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Cycling & mountain biking

Ride scenic trails, flow parks and epic mountains across the North-east of Scotland.

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Cycling and mountain biking in the North-east of Scotland

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a diverse playground for cyclists and mountain bikers, where rugged hills, peaceful forests, quiet country roads, and purpose-built trails come together to create unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fuelled descents, endurance rides across scenic countryside or gentle loops for families and beginners, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire bring biking adventures to life. From city streets in Aberdeen to rural backroads and forest tracks, you can enjoy your adventure sustainably while taking in some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.

The region has been proudly named Scottish MTB Destination of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024, placing it among the best riding locations in the country.

Technical and challenging rides

For riders looking to push their skills, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a wealth of demanding terrain, from steep enduro descents and natural singletrack to remote mountain routes that test endurance and technique.

Pitfichie Forest – One of the region’s most respected technical riding destinations, featuring fast granite slab sections, tight switchbacks and challenging climbs. Trails like the Granite Top reward strong bike handling with panoramic views, while the championship-grade Downhill Trail delivers adrenaline-fuelled descents through roots, rocks and drops.

Ballater & the Dee Valley – A gateway to some of the North-east’s most epic mountain biking. Steep enduro classics, rugged hill tracks and long-distance loops into the Cairngorms create unforgettable big-ride days for experienced cyclists.

Tarland Trails (advanced routes) – While known for accessibility, Tarland also offers more challenging lines, bermed descents and technical features that allow riders to build speed and test techniques in a purpose-built environment.

Scolty Hill & Banchory area – Natural forest trails and demanding climbs provide varied riding close to town, ideal for riders looking to combine scenic routes with technical challenges.

Bennachie Hill – Beyond the lower family-friendly forestry tracks, the upper hill routes and surrounding terrain provide tougher climbs and rewarding descents for more experienced riders.

These are just some of the technical trails to try, many more await across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeenshire First Ride Visit Aberdeen 8

Family-friendly trails

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a wealth of family-friendly cycle routes, perfect for gentle rides through stunning landscapes.

The Deeside Way – This 41-mile disused railway line runs from Aberdeen to Ballater. With plenty of entry points, you can tailor the ride to your family’s ability, making it ideal for all ages.
Formartine & Buchan Way – Follow the former railway from Dyce through rural Aberdeenshire, with links to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, enjoying a long-distance adventure without steep climbs.
The Tarland Way – A 6-mile route connecting Tarland and Aboyne, combining purpose-built paths with quiet country roads through the Howe of Cromar, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Bennachie Forest Trails – A variety of forestry tracks and lower paths around the iconic Bennachie hill, suitable for families, with options for younger riders and slightly more challenging paths for older children.

With so many routes to choose from, families can enjoy scenic, safe cycling while discovering the North-east’s countryside, forests, and charming villages.

Image credit: VisitScotland

Scenic and flow trails

For riders who want to combine stunning scenery with smooth, flowing trails, these routes offer a relaxing yet exhilarating experience. Perfect for those who enjoy rhythm and momentum over technical difficulty, these trails let you take in the views without constant stops or tricky obstacles.

Banchory Woods – gentle flowing singletrack through woodlands, riverside paths, and panoramic countryside views.
Crathes Estate – smooth forest trails with natural curves, perfect for building rhythm while taking in the historic estate and gardens.

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