The Cairngorms National Park has quickly been becoming a mecca for both mountain bikers and roadies alike.
Whether you’re looking to cruise though an ancient pinewood forest at speed, blast up to a scenic viewpoint on an electric bike, or simply go out for a gentle ride with the family, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the Cairngorms!
Mountain Biking has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last 20 years and the Cairngorms National Park has played a vital role in this growth. With such a fantastic range of trails almost within touching distance to Aviemore and the surrounding area, it's no surprise that so many people come to the area specifically to ride.
If your passion is road biking then why not challenge yourself on the iconic Cairngorm Ski Road? This classic climb up to the base station of CairnGorm Mountain is an absolute essential for any keen road bikers out there!
We've put together a little snapshot of some of the routes we like that you can expect to find when you visit the area. If you'd like to speak to one of our team about biking in the area, then feel free to give the office a call on 01479 810 835. Rob is our 'Biking Guru' and he'd be delighted to share some of his local insights and top secret routes with you!
This is perhaps one of the most popular family routes in the area, keeping everyone off the main road leading from Aviemore all the way to the beautiful Glenmore. The trail starts at the old footbridge next to the River Spey directly opposite the pub called The Old Bridge Inn. The route also finishes here which is ideal for those that might be looking for refreshment or a bite to eat after they're finished!
Head over the River Spey and after around 1 mile you'll arrive at Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre. The trail continues running alongside the road but off the main road all the way to Rothiemurchus Caravan park. It's at this point that the fun begins as the trails head into the ancient Caledonian Pinewood that lies ahead. This forest is absolutely beautiful so make sure that you don't forget the camera! These are some of the last Caledonian Pines left in Scotland.
The trail steadily risesin stages, giving you some rest bite where it flattens out a little. After around the 4 mile mark the forest opens out and you start to get some amazing views looking onto the Cairngorm Massive with the beautiful Loch Morlich at the foot of the Mountains. Eventually you'll arrive at the small village of Glenmore were there are two small cafes for you to grab a spot of hard-earned lunch.
After this it’s a case of limbering up for the return-trip back to Aviemore alongon the same trail. You're sure to head back a little faster as you ride what will be a welcome descent all the way back down. Finish your ride right at the Old Bridge Inn with a local brew.
Route 7 runs all the way from Perth up to Inverness, it’s Ok we are just looking at one section of the Route 7 from Aviemore and Boat of Garten. It’s a very much a family affair this one all ages all abilities will enjoy this trail. I’ll start the ride in Boat of Garten at the Boat Hotel as the route back comes back on the same trail.
You’ll head down the Kinhurdy Road known Locally as the Millionaires Street as there are some stunning properties set in amongst the Scots Pine. This is a very quiet road and leads to the start of the Trail Head. And in the Direction of Aviemore.
The trail is well maintained and has very few Hills “you’ll be pleased to know”,. The first part of the trail you are surrounded by Scots Pine and if your lucky you may catch a glance of the infamous Red Squirrel, on Roe Deer.
Eventually the forest gives way to heather clad moor land and big sky views of the Cairngorms. The trail is well signed posted and after you have cycled approximately 3 miles you will pass the Speyside Golf course and come to the trail end and the Route 7 Café just in time for Lunch. If there are a few of you in the group that feel that’s enough activity for the day they can always opt out and have the Return Journey back on the Strathspey Railway, a truly fantastic way to finish the day.
This is perhaps one of the most popular family routes in the area, keeping everyone off the main road leading from Aviemore all the way to the beautiful Glenmore. The trail starts at the old footbridge next to the River Spey directly opposite the pub called The Old Bridge Inn. The route also finishes here which is ideal for those that might be looking for refreshment or a bite to eat after they’re finished!
Ride across the bridge and over the River Spey, then after around 1 mile you’ll arrive at Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre. The trail continues running alongside the road but off the main road all the way to Rothiemurchus Caravan Park. It’s at this point that the fun begins as the trails head into the ancient Caledonian Pinewood that lies ahead. This forest is absolutely beautiful so make sure that you don’t forget the camera!
These are some of the last Caledonian Pines left in Scotland. The trail steadily rises in stages, giving you some rest bite where it flattens out a little. After around the 4 mile mark the forest opens out and you start to get some amazing views looking onto the Cairngorm Massive with the beautiful Loch Morlich at the foot of the Mountains. Eventually you’ll arrive at the small village of Glenmore. There is a great wee cafe here called The Pine Marten Bar & Scran where you can grab a spot of well-earned lunch.
After this it’s a case of limbering up for the return-trip back to Aviemore alongon the same trail. You’re sure to head back a little faster as you ride what will be a welcome descent all the way back down. Finish your ride right at the The Old Bridge Inn with a local brew.
Route 7 runs all the way from Perth up to Inverness, but don’t worry, we are just looking at one section of the route: Aviemore and Boat of Garten. It’s a very much a family affair and all ages and abilities should enjoy it.
We start the ride in Boat of Garten at the Boat Hotel as the route back comes back on the same trail. You’ll head down Kinhurdy Road (known locally as Millionaire’s Road due to the stunning properties set in amongst the Scots Pine). This is a very quiet road and leads to the start of the trail in the Direction of Aviemore. The trail is well maintained and is relatively flat.
The first part of the trail you are surrounded by Scots Pine and if your lucky you may catch a glance of the famous Red Squirrel or Roe Deer. Eventually the forest gives way to heather clad moor land and big sky views of the Cairngorms. The trail is well signed posted and after you have cycled approximately 3 miles you will pass the Speyside Golf course and come to the trail end and the Route 7 Café just in time for lunch.
If there are a few of you in the group that feel that’s enough activity for the day they can always opt out and have the Return Journey back on the Strathspey Railway, a truly fantastic way to finish the day.
This is the ultimate challenge for the enthusiastic road biker looking for the Scottish version of Mont Ventoux. The ride starts from our local bike shop Mike’s Bikes, and the first stage starts from Aviemore to Cairngorm Mountain, then up to the Lecht Ski Centre via Aviemore. The total route equals approximately 136 KM’s / 85 Miles with 1686m /5531 ft of climbing.
You can split the route over a couple of days or try and smash it in one day. You should make your presents known to the friendly and very enthusiastic staff at Mike’s Bikes to collect route cards they will stamp your card and get you on your way. As long as you get your card filled in you at each location they will even give you a medal on your return.
For those of you who are keen cyclists, Mike’s Bikes have the fastest times to Cairngorm Ski Area listed on the shop wall. The shop organises loads of events in and around the Cairngorms National park for Both Mountain Biking and Road and along with there daughter Sally offer guided tours.
