From Tarland Trails to the Fireside: The Award-Winning Formula for an MTB Escape in Aberdeenshire

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Cairngorm Bothies and Cairngorm Lodges have been named the Accommodation Award Winner in the prestigious Scottish Mountain Bike Awards by DMBinS (Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland)!

This recognition isn’t just a trophy for the mantelpiece; it’s a huge validation of our commitment to creating the perfect base for mountain bikers and their families exploring the incredible trails within the Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire. This award cements our reputation as the premier self-catering destination for mountain biking in North East Scotland.

The Perfect Highland Base for Scottish Mountain Biking

At Cairngorm Bothies and Lodges, we understand that a mountain bike holiday doesn’t end when you get off the trails. It’s about seamless, hassle-free comfort after a big day out, and this award confirms that we’ve successfully built a retreat where functionality meets rugged luxury in the Scottish Highlands.

Here’s why we think DMBinS and the mountain biking community voted us the best self-catering accommodation base for their Aberdeenshire mountain bike adventures—making us a great choice for your next MTB trip to Royal Deeside:

• The Ultimate Wind-Down: Imagine returning from conquering the award-winning Tarland Trails, or tackling challenging local routes near Ballater and Aboyne. Your reward is settling down by the cosy woodburning stove in your Bothy or Lodge, the perfect antidote to a long day on the bike.

• Rapid Recovery: Our accommodation features excellent drying facilities—essential for getting your gear, boots, and clothes ready for the next day’s session across the Cairngorms.

• Secure Storage: Dedicated, safe, and easily accessible storage for your high-value bikes. Peace of mind is crucial for any serious rider.

• The Best Clean-Up: We provide facilities to wash down muddy bikes right after your ride, keeping the dirt outside where it belongs and your gear in top condition.

• Family and Furry Co-Pilots: We pride ourselves on being dog-friendly, ensuring your four-legged co-pilot has a secure, warm space during your self-catering Highland escape.

Thank You to Our Supporters in North East Scotland

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the wider community. We want to extend a special thank you to Will Clarke of NEAT (North East Adventure Tourism) for his belief in our project and his invaluable support in helping us connect with the mountain biking community here in North East Scotland. Through the support from NEAT (North East Adventure Tourism), whose work helps develop sustainable outdoor experiences across the region; we were able to make Cairngorm Bothies a biker-friendly self-catering accommodation in the Cairngorms. This support helped Hazel and Oak Bothies feature lockable bike storage and access to a dedicated bike wash station — which also doubles up as a handy spot for cleaning muddy paws after your ride.

Further support from Uk goverment For those keen to explore straight from their doorstep, the Cairngorm Bothies Mountain Biking Route connects directly to scenic forest trails leading towards Tarland Trails. Guests can use our digital route map, available online and via QR code in each bothy, to plan rides of varying distances and difficulty, from gentle woodland loops to more technical climbs and descents.

This award inspires us to continue elevating the accommodation experience for the Scottish mountain biking community. We are constantly striving to be the perfect launchpad for guests’ next great outdoor adventures in the Cairngorms.

If you’re planning your next mountain biking trip to Aberdeenshire, book your stay with our award-winning accommodation that is a perfect base for exploring Royal Deeside and the nearby villages of Ballater, Aboyne, and Tarland.

Book your award-winning mountain biking escape today!

Book Your Mountain Biking Getaway In The Cairngorms

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer mountain biking holiday, Cairngorm Bothies is a quiet, eco-conscious base for exploring some of Scotland’s best-loved trails. We’re not just a place to stay – we’re a gateway to the untamed beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, where biking meets wellbeing, wildlife, and warm Highland hospitality.