Skip to main content

Cairngorms

Taking the title of the largest national park in the UK, Cairngorms National Park is 4,500 sq km of unspoilt countryside and is home to five out of six of the UK’s highest mountains.

Read on for all the facts about this fascinating area, and find out how your local business can contribute to a positive experience for mountain bike tourists.

Mountain Biking in the Cairngorms

We’ll start with Laggan Wolftrax - an exciting, purpose-built trail centre lying halfway between Aviemore and Fort William. This mountain biking haven has something for every type of rider. Whether they’re looking for family-friendly routes, technical trails, cross country or enduro adventures, Laggan Wolftrax has it all.

Heading northeast, tourists will find Glenlivet Bike Park. Perhaps best known for its whisky, the area is also a phenomenal base for some more remote MTB action.

Glenlivet’s location at the northern edge of the national park gives it a different feel. It's more remote, and the trails pass over the tops of the lower, more rolling hills. But hidden in the forest are some delights. Glenlivet has some great cross-country trails that allow a longer ride than many trail centres.

For gravel riders, Cairngorms comprises a vast network of longer gravel rides that will conveniently take them between local communities. And for those looking for less strenuous riding, Badenoch and Strathspey provide an array of bike-friendly paths.

For adventure seekers, Ballater is widely regarded as one of the best technical trail riding destinations in Scotland, and the village provides a warm welcome to all tourists, including those arriving on two wheels.

Families can venture to the Anagach Woods in Grantown-on-Spey, where they’ll find a series of short fun trails for all abilities. So there really is something for everyone in the Cairngorms!

If you are an accommodation provider in Cairngorms, take our self-assessment tool to find out your current level of service and how you can improve your offer. You will receive a score out of 100 and then have the option to have your business advertised for free in the Cairngorms Ride Guide on the DMBinS website.


The MTB Community in the Cairngorms

With many of the region’s communities already joined up by bike routes, this is a great place to explore both on and off bike.

This low-traffic area is already well-suited for bikes, and the selection of specialist bike shops and bike-friendly cafés and restaurants provide everything MTB tourists need.

With lodges, glamping, bed & breakfasts and hotels all ready to welcome mountain biking guests, riders can be safe in the knowledge that they’ll get a good amount of rest after a long day out on the trails.


The Future of MTB in the Cairngorms

Though it already has a lot to offer, Cairngorms is continually developing its mountain biking facilities to provide an unforgettable experience for MTB enthusiasts.

Cairngorm Mountain - New MTB Track

As part of Cairngorm Resort’s 25-year master plan, plans are underway to construct a 1.8-mile mountain biking track located to the south of Cairngorm Mountain.

Glenlivet - Extending Blue Trail

With the help of funding from the Cycling Facilities Fund, Bike Glenlivet continues to evolve its trails - extending its current blue trail to create a 5km loop while remaining accessible to riders of all levels.

Boat of Garten - New Pump Track

Woodland Wheels has erected a brand new pump track in Boat of Garten to help riders develop their skills and build their confidence. Continually making improvements to best suit visitors’ needs, this will be a popular spot for mountain bikers for years to come.

Cairngorms Media Files

We have lots of information about mountain biking in Scotland, but sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look through our library of stunning imagery and action-packed videos to see what Scottish MTB is all about.

Continue

DM Bin S Cairngorms 34

Self Assessment Tool

Our handy questionnaire allows you to quickly evaluate how you currently cater to MTB tourists, while identifying any gaps and the opportunities that may help enhance your offering.

Start

SELF-ASSESSMENT CTA