The best cycling routes around Loch of Yarrows

There are several touring cycling routes available in the wider Loch of Yarrows area, with komoot featuring five distinct routes. These range from easy loops to more moderate journeys, offering varied experiences for touring cyclists.

The terrain around Loch of Yarrows is characterized by a unique wetland environment, featuring sedge mires, Atlantic heather, and blanket bog. While specific routes directly around the loch might involve varied paths, the wider Caithness area offers quiet roads. Expect a mix of paved surfaces and potentially some tracks through moorland, especially if exploring archaeological sites. The landscape is generally wild and remote, with a saucer-shaped basin rising to ridges and a plateau.

Yes, there are several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Wick Railway Station – Morags Café Wick loop from Haster is an easy 8.0-mile (12.8 km) path connecting local points of interest. Another gentle option is the Wick Cemetery – Wick River Campsite loop from Haster, an 11.4-mile (18.4 km) ride through the local countryside.

The Loch of Yarrows area is exceptionally rich in archaeology, spanning 10 millennia. You can find prehistoric remains like Bronze Age hut circles, Neolithic stone rows, burial cairns, and an Iron Age Broch. The Yarrows Archaeological Trail, while primarily a walking route, guides visitors through many of these sites, including chambered cairns and standing stones. The Yarrows Broch, a significant Iron Age structure, is easily accessible near the loch.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the area offers moderate routes. The John O'Groats & Dunnet Bay loop from Wick is a substantial 48.6-mile (78.2 km) route, offering a significant journey. Another moderate option is the Whaligoe Steps, Grey Cairns & Loch Watten loop from Wick, covering 34.6 miles (55.7 km) and exploring various landmarks.

The touring cycling routes in the Loch of Yarrows area are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 30 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the quiet roads and the blend of natural beauty with ancient historical sites.

The Yarrows Archaeological Trail is primarily designed as a walking route, guiding visitors through historical sites. While some sections might be suitable for cyclists with appropriate bikes (like gravel or hybrid bikes), parts of the trail are described as potentially wet and boggy underfoot, making it more challenging for touring cyclists. It's best to consider it for exploration on foot or with a robust bike capable of varied, potentially soft terrain.

The region offers beautiful scenery with its wild, remote feel. Look out for the distinctive wetland environment, including sedge mires and Atlantic heather. The loch itself, framed by rising ridges, provides peaceful vistas. Cycling allows you to immerse yourself in these open spaces and spot local wildlife. The basin around the loch forms a unique saucer shape, adding to the scenic interest.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Camster Round Cairn – Grey Cairns of Camster loop from The Grey Cairns of Camster is a 15.0-mile (24.1 km) trail that takes you through historical sites and open moorland in a circular fashion.

Caithness, including the Loch of Yarrows area, is known for its quiet roads, making it generally conducive to cycling. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the wild and remote nature suggests that spring and summer would offer the most pleasant weather conditions for exploring the landscape and archaeological sites. Be prepared for varied weather, as is typical for Scotland.

While Loch of Yarrows itself is remote, it is situated a few miles outside Wick. You can find accommodation, cafes, and pubs in nearby towns like Wick and Thrumster, which can serve as good bases for exploring the region by bike. These larger settlements offer facilities to support your touring cycling adventure.

Yes, Loch of Yarrows is well-known for its brown trout fishing. Permits are available for both bank and boat fishing (fly only). This offers a great opportunity to combine your touring cycling trip with a tranquil fishing experience, immersing yourself further in the natural beauty of the area.