The best road cycling routes around Loch of Tankerness

Based on komoot data, there are over 20 road cycling routes available around Loch of Tankerness, catering to various skill levels. This includes 8 easy routes and 12 moderate routes, ensuring options for different experiences.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, undulating terrain, and scenic coastal views that define the region, making for enjoyable rides.

Road cycling routes around Loch of Tankerness are generally characterized by quiet country roads and undulating terrain. While Orkney is known for its relatively flat landscapes, some routes may include moderate climbs. The area offers a mix of easy and moderate challenges, with no routes currently classified as difficult.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Loch of Tankerness are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the View of the Churchill Barriers – The Churchill Barriers loop from Tankerness is a popular circular route offering coastal views.

The routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. You can expect to see dramatic coastal scenery, including cliffs and sea stacks, especially towards Rerwick Head. Historically, the area is rich with ancient sites like broch remains near the loch, and further afield, attractions like the Brough of Deerness. The loch itself provides a tranquil environment and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Yes, the region offers several easy routes suitable for families. The generally quiet country roads and undulating terrain make it accessible for various fitness levels. An example of an easy route is the Howe of Langskaill, Broch loop from Kirkwall Airport, which explores ancient sites.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed, Kirkwall Airport often serves as a starting point for several routes, suggesting parking availability there. Given the rural nature of the area, roadside parking in designated safe spots or near local amenities in villages like Tankerness might also be an option.

Public transport options in Orkney are available, primarily bus services connecting Kirkwall to various parts of the East Mainland. Cyclists can also take bicycles free of charge on ferries, which enhances accessibility for exploring wider Orkney from a base near the loch. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes that pass near your desired starting points.

Orkney's weather can be variable. While the Orcadian breeze can be a factor, it also offers the benefit of a tailwind at times. The tranquil environment is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically spring to autumn, when daylight hours are longer and temperatures are milder. Winter can bring colder, windier conditions, though the loch is known to host Greenland white-fronted geese during this season.

Yes, the Loch of Tankerness is known for its peaceful environment and can offer opportunities for wildlife observation. It occasionally hosts the Greenland white-fronted goose, particularly in winter. Along the coastal sections, you might also spot various seabirds.

While the immediate vicinity of Loch of Tankerness is tranquil and rural, the nearby town of Kirkwall, which serves as a starting point for several routes like the View from Wideford Hill – Kirkwall Town Centre loop from Kirkwall Airport, offers a selection of cafes, pubs, and other amenities for a well-deserved break.

One of the longer routes in the area is the St Magnus Cathedral – Ring of Brodgar loop from Kirkwall, which covers approximately 60.6 km (37.7 miles) and takes around 2 hours 35 minutes to complete. This route offers a substantial ride with significant elevation gain.