Mountain Biking in Scotland

Scolty is located on the banks of the River Dee in Banchory.  It features steep slabs and BC style enduro trails amongst the pine forests. Trails such as Boneyard, Corona Time, Crack Cleaner are classics, but scope the features before you ride.  Scolty is better suited to advanced riders, things can get a bit saucy.  

Check out Ride Cafe for obligatory cake, coffee and sugary goodness.

Ballater and Aboyne are cracking places to ride in Aberdeenshire. Ballater features big day epic rides up Mount Keen, spectacular slabs on Heartbreak Ridge, steep and techncial loam on Mastermind.  Bring your climbing legs with you.  If you are looking for advice, head to our friends at Cyclehighlands where Dan and RIchard will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Aboyne has a nice mix of flowing blue trails with Chutney, long epic descents off Masterblaster and steep loamy goodness up Birsemore Hill with Rattus, Emasculation and Panic Button.

Spider on a Bicycle in Aboyne does great coffee and rad sausage rolls.

Dunkeld is a legendary biking location up the A9 from Perth.  Spread across Atholl Hill, The Hermitage and Birnam Hill, Dunkeld has exciting and challenging riding for the stronger rider.  There are too many trails to name all our favourites, but Electric Beaver and Rake & Ruin are classics on the Birnham side and a trip to Dunkeld would not be complete without a ride of Yer Maw.

Check out Taybank Inn for al fresco pints and great scran or the Aran Bakery to get your coffee and cake fix.

The Tweed Valley is the epicentre of British mountain biking and over the years has become a must for any visit to Scotland.  Based around the towns of Peebles and Innerleithen, Glentress has a staggering array of trails and also non biking activities to cater for all, with on site cafe and bike shop with rental available.  

Innerleithen is renowned for its downhill trails and has recently hosted the EWS and is home to some exceptionally talented local riders such as Lewis Buchanan.  Riding here is focused at Traqair forest with uplift provided by Adrenalin Uplift and across the river at the Golfie.  There are a plethora of bike shops in Innerleithen and tremendous coffee and food at No1 Peebles Road Cafe.

A classic and famous place to ride.

Fort William is home to the UCI World Cup Downhill and fierce midges.  There are trails for everybody either accessed from the the main car park or via uplift from the gondola.  The new blue trail, Blue Steel provides a long flowing decent for less experienced riders with Top Chief and the WC track favouring the more unhinged.  

There is a cafe on site at the base of the hill, and an added bonus is you set up and stay in the main car park where there is generally ample space.

Glenlivet has undergone a significant amount of recent investment.  With Glenlivet being a more traditional trail centre, There is something to suit all abilities with long flowing blues, the epic orange jump line and red loop if you wish to put some miles in the legs.

There is a well stocked cafe to refuel between laps, and bike rental on site if required.  Generally holds up very well in all weather conditions, just watch for the snow in winter.

A few miles North of Dunkeld on the A9 you will find Pitlochry and near neighbour Aberfeldy.  Pitlochry has risen to notoriety with the development of Ben Cathro's 'Walk the Talk' track and other excellent trails.  Located a short ride over the golf course, watch out for errant tee shots.  Parking can be at a premium so make sure you are respect to farmers and locals.

Aberfeldy is located on the road to Kenmore and is rapidly becoming a very popular biking destination.  The local trail builders, with support of Glassie farm have developed a great network of traisl that are drawing a lot of interest.  There are big plans at Glassie with a bunkhouse, cafe and talk of campervan facilities on the agenda.  Watch this space.

Laggan Wolftrax is situated between Aviemore and Fort William and is a trail centre that has hosted a number of Scottish Enduro races.  The established trails at the trail centre are challenging but exciting with the epic rock slab a must.  Across the road is a selection of off piste, loamy gems that are certainly worth a visit.  

Similar to Fort William it is possible to stay in the car park overnight with a well stocked bike shop, cafe and shower.

Comrie Croft is a well established trail centre in Perthshire with something for everybody.  A collection of well built trails, plentiful camping options and a very well stocked bike shop and cafe what more could you want.  Great for kids and adults of all ability.

Local trail associations are key to keeping our trails running smoothly for all of us to enjoy, to support this contributions can be made via the link below.