North Highlands

Starting with one of the area’s established trail centres, Golspie’s Highland Wildcat Trails provides an excellent base for exploring the wider countryside. Mountain bikers can take on a challenging technical climb to the top of Ben Bhraggie or enjoy a gentler tour out to Dunrobin Castle via track and estate roads.

Just north of the Fairy Glen Falls, you’ll find Learnie Red Rock Trails. With a great range of trails to suit every type of mountain biker, guests can also take a break in the picnic area next to a set of jumps.

For those looking to get their hearts racing, Balblair Trail Centre boasts short and punchy trails alongside its more sheltered blue-graded trail on single-track and forest roads.

Possibly the most well-known mountain riding location in Scotland, Torridon offers challenging but rideable trails in epic landscapes. Heading south, MTB tourists can make their way around some great trails in Kyle of Lochalsh before heading across the water to explore abandoned villages on the Isle of Skye.

Sutherland’s inland areas have a particularly wild feel for thrill seekers, and if riders want to go the whole nine yards (or 73,040 yards, to be exact), Kyle of Sutherland to Ullapool is a classic, achievable coast to coast route that they’ll never forget.

If you are an accommodation provider in North Highlands, 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 North Highlands Ride Guide on the DMBinS website.

There are so many places for mountain bikers to visit within the North Highlands. But no matter where they go, a range of businesses are ready to offer a warm welcome.

Independent bike shops can be found in strategic locations all over the Highlands, and bike-friendly cafés and restaurants are ready to welcome riders in with open arms, even if they’re a bit muddy after hitting the trails!

MTB tourists can find hotels, hostels and bed & breakfasts to suit their style and budget. And for those who are looking for more choices and aren't against a little driving, Inverness can provide an excellent base for some mountain biking adventures.

In partnership with the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, we have taken a strategic approach to planning and development in the Highlands with our Bike Plan.

Bike Plan for the Highlands

To support the sustainable progression of mountain biking in the Highlands, the Bike Plan takes account of views from key stakeholders in the region and integrates them into a strategic plan for bringing mountain biking projects in the area to life.