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Think You’re Not Ready for Gravel Biking? Think Again

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Think You’re Not Ready for Gravel Biking? Think Again

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Guest Author: Sara McGeough, Freelance Writer and Adventure Guide
Published: Mar 14, 2025

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1. What Bike Do I Need?
2. Rent or Borrow
3. I’m Not Fit Enough
4. Technical Ability
5. The Highlands
6. Dunkeld Hermitage
7. Loch an Eilein
8. Ruthven Barracks
9. Greener Adventure
10. Galloway & The Lakes
11. Further Reading

Your Guide to Getting Started with Gravel Biking

Gravel biking—it is the buzzword sweeping the cycling community, promising adventure, stunning scenery and a blend of off-road freedom and on-road accessibility. But if you’ve been hesitating, you’re not alone.

Caught somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking, gravel biking can seem like a bit of a no-man’s land. This new world brings up a host of doubts and questions for newcomers to the scene—what bike do I need? What tyres? Am I fit enough? Do I have the technical ability?

The good news is that gravel biking is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to explore the world on two wheels.

This guide below will address some of these questions and common fears head-on and show you why gravel biking might be the adventure you’ve been looking for.

“What Bike Do I Need?”

One of the most common stumbling blocks is, “But I don’t own a gravel bike.” Many people looking to get into gravel biking come from a road or mountain biking background, and investing in another bike specifically designed for gravel can be off-putting. However, while a purpose-built gravel bike can enhance the experience, it’s by no means a prerequisite for getting started.

Use What You Have

Many types of bikes can handle gravel trails, especially beginner-friendly ones. Got a mountain bike? Perfect—it’s built for rough terrain and easily handles gravel. Own a hybrid bike? You’re good to go as long as it has wider tyres and a bit of tread. Even some road bikes, equipped with slightly wider tyres, can tackle smoother gravel paths like those found around Loch an Eilein, where the well-maintained tracks wind around a serene loch and a historic island castle.

Rent or Borrow

If you’re keen to try a proper gravel-specific bike, rental services are widely available, especially in the more popular cycling destinations. Many outfitters, including those associated with guided tours like the Highland Gravel Trail, offer high-quality bikes tailored to the terrain. Renting is a fantastic way to test the waters without making any long-term commitment. Check out our bike fleet here.

The Right Gear for Confidence

While the type of bike is ultimately going to make the most difference, a few additional items can make your ride more comfortable:

Tyres: Wider tyres (35mm or more) with good tread provide better grip and comfort on uneven surfaces.
Clothing: Layer up with breathable, weather-resistant gear. Unlike road cycling, where the focus is on aero-dynamic lycra. Gravel biking is a more relaxed scene akin to mountain biking, where pairing your cycling bibs with baggy layers is not out of place. Gravel trails are often more remote and removed from sheltered cafés or shops, so having gear that will keep you dry, warm and comfortable if the weather turns is key.
Puncture Kit: Gravel trails can be rough on tyres, so it’s always wise to carry a basic repair kit.

“I’m Not Fit Enough”

One of the biggest misconceptions about gravel biking is that it requires peak physical fitness. You might picture elite athletes grinding up steep, rocky paths, but the reality is far more inclusive. Gravel biking is more about the journey than the result—and that journey can be tailored to your current fitness level.

Start Small, Go Far

Gravel trails vary widely in difficulty, from flat, meandering paths to challenging mountain climbs. For beginners, plenty of gentle routes offer stunning views without excessive strain. Take, for example, the Dunkeld Hermitage Loop. This easy-going 10-mile trail meanders through the towering Douglas firs of the Hermitage, alongside the Black Linn Falls, and even offers a chance to spot leaping salmon. It’s an accessible introduction to gravel biking that requires more curiosity than conditioning.

A Steady Pace Wins the Day

Gravel biking is all about pacing yourself. Unlike road cycling, which often focuses on speed, gravel biking encourages a slower, more exploratory mindset. You’ll find yourself stopping to admire the views, snapping photos or chatting with fellow cyclists. And let’s not forget the joy of a mid-ride coffee stop or a leisurely picnic by a loch.

Ready to explore a gravel path.

Fitness That Grows With You

The beauty of gravel biking is that it naturally builds your endurance over time. With each ride, you’ll find yourself growing stronger, both in fitness and confidence, as you push your limits. Before you know it, you’ll be tackling routes you once thought were beyond your reach, enjoying the sense of accomplishment that comes with every mile. The Highlands offer a diverse range of trails, allowing you to progress at your own pace while soaking up Scotland’s breathtaking, rugged beauty. Whether you’re winding through remote glens or climbing scenic ridges, every adventure is an opportunity to explore and grow.

Pedal through breathtaking landscapes on our fully-guided Highland Gravel Trail trip.

“I Don’t Have the Technical Ability”

When people hear “gravel biking,” they often imagine navigating tricky, rock-strewn descents or fording streams. While those challenges exist, they’re far from the norm—especially for beginners. Gravel biking can be remarkably forgiving and accessible.

Easy Trails for Beginners

Not all gravel routes demand advanced skills. Many trails are smooth, well-maintained and beginner-friendly. The Ruthven Barracks Loop, for example, offers a straightforward ride with a touch of history. You’ll pedal along quiet paths and rolling terrain, pausing to admire the dramatic ruins of Ruthven Barracks. It’s a route that balances gentle riding with breathtaking scenery, perfect for building confidence.

Skills That Come Naturally

Gravel biking doesn’t require specialised training. Basic bike-handling skills—like shifting gears, braking gently and staying balanced—are all you need to get started. As you gain experience, you’ll naturally learn to navigate small obstacles, choose the best line and adjust to varying surfaces.

Support When You Need It

Guided tours, such as those on the Highland Gravel Trail, provide a reassuring and well-organised way for first-timers to explore gravel adventures. With expert guides leading the way, there’s no need to worry about navigation or unexpected challenges. Carefully planned routes ensure a smooth experience tailored to different skill levels, while the camaraderie of a group adds encouragement and motivation.

In addition to leading the journey, guides offer useful tips on bike handling, technique and terrain management, helping participants gain confidence and improve their skills along the way. This combination of expert support, scenic trails, and a welcoming group atmosphere makes guided tours an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience gravel cycling with ease and enjoyment.

Mapping out the route.

Why the Highlands Are Perfect for Gravel First-Timer

Scotland’s Highlands are a gravel cyclist’s dream. The region’s diverse trails cater to all skill levels, from smooth forest paths to rugged mountain tracks. And while the scenery—from mist-shrouded hills to glittering lochs—is undeniably stunning, the Highlands offer more than just good looks. They provide a sense of adventure, solitude and connection to nature that few other places can match.

Iconic Routes to Explore

The Dunkeld Hermitage Loop

The Dunkeld Hermitage Loop is a stunning gravel route in Perthshire. It is incredibly scenic and steeped in natural beauty—a perfect introduction to gravel biking. This loop takes you through dense woodlands, rushing waterfalls and riverside trails, making it an ideal introduction to gravel riding for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.

Loch an Eilein

Loch an Eilein is a breathtaking freshwater loch nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore. Surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forests, this loch is famous for its serene beauty, rich history and well-maintained gravel trails, making it a perfect destination for an easy yet rewarding gravel bike experience.

The Ruthven Barracks Loop

The Ruthven Barracks Loop is a fantastic gravel cycling route in the Cairngorms National Park, offering a gentle yet rewarding journey through a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. This loop takes cyclists on quiet trails and country lanes, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and moorlands.

A Slower, Greener Adventure

Gravel biking embodies the spirit of slow travel. It’s about immersing yourself in the landscape, taking the time to notice the details and travelling sustainably. Whether you’re pedalling under the towering trees, pausing by the ruins of an old castle, or simply enjoying the stillness of a Highland Moor, gravel biking allows you to connect with the world around you in a profoundly personal way.

Galloway and the Lakes Gravel Biking

Join us on a fully-guided gravel bike trip to Galloway and the Lakes.

Explore the deep green forests and secluded glens of Galloway Forest Park before crossing the border into England to pedal through the captivating landscape of the Lake District.

Meet the Guest Author: Sara McGeough

Hailing from the glens of Leitrim in the northwest of Ireland, Sara is a writer and outdoor activity enthusiast. She spends her summers working as a cycling guide in Europe and her winters as a freelance writer.

A graduate of History and European Studies from Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University, she blends her love for writing with her love of Irish history and exploring the Irish landscape. An avid cyclist, open-water swimmer, hiker and rock climber, Sara has travelled far and wide from trekking in Nepal to rock-climbing in Thailand to mention just a few, but it’s her home soil of the Wild Atlantic Way that has her heart.

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Think You’re Not Ready for Gravel Biking? Think Again

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Quick Navigation

Your Guide to Getting Started with Gravel Biking

“What Bike Do I Need?”

Use What You Have

Rent or Borrow

The Right Gear for Confidence

“I’m Not Fit Enough”

Start Small, Go Far

A Steady Pace Wins the Day

Fitness That Grows With You

“I Don’t Have the Technical Ability”

Easy Trails for Beginners

Skills That Come Naturally

Support When You Need It

Why the Highlands Are Perfect for Gravel First-Timer

Iconic Routes to Explore

The Dunkeld Hermitage Loop

Loch an Eilein

The Ruthven Barracks Loop

A Slower, Greener Adventure

Galloway and the Lakes Gravel Biking

Join us on a fully-guided gravel bike trip to Galloway and the Lakes.

Further Reading

Related Trips

Gravel Biking

Galloway and the Lakes

Gravel Biking

Highland Gravel Trail

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Meet the Guest Author: Sara McGeough

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