. Credit: Sustrans, 2023.
National Cycle Network routes in Scotland
National Cycle Network routes form the backbone of Scotland’s active travel network.
They connect communities in both urban and rural locations, as well as running through many areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Despite its name, the National Cycle Network is not just for cycling.
It’s regularly used for walking, wheeling, cycling, jogging and horse riding.
With 44% of Scotland’s population living within 1km of the Network, it encourages people to make healthier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.
Find a route near you on the National Cycle Network.
Network development
Much of the Network belongs to various landowners, who are ultimately responsible for their own stretch.
And Sustrans staff and volunteers help them to maintain, improve and develop their routes.
Our vision is to work alongside these partners at pace and scale, with funding from the Scottish Government, to create a network of traffic-free paths for everyone.
Despite its name, the National Cycle Network is not just for cycling – it’s regularly used for walking, wheeling, cycling, jogging and horse riding. Credit: Sustrans.
Closures and diversions
Before you travel, check out our Closures and Diversions page for any live issues affecting the National Cycle Network in Scotland.
If you experience significant disruption to your route that is not listed, please contact scotland@sustrans.org.uk.
Accessibility Fund
Sustrans Scotland’s Accessibility Fund provides funding for partners to remove identified restrictions on the Network.
This is open to organisations which own or manage land that the National Cycle Network runs on in Scotland.
You can get involved by letting landowners know of any issues and copying scotlandbarriers@sustrans.org.uk into your email.
While much of the Network belongs to various landowners, Sustrans staff and volunteers help them to maintain, improve and develop their routes. Credit: Sustrans.
Volunteers
Our team of 3,000 dedicated volunteers at Sustrans are at the heart of creating happier and healthier neighbourhoods.
Their support ranges from taking two minutes to report a problem, to organising regular litter-picks on local routes.
Find out more about flexible volunteering roles in Scotland.
Millennium Mileposts
In 2000 Sustrans commissioned artists to create cast-iron 'Millennium Mileposts', 175 of which are located on the National Cycle Network in Scotland.
If you would like to paint a milepost in your area, please email volunteers-scotland@sustrans.org.uk.
Our vision is to work at pace and scale with our partners to create a network of traffic-free paths for everyone, connecting cities, towns and countryside and loved by the communities they serve. Credit: Sustrans.
Available funding
Sustrans Scotland administers funding from the Scottish Government to community groups operating on National Cycle Network routes:
- ArtRoots is a community fund that supports artistic and aesthetic improvements along traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network in Scotland. Find out how to apply.
- Love Your Network empowers communities to implement improvements on the National Cycle Network by providing equipment, training and advice. Find out how to apply.
- The Greenways Programme helps connect community groups to their local off-road National Cycle Network greenway. Find out how to apply.
Route Inspiration
