In 2021 I co-authored my first book with Kathy Rodgers, Big Rides, which was published by Vertebrate Publishing. In 2022 my first solo book was published by the same publisher: Great British Gravel Rides. The book is much more than just a guidebook, it offers an insight into gravel cycling in Britain, featuring well-known riders like Mark Beaumont and Jenny Graham alongside others. And in 2023 my second solo book was published. Bikepacking Scotland will not only bring you 20 inspiring bikepacking adventures in Scotland, but also once again an insight into the people behind this activity in Scotland.

BUYING THE BOOKS

You can buy a signed copies of all my books directly from me. Postage is included in the UK. For international orders, I will calculate postage depending on your location. Once you have submitted your order via the form below, you’ll receive a secure payment link via Zettle/PayPal by email.

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You can also buy signed copies of my books also at the following local shops:

Edinburgh

• Biketrax Edinburgh, 2 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QB
• ProjektRide, 82 Newington Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1QN
• Velow Bikeworks, 19 Windsor Pl, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2AJ
• Honey Pot Creative Cafe, 1 Longcraig Rd, South Queensferry EH30 9TD
• Ace Bike Co, 101 N High St, Musselburgh EH21 6JE

Scotland Central

• Alloa Hub, 49 High St, Alloa FK10 1JF
• Alyth Cyclery, The Old Church, The Barony, Commercial St, Alyth PH11 8AF
• Flour Coffee Shop & Deli, Alyth Rd, Meigle PH12 8RP
• Greenrig Cycles, Lochgreen Rd, Falkirk FK1 3AZ
• Lang Toun Cycles, 245 High Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 1JF
• Aberfoyle Bike Hire, Main Street, Aberfoyle FK8 3UQ

Scotland South

• Moffat Outdoors, Chambers House, High St, Moffat DG10 9ED
• The Frothy Bike Co., 77-79 White Sands, Dumfries DG2 1RX
• Bspoke Cycles, Old Tweeddale Garage, Innerleithen Rd, Peebles EH45 8BA

Scotland North

• Cycle Highlands, The Pavilion, Victoria Rd, Ballater AB35 5QQ
• Aviemore Bikes, 5A Myrtlefield Shopping Centre, Myrtlefield, Aviemore PH22 1SB

England

• The Woods Cyclery, 56 High St, Lyndhurst SO43 7BG

Germany

• Hase Schaltwerk, Hiberniastraße 2, 45731 Waltrop
• The Gravel Club – Online here

Buy a copy on Amazon or buy a copy at adventurebooks.com

Alternatively buy the books in good book shops, or ask your local library to order them.

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BIKEPACKING SCOTLAND

Bikepacking Scotland features routes of different lengths which take in the best of the country, from the Ayrshire Alps, Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders in southern Scotland, through Perthshire’s unique drovers’ roads and the grand architecture of the Central Belt, across to Argyll’s islands on ferry-hopping adventures around Islay, a paradise for whisky connoisseurs, and Jura and Mull to spot magnificent golden eagles. And of course the Scottish Highlands with an epic tour of the Cairngorms National Park, home to 25 per cent of Britain’s rare and endangered species, as well as my own take on the North Coast 500.

Researched and written by me, as the founder of Bikepacking Scotland, and mostly accessible by public transport, each route includes all the information you need to help you plan your ride, with points of interest along the route, food recommendations and accommodation options, in addition to stunning photography and overview mapping. Downloadable GPX files of the routes are also available. Alongside further information on access, seasons and what to pack, and valuable insight from Scottish cycling personalities including Mark Beaumont and Jenny Graham, this book is full of practical tips and advice for both experienced bikepackers and those who want to try it out for the first time.

Sample of the book on Issuu

Reviews in the media

‘If you’d like to benefit from the years of hard work and exploration that Stitz has put into his routes, check out his books.’ James Howell-Jones, Global Cycling Network

‘This is a guide I can wholeheartedly recommend.’ Sam Waller, Cycling UK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Beautifully illustrated, easy to use and with a ton of useful information … perfect for exploring on two wheels.’ Richard Bath, Scottish Field

‘Bikepacking Scotland is a well-edited book whose many route suggestions are just for jumping on the bike and riding. It can also be used for inspiration when planning your very own personal route.’ Torben Finn Laursen, cykelportalen.dk

‘This book is far more than a visual aid; it’s an adrenaline shot, to get you out on open tracks adventuring.’ Eoghan McHugh, Sportive.com

‘The book is well laid out and packed with useful information. The photography is excellent and inspiring.’
Fiona Russell, FionaOutdoors

‘this is scottish adventure at its best, writ large with a capital ‘a’ (if i actually employed capital letters in the first place). markus’ unbridled enthusiasm for his metier shines out of every page.’ brian palmer, thewashingmachinepost

‘Highly recommended cycling inspiration.’ Brian Palmer, The Ileach

‘The book is extremely well illustrated as he is not only good at plotting routes, but Markus is a fine photographer which adds to the tease of the book.’ Jeff Price, fat-bike.com

Reader Reviews

Reader reviews on Goodreads.com

Reader reviews on Amazon

More about Bikepacking Scotland in the media

Global Cycling Network – How to plan a bikepacking route, with Markus Stitz

The Guardian – ‘It’s all about freedom and adventure’: five of the best bikepacking routes in Scotland

UK Hillwalking – Bikepacking Scotland – Five of the Best Routes

Always Another Adventure – Podcast Bikepacking Scotland

Der SchottlandBerater (DE) – Bikepacking Scotland von Markus Stitz

Press & Journal – Cycling expert believes Inverness could be a hub for off-the-beaten-track adventures

Grit! – Gravel with Grinta! (BE) – LEESTIP: Bikepacking Scotland

The Courier – Best wild adventures in little-known corners of Scotland – by bike

Gravelunion – Bikepacking Scotland guidebook released

Gravelcyclist – New cycling guidebook will take readers off the beaten track in Scotland

The Herald – Bikepacker Markus Stitz on his love for Lairig Gate in the Cairngorms

Scottish Field – Take a look at the top five bikepacking routes in Scotland

Bikerumor – New Cycling Guidebook Helps Bikepackers Explore Scotland’s Mountains and Glens

John D Burns Podcast – Markus Stitz: Bikepacking Scotland

Inverness Courier – Markus Stitz: Opening up a world of bikepacking adventures in the Highlands

Advnture – Where can I go bikepacking? New book reveals a host of top Scottish routes

Helensburgh Advertiser – Bikepacking Scotland: New book highlights Helensburgh cycling routes

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Great British Gravel Rides

Great British Gravel Rides pays homage to the very best gravel cycling across England, Wales and Scotland. I have curated a collection of 25 routes across Britain – each a favourite route of a well-known gravel cyclist. You can join round-the-world cycling men’s record holder Mark Beaumont in East Lothian, experience a different side of East Anglia with ultra-endurance racer Josh Ibbett and GBDURO20 winner Gail Brown, embark on a coast-to-coast trip across Scotland with round-the-world cycling women’s record holder Jenny Graham, or see the best of Scottish Borders with diversity in cycling champion Aneela McKenna.

A preview with sample pages can be found here. The book is supported by Schwalbe Tyres and Kinesis UK.

Each route gives an insight into what each cyclist loves about gravel riding – what inspires and motivates them – and why they believe it qualifies as one of Britain’s best gravel rides. A detailed route description of the trail is then provided, including interesting information about the local area, exactly what to expect on the route, details on the best places and attractions to explore, recommendations for the best local cafes and pubs and a list of local bike shops, should they be needed. With inspiring photography showcasing some of the best gravel trails in the UK, as well as bespoke maps and downloadable GPX files for each route, this is the essential companion for any gravel rider.

Whether you want a challenging pedal through the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes or a more leisurely day out in the saddle, let Great British Gravel Rides help you explore the best gravel cycling of Great Britain – your adventure begins here!

For an excerpt check out this article on Cycling UK’s website.

Reviews in the media

‘It’s a fascinating read, and typifies the eclectic mix of knowledge and experience that Markus has brought together in these pages. Whether you’re an old hand at the rough stuff or a gravel-curious newcomer, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration in Great British Gravel Rides.’ Read more at sportive.com

‘Want to go ride some excellent gravel somewhere you haven’t been before? Buy this book’ Read more at road.cc

‘Think of it as a slightly more gnarly version of Jack Thurston’s Lost Lanes series of books.’ Read more at Cardiff By Bike

‘My new bible for a while.’ Rob Penn

‘A genuine tour de force. I’d say it sets a very high benchmark and will become a classic.’ Richard Else (BBC Adventure Show)

‘if you’re into gravel, this is the shizzle.’  Read more at thewashingmachinepost

‘packed full of beautiful photos, route descriptions and all the finer details, along with large maps to help plan some memorable days in the saddle.’ Read more at The Northern Times

‘it is difficult to find a better guide that inspires to that degree and that has trips that you will immediately be able to download to your GPS and cycle along. It is extremely thorough both in its descriptions, map material and pictures. All in all, this is a wonderful guidebook with lots of detail, useful information, descriptions, personality and great pictures.’ Read more at cykelportalen.dk 

‘You’re not just browsing a collection of routes – it feels like you’re being welcomed into a community that’s keen to have you, to share its secrets and spread the joy that its sport can bring. Great British Gravel Rides is a book designed to spark (or feed) your sense of adventure, filled with an enthusiasm that’s infectious.’ Read more at rolfraehansen.com

‘a useful guide for anyone who enjoys riding on a surface that isn’t tarmac and maybe wants to spread their wings and go somewhere beyond their doorstep’ Read more at bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk 

‘I know mountain bikers who are a bit sniffy about gravel biking, but I think this book has some fantastic routes in it which everyone who loves getting off tarmac should consider.’ Read more at tinkadventures.com 

‘a book which will make you want to get outside and ride the trails for yourself.’ Read more at cyclist.co.uk

‘narratively rich’  Listen to more at alwaysanotheradventure.com 

‘a comprehensive guide to some great routes on gravel and road’
Read more at ukgravelco.com

‘a book that I am sure will inspire cyclists to get out and explore on gravel.’
Read more on FionaOutdoors

‘As a friend of Markus, and many of the local riders within this book, I was sure that this would be a fantastic read. It has not disappointed.’ Read more at Life In The Saddle

‘This book challenged a preconception I had that gravel is a bit, um, boring…’
Read more at Chasing Trails

‘provides some great local insights to the routes and area.’ Read more at Cycling UK 

‘handverlesen und selbst-erfahren und wie immer bei Markus auch sehr gut fotografiert. Wer also im nächsten Urlaub auf die Insel fährt, der sollte hier ausreichend Touren finden.’
Mehr gibt es auf Biketour-Global.de

Reader Reviews

Reader reviews on Goodreads.com

Reader reviews on Amazon

More about the Great British Gravel Rides in the media

Dotwatcher.cc – Five Minutes With Markus Stitz

Road.cc – Cool cycling stuff indoors and out! Five cool things coming soon from Wahoo, Mason, Pirelli, Hed and Markus Stitz

Kinesis Blog – Great British Gravel Rides

Apidura Journal – Markus Stitz: Great British Gravel Rides

The Gravel Ride Podcast – Markus Stitz: Great British Gravel Rides

Cyclingtips – Hostel-Hopping: A solo gravel bikepacking adventure on a ’70s singlespeed 

Always Another Adventure – Markus Stitz. Great British Gravel Rides

Gravel Junction Podcast – Episode 8 Markus Stitz

mtb-tribe.com – 218 – Around The World Ride On A Single Speed with Markus Stitz

Bikepacking.com – FRIDAY DEBRIEF 22

Yellow Jersey The Draft Blog – Great British Gravel Rides

Much Better Adventures Blog – 3 of the best gravel rides in Great Britain

Schottlandberater.de (German) – Great British Gravel Rides – Cycling the Wild Trails of England, Scotland & Wales

Gravel Cyclist – Great British Gravel Rides – New Book from Markus Stitz captures the variety of Britain’s Gravel Community & Trails

Bike Perfect – Get inspired for your next off-road adventure with Markus Stitz’s new book Great British Gravel Rides

Bike Mag – Great British Gravel Rides – New Book from Markus Stitz

Adventure Uncovered – Great British Gravel Rides – New Book from Markus Stitz captures the variety of Britain’s Gravel Community and Trails

Cycling Europe – ‘Cycling Stuff’: Hostels In Scotland And Great British Gravel Rides

Shimano Blog (German) – Kleine Geschichte des Gravelbikes – Eine Erfolgsgeschichte

Gravel Union – Guide Book Gravelling

The Radavist – Radar Roundup: Swift Campout Reminder!, 1Up Cargo Carrier, British Gravel, My Little Bungee, and Keith and His Cargo Bike

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Big Rides: Great Britain and Ireland

Big Rides: Great Britain and Ireland is an inspirational guide to the most iconic, epic and popular long-distance cycle trails in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, including two excursions from mainland Britain to Northern France. The twenty-five featured routes showcase the best of Britain on two wheels. For those who prefer to pedal on-road, the routes take you along the historic Way of the Roses trail through Lancaster and York, as well as across Scotland’s Atlantic perimeter on the Hebridean Way. The trails head off-road to Northern England’s hills on the Sea to Sea (C2C) and past iconic monuments in Southern England on King Alfred’s Way. Mountain bike enthusiasts will find plenty to challenge them in the Sarn Helen and through the Scottish Highlands on the renowned Highland Trail 550. The routes then head offshore, to Ireland’s coast on the Wild Atlantic Way and from Devon and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to Normandy’s alabaster cliffs on the Tour de Manche. Vertebrate Publishing’s Big Rides books are designed to inspire big adventures. Rather than being carried along the route, this guide provides everything you need to plan and explore further, including a general overview of the trails, specific technical information, overview mapping, key information and stunning photography. As well as this, each route specifies approximate timings which allows for you to plan your adventure at your own pace. Whether you’re completing routes at a leisurely speed or racing towards the finish, let Big Rides: Great Britain & Ireland be your guide.

A preview with sample pages can be found here.

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USER REVIEWS OF MY BOOKS

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