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      Gravel, Pine and a Wheel Good Time

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      Author: Millie Earle-Wright, Copywriter
      Published: Oct 13, 2025 More by Millie

      Rolling Through the Cairngorms with Stevie

      The beautiful landscapes of Scotland are fantastic to explore by bike and offer an irresistible mix of awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating history and boundless adventure. At Wilderness Scotland, we love all kinds of cycling, but there’s no doubt that gravel biking has captured the heart of a particular cohort in the Aviemore office. Maybe it’s the variety of terrain or maybe it’s the sense of freedom, but the Cairngorms National Park really does feel like it was designed with gravel riders in mind. There’s something uniquely magnetic about those quiet forest tracks, sprawling heather moors, and quiet backroads that make it such an incredible place to ride.

      To get a closer look at what makes this style of cycling so rewarding, we caught up with Stevie, our Managing Director and long-time adventurer, whose backyard just happens to be the Cairngorms. In this Q&A, he shares what it feels like to head out for a ride, why the Cairngorms offer such a brilliant setting for beginners and experienced cyclists alike, and how gravel biking opens up hidden corners of Scotland that you might otherwise miss.

      Headshot of a smiling man with gray hair wearing a black Haglöfs vest over a blue checkered shirt, photographed outdoors with green foliage in the background.

      Stevie Christie

      In Conversation With Stevie

      Can you describe the feeling of setting off on a gravel bike ride?

      Honestly, first thing in the morning, I’m not always too excited about it. But that all changes within a few kilometres, and I’m happy to be out, whatever the weather. I often gravel ride to and from work, which I love as it’s the perfect start or end to a day. In winter, I’m often riding through the forest trails in the dark, with just my bike lights and the stars lighting the way – I love it! If I’m heading off for a big ride into the wild, there’s a sense of nervous anticipation, which is exactly how you should feel before you set off for an adventure.

      Group of cyclists riding road bikes on a gravel path through scenic Highland countryside, with pine trees and heather-covered moorland on either side under a partly cloudy blue sky.

      Good company, great trails.

      How would you describe the pace of gravel biking? What makes it such a great way to explore Scotland?

      Three mountain bikers pausing on a dirt trail beside a turquoise mountain lake, surrounded by pine forests and rocky hillsides under a partly cloudy sky.

      Trail break with a view.

      You cover a lot more ground than you do when hiking, but at a slow enough pace to take it all in. While trails differ, I don’t gravel bike for technical difficulty, so I’m always riding at a relaxed pace. It’s a great way to get into some wild places that would be out of reach on a day hike. So you get the mountain views, the peace, the wilderness … and you’re still home in time for afternoon tea and cake!

      How does gravel biking let you experience Scotland’s landscapes differently from other types of travel?

      Biking through a forest.

      Hiking is slower. Road biking is faster, but it means you need to stay on the tarmac. With gravel biking, when the tarmac ends, the adventure begins. It’s a great way to travel through a landscape, linking up different areas by quiet backroads if you need to, but often staying in the wild on traffic-free roads. There’s a sense of freedom that is hard to match.

      What’s one hidden corner of the Cairngorms you’ve discovered thanks to a gravel bike?

      Ha! There are so many, honestly. Gravel biking encourages you to explore areas that other adventurers may not be drawn to. Hikers like peaks and passes, and mountain bikers like technical trails. The Cairngorms are threaded with many epic trails that wind by rushing rivers and weave through ancient Caledonian pine forests, leading you to truly magical places.


      What makes the Cairngorms such a special place for gravel biking?


      Read More »

      There are many trails suitable for gravel bikes, covering a wide variety of terrain. Ride across purple heather moors, through ancient pine forests or into wild glens surrounded by some of Scotland’s highest mountains. There are also lots of good cafes for a refuel.


      Do you think gravel biking is a sociable experience?


      Read More »

      Absolutely! The slower pace, the scenery, the wide trails and the fact that you don’t need to watch out for traffic all make it a very social experience.


      Have you ever had a memorable wildlife encounter while out on a gravel bike?


      Read More »

      I’ve come across most of Scotland’s key land species while gravel biking – except capercaillie, which remain elusive to me. Seeing three adders (Scotland’s only venomous snake) within a mile of each other on a recent ride was a rather exciting experience (they are not really dangerous, but seeing them adds a certain bite to your ride).

      Why do you think gravel biking appeals to complete beginners and seasoned cyclists?

      Two cyclists biking on a gravel path with mountains and forests as the background.

      Biking through the Highlands.

      For beginners, gravel riding brings the joy of traffic-free routes, although this also applies to experienced riders. Gravel riding is not about speed in the way that road riding can be; a more relaxed pace and a focus on taking in the wild scenery should appeal to everyone.

      Why should someone choose gravel biking as their way to explore Scotland?

      A group and a guide standing around a map with helmets on.

      Route planning pit stop.

      If they enjoy cycling, adventure and wild places – but are not looking for the adrenaline rush of mountain biking, then gravel biking is the answer.

      What would you say to someone considering joining a gravel biking trip if they haven’t done much gravel biking before?

      Go for it! If you’re new to riding, opt for an easier itinerary so you can get a better feel for it as an experience. Our Intro to Gravel Biking is a good choice, especially because it includes some of my favourite trails. After that, the wild places of the world will open up for you and your bike!

      Further Reading

      A Beginner’s Gravel Biking Journey

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

      A Beginner’s Guide to Gravel Biking

      Winter Gravel Biking in Scotland

      Gravel Bike With Us

      Gravel Biking

      Highland Gravel Trail

      View Trip Details
      Gravel Biking

      Loch Lomond and Galloway

      View Trip Details
      Gravel Biking

      Gravel Biking – Introduction to Gravel Biking

      View Trip Details

      Meet the Author: Millie Earle-Wright

      I grew up in rural North East Scotland. I studied English Literature and Philosophy at Edinburgh, later completing a Masters in Glasgow. Itchy feet led to time spent in New Zealand embracing the seasonaire lifestyle and travelling in South East Asia. The last couple of years I’ve spent in British Columbia, an amazing place to chase adrenaline.

      View profile More by Millie

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