Exploring Scotland’s rugged mountain bike destinations with Atlas Ride Co
Scotland is a paradise for mountain bikers who are looking for remote, natural, technical trails. Its rugged landscapes, wildlife, culture, whisky, and endless trails make Scotland one of the top MTB Holiday destinations in the world. From the vast Cairngorms National Park to the stunning Isle of Skye and the remote wilderness of Torridon, Scotland offers an unbeatable range of trails. Let’s take a closer look at these three iconic destinations and why we think they are so special and include them on a variety of our tours!
The Heart of the Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park, is the largest national park in the UK, covering over 4,528 square kilometres. This massive expanse is an epic playground mountain bike destination, with everything from ancient pine forests to high mountain plateaus. For mountain bikers, it’s a dream come true with trails that suit all abilities, from beginners to seasoned pros. With descents starting at 1309m at the top of Ben Macdui the possibilities are endless here!
These are some of the best-known trails in the park. The Glenlivet trails offer about 20 kilometres of riding, with options ranging from blue (easy) to red and black (more difficult) routes. The Red Trail, in particular, is about 22 kilometres long and is packed with exciting features like swooping descents and technical sections. It’s the perfect balance of fun and challenge, making it a favourite among riders. There is a great cafe, a pump track, and a huge wild jump line.
Orange Trails – The Orange and Keiran’s Line are probably the best free-ride trails in Scotland and with jumps and gaps are for experienced riders only.
There is something here for every rider, we recently took a group of 15 who spent hours lapping the red trail from top to bottom with huge smiles all the way!
Located in Aviemore and easily accessible from the town itself these trails are properly Scottish! If you’re into combining biking with a bit of Scottish history, Rothiemurchus is a must-visit. The trails here take you through ancient Caledonian pine forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s about 50 kilometres of mixed terrain, so you can expect everything from smooth, flowing paths to more rugged, natural trails. We use this destination for a ½ day way up and bike tinkering ride before we set of on much bigger days within the local area. It is a superb area to ride a post-ride beer is never far away!
The winner for us however is Ballater and Heartbreak Ridge. Heartbreak Ridge in Ballater is a must-ride for mountain bikers looking to experience the best of Scotland’s natural trails. The combination of challenging climbs, technical descents, and stunning Highland scenery makes it a standout trail in the Cairngorms. Whether you’re a local rider or a visitor to the area, Heartbreak Ridge offers an authentic Scottish mountain biking experience that will leave you with lasting memories and perhaps a few stories of the challenges faced along the way.
Location: Ballater, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Length: Approximately 8 miles (12.9 kilometers)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Elevation Gain: Around 1,500 feet (457 meters)
Trail Type: Loop with technical sections
This trail has some of the very best rock slabs and technical but flowing riding in Scotland, you can let of the brakes and send it! Just be sure to have looked at a few sections first, never hit anything too fast blind!
The Cairngorms is all about variety. Whether you want a gentle ride through beautiful forests or a challenging climb with epic views, you’ll find it here. Plus, with over 100 kilometers of dedicated mountain bike trails, there’s plenty of ground to cover. The park is also home to five of the UK’s six highest mountains, so the scenery is always impressive, no matter where you ride.
This place is WILD! Located in the Northwest Highlands, is one of Scotland’s most remote and rugged areas. It’s famous for its towering mountains and deep glens. The trails here are some of the most challenging in Scotland, but they’re also some of the most rewarding.
The Torridon Loop is the big one – a 32-kilometre loop that’s legendary among mountain bikers. It’s not for the faint-hearted, with technical rocky sections, steep climbs, and fast descents. The loop takes you deep into the wilds of Torridon, offering incredible views of the mountains and lochs along the way. The Achnashellach descent is a highlight, with its mix of rocky steps, technical sections and wild rivers.
Beinn Damh, If you’re up for a challenge, the Beinn Damh route is a must. It’s about 16 kilometres long, with a tough climb followed by a technical descent. The views from the top are breathtaking, with Loch Torridon stretching out below and the peaks of the surrounding mountains towering above. It’s a tough ride, but the sense of achievement when you reach the bottom is unbeatable.
The Applecross Coffin Road mountain bike trail is a unique and challenging route located on the Applecross Peninsula in the remote and rugged region of Wester Ross, in the Scottish Highlands. This trail offers riders a mix of historical intrigue, stunning scenery, and technical riding, making it a memorable experience for those who take it on.
Location: Applecross Peninsula, Wester Ross, Scotland
Length: Approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Elevation Gain: Around 1,500 feet (457 meters)
Trail Type: Point-to-point with historical significance
The Applecross Coffin Road, also known as the “Coffin Route,” is steeped in history. The trail earned its name because it was once used by local communities to carry coffins from the remote settlements on the Applecross Peninsula to the burial ground at Clachan Church.
The Coffin Road is a trail that offers a mix of tough climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands and coastline. It’s a route that rewards riders with a deep sense of accomplishment and a connection to the area’s rich history.
Torridon is all about getting off the beaten path. The trails here are remote, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking for adventure and solitude, Torridon delivers in spades. Plus, the area is home to some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, with towering mountains and crystal-clear lochs at every turn.
This is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. It’s a place of jaw-dropping beauty, where rugged mountains rise dramatically from the sea. For mountain bikers, Skye offers some truly unique trails that combine technical challenges with stunning scenery.
We all know which mountain biker put the IOS on the map, yes, Danny MacAsskill and this film “The Ridge.” Released in October 2014, “The Ridge” showcased MacAskill’s remarkable talent as he navigated the rugged landscapes of Skye, performing jaw-dropping stunts along the way. The video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views on YouTube and putting the Isle of Skye on the map for adventure seekers and nature lovers worldwide.
The Quiraing, If you’re after something truly epic, the Quiraing is the trail for you. This route is about 10 kilometres long and takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery on the island. The trail is a mix of rocky paths, grassy slopes, and narrow singletracks, all with incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and the sea. It’s a challenging ride, particularly the steep sections, but the experience is worth every pedal stroke.
Sligachan to Elgol, This 30-kilometer route is for those who love a long, tough ride. Starting at Sligachan, you’ll cross the island to the remote village of Elgol. The trail includes rocky ascents, thrilling descents, and spectacular views of the Cuillin mountains. The final section, descending into Elgol with views over Loch Scavaig, is unforgettable.
Glenbrittle Forest, For a more relaxed ride, head to Glenbrittle Forest. The trails here are less intense, making them perfect for a scenic, laid-back ride. The forest tracks are smooth, and you’ll get some lovely views of the Cuillins as you ride. It’s about 15 kilometres of easy-going fun, ideal for a family ride or a chilled day out on the bike.
Skye is all about the views. The trails here aren’t just about the ride; they’re about experiencing one of the most beautiful places in the world from the saddle of your bike. The island’s rugged terrain provides plenty of challenges, but the reward is some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll ever see.
Scotland’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best places in the world for mountain biking. Whether you’re tackling the challenging climbs of the Cairngorms, exploring the dramatic scenery of Skye, or venturing into the wilds of Torridon, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Each destination offers something unique, from the vast trail networks of the Cairngorms to the stunning views on Skye and the rugged, remote beauty of Torridon.
So, if you’re looking to combine your love of mountain biking with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on earth, Scotland should be at the top of your list. Pack your gear, prepare for some challenging rides, and get ready to explore the best of Scotland’s mountain biking destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these trails will leave you with memories (and maybe a few battle scars) that you’ll treasure forever.
Keen to find out more? Head over to our friends at Atlas Ride Co and get your next adventure booked up!
