Who can go cycle touring?
If you regularly ride 30 miles a week or more commuting, then you are fit enough for touring. If you are in any doubt, consult your doctor.
Otherwise, if you have the normal skills to run your life, you should be fine. You don't have to be Ray Mears, though if you don't enjoy his TV programmes you probably won't like camping.
 
What to do first
Read lots of books, talk to other cycle tourists, get your bike and kit together. The Cyclist Touring Club have lots of information.
A first cycle tour should be short and local. If you live in Glasgow, then a weekend trip to one of the many campsites near Loch Lomond would be a good idea.
 
Where to go
At least for your first few trips, Scotland is best. It's definitely best if you already live in Scotland. If you are reading this from somewhere else in the world, there will a local area suitable for you.
 
Howard Ashton (see Inspiration), who has been all over the world, reckons Scotland is the best place to go touring, and he's a Yorkshireman.
 
Scotland has a temperate climate, English is widely spoken, the banks are reliable, the healthcare is first class, there are no large dangerous wild animals, very few snakes or poisonous insects and no diseases you haven't already been exposed to.
 
When to go
Before you die. Don't sit at home wondering what it would be like, DO IT. As for time of year, May to September are best for the begineer camper in Scotland.
 
Why to go?
 
It really is joy. It's also cheap. The travel is free, a good tent and equipment will last years. A good touring bike, though expensive initially, will last indefinitely.
 
The very cheapness of cycletouring appeals to some people. Some published accounts focus on the rider's attempts to spend as little as possible, "Stopped at a transport cafe outside Auchtermuchty. Ordered a pot of tea, and managed to eat all the sandwiches I had brought in with me before the waitress noticed and threw me out."