Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms are regarded as the best in Scotland for cycling and mountain biking. From gentle cycling along flat and quiet country lanes to arduous mountain trails, the area has something to satisfy every level of cyclist.
Much like the walking routes there are cycle trails that can begin from your front door at the Cairngorm Bothies along disbanded railway lines and forest paths. The cycling routes are perfect for a family outing or can be extended to test your fitness levels. If you’re more of a roadie then Aberdeenshire offers you some fantastic routes that are well maintained with relatively low levels of traffic and of course the beautiful countryside.
Our nearest bike trails are Tarland Trails, 5 minutes away from Cairngorm Bothies, and an incredible development for mountain biking experience for all levels and all ages. However, if you fancy going it alone then mountain biking is not for the faint-hearted but the adventure seeker who loves to immerse deep in to woodlands and battle through steep, rough, rocky and rooty terrains. There are numerous off road riding tracks to choose from in Aberdeenshire and many more opportunities to make up your own.
If you’re new to mountain biking then a course could be just the thing to help you build your off road confidence. You can choose from one or two day courses at Cycle Highland taken by fully certified trainers affiliated with The International Mountain Bike Association, The British Cycling Association and The Scottish Mountainbike Leaders Association. The workshops are focussed on bike maintenance and repairs.
Cycle Highlands are based in Ballater and offer bike and equipment hire, repairs and general help and advice. If you want to discover unique routes without the stress of getting lost then Cycle Highlands offer guided tours for groups, school children and families. Bikes can be delivered directly to the Bothies by Cycle Highlands which will save you having to collect them when you arrive; lots of our guests now use this service so they can get right out there as soon as they arrive at Cairngorm Bothies. Exploring this unspoilt area by bike will allow you to roam for miles away from traffic. Very special memories will be made from being out all day in the clean fresh air experiencing the scale of this special place.
Blue Trail
Orange Trail
Red Trail
Drone Footage
Explore our 6 bothies set in mature woodlands in the Cairngorms National Park
ROYAL DEESIDE SELF CATERING BUSINESS WINS A GOLD GREEN TOURISM AWARD Our off grid holiday dev...
You don't have to wait for warmer weather to enjoy the outdoors. There is something truly magic...
We absolutely loved our stay. Beautiful bothy, beautiful surroundings. We didn’t want to go home! Will definitely be back at some point.
Fantastic bothies in a beautiful setting. Excellent and helpful staff, would highly recommend for a long weekend or week or two. I didn't want to leave.
Cosy and great base for trail running, plenty of wildlife and chill time
Stunning location to come and unwind in the peace and quiet with a warm log fire.