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 Cairngorm area around Cairngorm Bothies has something to satisfy every level of cyclist.

Cycling routes and trails

Much like the walking routes, there are cycle trails that can begin from your front door at the Cairngorm Bothies. Follow disbanded railway lines and forest paths through stunning terrains, choose riverside or forest settings theres something for everyone. 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 with the panoramic views.

Mountain Biking Trails in the Cairngorms

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. The new Pittenderich Trails just outside of Tarland, can be found heading toward the famous Queens View point. It offers experienced mountain bike enthusiasts some of the best mountain bike off road trails in Scotland. Its not for the faint-hearted, but for the adventure and thrill seekers who love to immerse themselves deep into 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.

Aberdeenshire Mountain Biking Hire & Tours

If you’re new to mountain biking, then a course could be just the thing to help you build your off-road confidence. Local bike hire is available from Bike Station Ballater. They have all styles and types of bikes to hire. Their bikes can be delivered directly to your bothy which will save you from 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.

You can experience a guided bike tour with Ride in Peace Adventures based at the Deeside Activity Park near Lumphanan. Ideal if you want to discover the unique routes without the stress of getting lost then Chris at Ride in Peace can offer you a bespoke guided tour. There are plenty of special memories to be made from being out all day in the clean fresh air and experiencing the scale of this special place.

Tarland Trails

Drone Footage at Tarland Trails – Drummy Woods