Mountain Biking in Scotland
Everything you need to know about mountain biking in Scotland
You’re in luck ! You are in the right place ! Scotland is one of the most beautiful places on the planet for mountain biking. The country has very many tracks and paths totally adapted to mountain biking, many of which are world-class. This network of tracks through the Scottish mountains and forests make the country one of the most internationally recognized for world practice. Many competitions are held each year in Scotland.
Whatever your level, beginner wishing to develop your skills or an expert cyclist looking for thrills, look no further. Scotland offers a fantastic range of trails, tracks and beautiful landscapes just waiting for you. You are of course welcome to go mountain biking in one of Scotland’s national forests, exploring further beyond the trails.
Our mountain biking guides are here to make you live a great adventure !
We offer a wide range of Mountain Bike skills courses and coaching and are available as a Mountain Bike Guide you across Scotland. We have a wealth of trails on our doorstep and trail centres within a short drive. We also have access to some of the greatest wilderness rides Scotland has to offer.
Choose a trail that suits you
The routes of all our mountain bike trail centers are classified by color. If you are new to this sport, start with a simple green or simple blue circuit. Are you looking for something a little less energetic ? Mountain biking in the forest is not just for adrenaline junkies on mountain bikes. You can also explore by bike at a more leisurely pace along forest tracks and paths suitable for the whole family. Find some of our favorite places in the cycling section.
Where to practice mountain biking in Scotland ?
Mountain biking trails, centres, and parks.
Trail sites and mountain biking parks in Scotland offer a range of graded routes so you can easily select one that suits you or find the right route for your family or group.
At cycling or outdoor centres you can hire a bike, get some tuition and even join one of our mountain biking guide.
From Peebles in the Scottish Borders to Balblair in the north east Highlands, Forestry Commission Scotland manages some great forest tracks and trail centres for you to explore on two wheels. At Cuningar Loop, a woodland park to the east end of Glasgow, kids can get to grips with the basics.
Moray Monster Trails is another Forestry Commission site and it has over 20 km of routes with three moderate trails to choose from, as well as some trickier tracks if you’re up for something harder. Brush up your technique in the skills area before you set off.
Bike parks also cater for the more experienced biker and provide some of the most technical park riding to be found in the UK. At sites such as Glentress, one of the 7stanes mountain biking centres in the south of Scotland, Laggan Wolftrax near Kingussie, Glenlivet and the world famous Nevis Range, you can really test your skills to the limit.
Natural trails
Outdoor access in Scotland is exceptionally good, which explains why the country is such a hit with mountain bikers, and means that there are an impressive array of natural routes to experience. Keeping to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code will help to ensure that mountain biking in the Scottish wilderness can continue well into the future.
If you’re an expert who’s really looking for a challenge then you can’t get much tougher than the Sluggan near Aviemore, an 18 km natural route with a steep climb, great views and a thrilling descent – what more could you want?
The Isle of Arran also offers a staggering number of wild mountain biking trails for its size. They are mostly rough and ready and require skilled handling of your bike as well as your map! Some can be tackled by novices too, such as the 10 kilometre Castle Route that circles Brodick Castle and skirts Glen Rosa.
Routes in the Scottish Borders include the 20 kilometre Gypsy Glen near Innerleithen, which offers a tough cross country ascent through the heather and bracken, with lovely views from the summit of Kirkhope Law.
Mountain Biking Holidays
Have an adventure on two wheels! Make mountain biking the focus of your trip to Scotland and book a biking tour with us. Take your pick from full holiday packages, a multi-day tour and guided and self-guided tours. On a mountain biking holiday you can :
- Explore the landscapes - on some organised trips, you'll experience mountain biking away from biking centres and pedal your way through wild, untamed back country.
- Get help every mile of the way - for multiday trips, luggage transfer and support vehicles are often laid on.
- Choose from a range of holiday options - trips can be self-led, or you might book a tour with an experienced mountain bike guide to keep you on the right track.
- Get help every mile of the way - for multiday trips, luggage transfer and support vehicles are often laid on.
