- Nature & Wildlife
Mountain biking around Ballater
"There is nothing I like more than getting kitted up on a bright Ballater morning and heading out on the bike with a few friends to sample the areas growing network of mountain bike trails - or the endless forest and hill tracks on a gravel machine . Loch Muick, Balmoral, Braemar and Glentanar are within relatively easy reach on a gravel bike with even the option of a few overnight camps if you’ve got a bit of bike packing kit. Mountain biking is my first love though - so it’s usually one of our now not so secret single tracks that has to be ticked off! "
Richard, Cyclehighlands
The Green Mile
Heading up Loch Muick way the often forgotten trail “ The Green Mile “– a long but easy climb eventually gives you one of the best views possible of Lochnagar and a very scenic ride through the pinewoods back into the village of Ballater. Allow two or 3 hours depending on stops and pace and a great get away from it all trail.
Luckily in Ballater – every coffee shop and restaurant is welcoming to cyclists - an easy take away option with great home baking is The Bothy or the Auld Kirk Coffee Lounge! It’s a great way to end the ride.
Heartbreak Ridge
Ballater’s most iconic trails - Heartbreak Ridge and Mastermind also start from the village. These two must be ridden in one visit to really experience why people travel from all over to ride them. You will need a full day for these two!
These trails can be linked by crossing the Cambus O May bridge and onto the Deeside Way once you’ve got your breath back from Heart Break Ridge’s granite slabs! By crossing the bridge, you can stop at the excellent Cambus O May ‘Cheese & Milk Hoose Cafe’ or the equally yummy ‘Courie Courie Bakery’ before heading down to finish on Mastermind.
Other trails are available, so don’t hesitate to stop in at Cyclehighlands or the Bike Station to get the latest!
Catch you on the trails, Richard.
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