MTB trails from an award winning eco-friendly base in the Cairngorms

If you’re a mountain biker searching for an off-grid base in the Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorm Bothies is the perfect place to start your next adventure. Nestled within tranquil Scots pine woodland near Aboyne, our dog-friendly, self-catering bothies offer a unique retreat for riders looking to combine comfort, sustainability and outdoor freedom.

Just a short ride from the acclaimed Tarland Trails, our location gives you direct access to some of the best mountain biking in Scotland — from gentle family routes to thrilling downhill tracks.

Ride The Best Of Tarland Trails

Only a few miles from your cabin door, Tarland Trails: Pitfichie and Drummy Woods have firmly established Royal Deeside as a must-ride destination for bikers. With a mix of green, blue, red and black-graded trails, there’s something for every level of rider — whether you’re introducing the kids to off-road cycling or chasing adrenaline on technical descents.

The trails are set against the stunning backdrop of Aberdeenshire’s hills and forests, making every climb and descent a memorable part of your Scottish biking experience. READ MORE

Facilities Designed With MTB Riders In Mind

We know how important it is to have great facilities after a long day in the saddle. That’s why we have two of our Cairngorm Bothies now featuring 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.

These upgrades were made possible through support from NEAT (North East Adventure Tourism), whose work helps develop sustainable outdoor experiences across the region. Together, we’re proud to make Cairngorm Bothies one of the most biker-friendly self-catering accommodations in the Cairngorms.

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.

Rest, Recharge & Explore Royal Deeside

After an exhilarating day on the trails, unwind beside your wood-burning stove, take a peaceful woodland walk, or enjoy a pint at one of the nearby local pubs such as The Airedale in Logie Coldstone, The Boat Inn in Aboyne, The Balmoral arms in Ballater. If you’re staying for the weekend, you might catch a local event, explore nearby villages like Ballater and Aboyne, or simply enjoy the calm of your woodland surroundings. With wildlife on your doorstep and miles of trails to explore, this is a getaway where relaxation meets adventure.

Why Choose Cairngorm Bothies For Your Biking Break?

• Award winning, Eco-friendly, off-grid self-catering accommodation with its own MTB route map
• Cairngorm Bothies and sister site Cairngorm Lodges nominated as finalists in the “Accommodation Provider of the year 2025” for the Scottish MTB Gathering Awards. READ MORE
• Close to Tarland Trails and Cairngorms National Park bike routes
• Lockable bike sheds at Hazel and Oak Bothies and a shared bike & muddy paw wash station.
• Dog-friendly bothies, ideal for riders travelling with pets
  Peaceful woodland setting for rest and recovery
• Nearby to Ride In Peace Adventures – Deeside Activity Park
• Bike Hire at Ballater Bike Station