Our volunteer Breeze Champions have explored their local communities, finding the best routes, the tastiest treats at the best cafes, and the most beautiful views in their regions. Here, in celebration of ten years in Scotland, we share ten favourite views from the saddle.
East
Little Glenshee – chosen by Janet Heggie
My favourite view is crossing the ford at Little Glenshee surrounded by open moorland covered in yellow gorse and broom.
Loch Leven – chosen by Kirsteen Ross
My favourite view while riding is from the top of Middleton Hill between Milnathort and Glenfarg. The whole of Loch Leven (Scotland’s largest lowland loch) is laid out in front of you. On sunny days, the loch glistens and sparkles blue like the Mediterranean. On darker days, the sky glowers and hangs low over the water, threatening rain and whipping up white peaks on the water like the North Sea.
You can see for miles here, over towards the Pentlands and Edinburgh, and across the ‘fault line’ in Fife. You can see the highest peak in Fife, West Lomond, and all around is lush, green pastoral land. The air is cool and fresh, and only birds and the hum of tractors can be heard. It is glorious – so close to town, yet remote and above everyone busying about their lives.
Loch Tay – chosen by Kirsty Ellis
One of my favourite views is on the route from the Sma Glen off road over to Loch Tay. The view from the top of the descent is awesome over towards Loch Tay.
South East
Scott’s View – chosen by Beth Hart, Penny Morrison and Mo McQuade
A popular place to get a photo and always a treat to cycle up to Scott’s View. Amazingly atmospheric views, overlooking the valley of the River Tweed. (Beth Hart)
Scott’s view is a firm favourite with Melrose Breeze. There is a steep climb to the summit, but the views of the Eildon hills and the valley of the river tweed below is amazing. (Penny Morrison)
My favourite view is on a challenging but beautiful route for Breeze rides here in the Borders. It’s called Scott’s View as it was Sir Walter Scott’s favourite view over to his home at Abbotsford and beyond. It’s a tough climb on a bike but worth every groan and pedal push to stop at the viewpoint and take in this beautiful view. (Mo McQuade)
Duddingston Loch – chosen by Rosemary FaithRyan
This a view of Duddingston Loch from Duddingston Low Road in Edinburgh. So often this view is missed as there is an alternative quicker route through the Innocent Tunnel. What you don’t see is the sheer rock face to the right of the picture which eventually goes up to Arthur’s Seat.
Cramond Island – chosen by Sabine Guendel
Cramond is just one of the nicest places to cycle to as the seascape changes with different light and tides. The view of Cramond Island is always a highlight on the tour. This is definitely one of my favourite rides.
Silverknowes Seafront – chosen by Pauline Capaldi
My favourite view on a Breeze ride from Edinburgh is seeing the sun rise or set at Silverknowes seafront.
South West
Rough Island – chosen by Claire Martin
My favourite view from the saddle Rough Island seen from Kippford. There is a great cycle ride from Dalbeattie forest to Kippford that ends at this shell beach.
West and Central
Ochil Hills – chosen by Fiona Glasgow
I love this photo – smiling faces and a view of the Ochil Hills from the cycle path between Tillicoultry and Fischcross in Clackmannanshire. It changes every time, depending on the light and the colours on the hills at different times of year.
Loch Lomond – chosen by Melanie Toner
I think the views of Loch Lomond are hard to beat, and cycling from Glasgow to Loch Lomond makes for a delightful day out. The journey follows National Cycle Route (NCN) 7, offering a mostly traffic-free, flat route. The return trip of around 40 miles should be manageable for anyone with a basic level of fitness and a willingness to spend a few hours in the saddle.
Balloch has a train station, giving you the option to cycle one way and take the train back. Upon arriving in Balloch, head to Lomond Shores for breathtaking views of the Loch. If you are feeling energetic, continue along the cycle route to the charming village of Luss, where you’ll be treated to even more spectacular scenery.
Join your local Breeze Champion on their next ride to experience the joys of cycling and the pleasure of taking in the view from the saddle of your bike.
Interested in joining our volunteer team? Find out more here.
If you have any questions or want to discuss your interest in Breeze in more detail, please email: [email protected]