New Dunfermline Cycle Guide Launched

A new Guide to Cycling Around Dunfermline has been launched to encourage more people to explore the city and its surroundings by bike. Dunfermline is an excellent base for road and gravel cycling, with a range of scenic routes and historic sites that make the area a popular destination for cyclists.

The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, from rolling hills and farmland to rugged coastlines, and it is the ideal base for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. It is also well-connected to an extensive network of quiet, rural roads that offer cyclists a smooth and enjoyable cycling experience.

The area is ideally placed for those looking to explore the varied landscapes of Fife and its neighbouring counties, with routes that range from coastal roads offering sweeping views of the Firth of Forth to more challenging climbs through the surrounding hills.

The guide features descriptions of the routes with useful information including terrain, elevation profile and recommended bike type, plus links to download all the routes as GPX files.

There are 16 different routes which all start and finish at Pittencrieff Park in the city centre:

• Round the Forth - a 51 mile circuit round the River Forth, taking in both north and south shores
• Aberdour Loop – a scenic 20 mile ride to Aberdour and back with great views across The River Forth
• Dunfermline City Nature Orbital – a 7 mile loop taking in many of the greenspaces in the city
• Forth Bridge Heritage Trail – a 30 mile route which explores the area around the bridges
• Les Trois Col – a 25 mile circuit through beautiful countryside north of the city
• Dunfermline Cycle Club Bun Run – a 36.4 mile route exploring the west Fife villages
• Culross Loop – a 23.4 loop through west Fife including historic Culross
• Around Loch Leven – a 41 mile circuit with a mix of steady climbs, fast descents, and scenic stretches
• City Centre Family Friendly Loop – a 5.65 mile ride on quiet roads and scenic park trails
• Trip Down to the Lime Kilns – a 10.3 mile loop to historic Charlestown and Limekilns
• Spin Around the City – an 11.7 mile route taking in green route networks in the Dunfermline area
• Exploring Valleyfield Woods – a 15 mile route on quiet roads and woodland paths
• Experience Historic Culross – a 25.3-mile cycling route with coastal views, woodlands, and rural roads
• Climb the Walnut en route to Cardenden – a challenging 31.6 mile route with 1,425ft of climbing
• In the Footsteps of Kings – a challenging 44.3 mile loop through the heartlands of Fife
• Five Lochs Loop – a 41.4 mile ride with a mix of terrain plus scenic views and varied landscapes.

Councillor James Calder, Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, said “The new Guide to Cycling Around Dunfermline is a great resource, with lots of options for riders of all abilities. The routes were developed and tested by experienced and knowledgeable cyclists who know the area well and we hope they will be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Cycle tourism is important market for Fife and the guide will play a key role in attracting riders to choose Dunfermline and the surrounding area as a destination of choice.”

Derek Bottom, Chair of Dunfermline Heritage Partnership said, "Cycling is a wonderful way to connect with both nature and history, and Dunfermline offers an exceptional blend of both. This new guide invites everyone, whether local or visiting to experience the beauty of our city and its surrounding landscapes on two wheels. From scenic coastal views to historic landmarks, the routes provide something for cyclists of all levels.

“We are delighted to share these easy to follow routes on your phone (or similar device), which will not only enhance our residents' wellbeing but also promote Dunfermline as a great destination for cycling tourism in Scotland."

The guide can be downloaded at Fife business - Cycling Around Dunfermline E-guide

The Guide to Cycling Around Dunfermline was funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and was produced by Dunfermline & West Fife Well-being Through Heritage in partnership with Welcome to Fife.