Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire is my latest gravel cycling guidebook. It showcases 15 of the finest gravel cycling routes through the Cairngorms National Park, Perthshire, and the Angus Glens. Published by Vertebrate Publishing, the 2022 British Book Awards Small Press of the Year, the book will be released on 8 May 2025.

A mix of routes for many riders

Covering routes from 14 to 77km in length, the guidebook includes a mix of easy, straightforward and challenging rides. They take you across some of Scotland’s most spectacular and remote landscapes. Furthermore you can experience the fast gravel tracks of the Deeside Way and the Southern Cairngorms. Additionally, you can ride the iconic Burma Road and explore hidden gems like Little Glen Shee. The book offers something for cyclists of all levels.

Each route features:

• Ordnance Survey maps and turn-by-turn directions.
• Distance, ascent, terrain information, and difficulty grading.
• Stunning photography and local insights.
• Recommended stops and services.
• A detailed appendix and downloadable GPX files.

I have lived in Scotland since 2009, and as a co-director of the Cateran Ecomuseum I have deep ties to the region though my route development work. I developed the Highland Perthshire Gravel Trails (2020), Travel for All Our Tomorrows in the Cateran Ecomuseum (2021), and mapped gravel routes for Cairngorms Connect (2022).

Enjoy the stunning beauty of the Heart of Scotland

Furthermore I hope this gravel cycling guidebook inspires you to discover the stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Cairngorms and Perthshire. Or to explore the mighty River Tay. This is a place I’ve come to know intimately by bike, with Alyth now the home of Bikepacking Scotland. Additionally, the fact that there are now several titles for gravel riding shows the popularity of this segment. The rise in popularity of gravel cycling was also an encouragement to write a book with routes which are more accessible and appeal to a much wider variety of people.

Enjoy low-carbon travel

Furthermore the book includes an introduction to gravel riding in Scotland. It covers the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, bike and kit advice. Ten of the routes are directly accessible by train or bike-friendly bus services. Or they are close to stations or bus stops – supporting low-carbon travel choices.

Mark Beaumont, record-breaking cyclist and Perthshire native, comments on the book:

“The Cairngorms and Perthshire offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland, which I got to explore from an early age, being home-schooled on a farm near Blairgowrie. Markus has once again captured this wilderness in stunning pictures for this book. With his fascination in both the geography and history, as well as his passion for cycling, this book isn’t just a guide; it’s an invitation to explore the heart of Scotland by bike. Across rolling hills, through ancient forests, and along the iconic gravel tracks that make these regions a paradise for cyclists. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, this book will inspire your next adventure in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.”

Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire is published on 8 May. It is available in all good bookshops and online at here. I will speak about the book and host a screening of his documentary Great British Gravel Rides on 12 May at 7.30pm at Badaguish in Aviemore. More information and tickets for £15/12 are available at www.entrycentral.com/gravelridescairngorms.