I haven't cycled in many a year, but thinking of taking advantage of my work's cycle to work scheme and buying a decent bike for occasional commuting and hopefully weekend cycles on roads in the Highlands and stuff like that.

I'm starting from a position of total ignorance, so any advice would be appreciated. Do I need a road bike? If so, how much should I be spending? I'm happy to go to, say, £600, but would obviously prefer to spend less.

Any suggestions of make/model/things to look out for would also be appreciated.

Thanks!