Cycling day trip from Aviemore to Inverness

Roll out from Aviemore, the outdoorsy heart of Cairngorms National Park, and head north on a classic Highland line toward Inverness. You’ll ease through Scots pine forests and Strathspey villages before a steady pull up to the Slochd—around 400 m and the high point of the day—with big views across the Monadhliath and Cairngorms.

From there it’s a long, grin-inducing descent past Carrbridge and near Tomatin (whisky fans, take note) before quiet lanes and cycleways guide you into Inverness beside the River Ness. Expect about 86 km with roughly 1,250 m of climbing—rolling, not mountainous, but it adds up.

Surfaces are mixed: lots of forest tracks and quiet roads, with only a smidge of busier riding. A gravel or sturdy touring bike is ideal. Handy stops: Carrbridge for cafés, Tomatin for a detour, and Daviot for a breather.

Fun fact: Aviemore boomed with the ski scene and still buzzes year‑round; Inverness is the “Capital of the Highlands,” home to Inverness Castle and a short hop from Loch Ness.