Categories > Guides and Tips

15 of the Best Mountain Biking Trails in Scotland

15 of the Best Mountain Biking Trails in Scotland

Biking (Best Cycling Routes Scotland) is not only about leisurely cycling through scenic views; it’s also a good test of your grit. With heart-pumping climbs, technical descents, and winding paths, you’ll surely come out a different person after your first ride.

To kick off the thrill, we rounded up the best mountain biking trails in Scotland here, varying in location, level and length. 

1. Scorrybreac Circular

Scorrybreac Circular
Image from alltrails.com

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Location: Portree, Highlands

Length: 3.4 kilometres

Found on the shore of Portree Bay, the Scorrybreac Circular is a loop around the area with coastal views up to the Island of Raasay. It’s an easy mountain biking trail with short climbs and flat surfaces.

Aside from mountain biking, the route is also known for walking and bird watching. Sea eagles often fly around the area – use your hawkeye to spot one during your journey!

Pro tip:

If it’s your first time, we suggest you try the trail clockwise because it may have a steep start, but the rest will be pretty manageable. Plus, you’ll have glorious views, and you’ll reach the port quickly.

2. Glencoe and Lochan Circular

Glencoe and Lochan Circular
Image from alltrails.com

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Ballachulish, Highlands

Length: 2.4 kilometres

With stunning views of the loch, the Glencoe and Lochan Circular take around an hour to complete. But don’t be fooled by this trail, it’s more challenging than it seems.

It has several steep slopes, a hill, and muddy sections. But don’t fret, all of its three trails – blue, yellow, and red paths – are marked properly and easy to navigate.

Pro tip:

The blue path’s the easiest since it has a flat surface. 

3. Kinlochleven to Fort William

Kinlochleven to Fort William
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Location: Kinlochleven, Highlands

Length: 24.8 kilometres

You’ll feel your blood pumping – literally – when you try this 24.8-kilometre trail from Kinlochleven to Fort William. Although it has smooth terrain, the excitement picks up when you climb up from Kinlochleven.

But, it’s a rewarding experience with the breathtaking mountain views, particularly the  highest mountain in Scotland, Ben Nevis, in the distance.

Pro tip:

Pack some midge repellent and apply them early on. We noticed there were a number of them during the first few kilometres of the route.

4. Comrie Croft Trails Loop

Comrie Croft Trails Loop
Screenshot from comriecroftbikes.co.uk

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Braincroft, Crieff

Length: 13.7 kilometres

Located in Crieff, the Comrie Croft Trails loop has a moderately challenging biking trail where good riding skills are required. But once you overcome it, not only do you get a great commemorative picture but also bragging rights to this big feat!

You’ll start and end the journey in the parking lot, but the best part is going up to Decision Rock. Like its name, you’ll have to decide if you want to continue or not since the uphill climb has a rocky terrain. 

Pro tip:

Refrain from visiting after heavy rain or during winter because the trail’s very slippery, and it’ll be too risky for you to climb up.

5. Glen Nevis Youth Hostel to Ben Nevis

Glen Nevis Youth Hostel to Ben Nevis
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Location: Fort William, Highlands

Length: 13.7 kilometres

Even though the ride from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel to Ben Nevis’ car park is quick, the adrenaline picks up when you ascend the tallest Munros (Best Munros Scotland) of Scotland. The entire trail is 13.7 kilometres, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

You’ll go through a series of steep climbs, rugged and rocky terrains, and narrow paths. But, that spectacular panoramic view on top and various wildlife – with red deer and ptarmigan roaming around – will make each ache worth it.

Pro tip:

Instead of filling up your water bottle beforehand, you can leave it empty and refill it when you pass a series of streams along the way. 

You’ll even pass by the beautiful, 120-metre Steall Falls in the middle of the route, so we suggest you take a break before continuing on the challenge.

6. Laggan Wolftrax Red Trails Loop

Laggan Wolftrax Red Trails Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Strathmashhie, Laggan

Length: 11.9 kilometres

At 11.9 kilometres, the Laggan Wolftrax Red Trails loop is fit for intermediate to expert bikers. It has four main routes, namely green, orange, red, and black. 

Each one varies in length and level of difficulty, with lots of technical climbs and heart-stopping descents. Usually, it takes around an hour to complete, depending on the pace you’re at.

Pro tip:

We recommend you start with the Green route as a warm-up or if you want something fairly easy. But, if you’re ready for lots of rocky terrains, the Black Route is an ideal pick.

7. AE Valley Route

AE Valley Route
Screenshot from forestyland.gov

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

Length: 9 kilometres

With a majestic view of the Water of Ae and a single track, the Ae Valley Route is one of the easiest mountain biking trails in Scotland. It’s fit for families who want to do this exciting activity together without overexerting themselves.

Plus, it only has one brief sharp climb, which you can surely handle with the right mindset.

Pro tip:

We noticed a lot of people walking around the Forest of Ae, so be careful when you’re biking because you might accidentally crash into them. 

There’s also a picnic area at the start/end of the trail, so you can use it as a resting spot after going around the area.

8. Milngavie to Drymen

Milngavie to Drymen
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Location: Glasgow

Length: 19.5 kilometres

Taking around six hours to complete, this 19.5-kilometre trail in Glasgow is a challenging route that’s perfect for adrenaline junkies. It has lots of accessible paths, but the long journey and sharp climbs make it a tad harder than it seems.

The route starts at Milngavie and ends at Drymen while passing by picturesque local spots like Mugdock Castle and Buchanan Castle. On top of that, you’ll have pretty mountain views of the ever-famous Ben Nevis from a distance.

Pro tip:

Visit around March to October for the best sunny weather but still check forecasts before going on a ride.

We suggest making a stop at the Beech Tree Inn for a refreshing cup of espresso. They also have a large garden where pets can lounge around while you take a break.

9. Loch Leven Heritage Trail Loop

Loch Leven Heritage Trail Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Location: Perth and Kinross

Length: 20.3 kilometres

Even though it’s a 20.3-kilometre trail, the Loch Leven Heritage Trail Loop only takes around an hour to finish. It’s an easy route with flat surfaces and well-maintained paths that are suitable for all kinds of bikers, especially beginners.

You’ll start and end at the Old Causeway Car Park with gorgeous views of the castle and the loch along the way.

Pro tip:

To add to your adventure, we highly encourage you to take the boat to Loch Leven Castle to get a closer look at the structure. This eerie location was mostly known as the place where Mary, the Queen of Scots, was imprisoned for almost a year.

Do note that they have boat tours throughout the year, except in June.

10. Ben Ledi Circular

Ben Ledi Circular
Image from alltrails.com

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Location: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Length: 10 kilometres

The Ben Ledi Circular is a short but very challenging trail, having a total length of 10 kilometres. It takes approximately 5 hours to complete the route, which is filled with lots of zigzag paths, steep climbs, and muddy sections to reach the top of the mountain.

Although it’s a body-aching experience, you’ll be in awe when you get to the summit with wonderful vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Pro tip:

Always bring warm and waterproof clothes, even if you’re visiting during summer. The weather’s quite unpredictable in this area, so it’s best to be prepared for any situation.

11. Rob Roy’s Cave via Loch Ard Sculpture Trail

Rob Roy’s Cave via Loch Ard Sculpture Trail
Screenshot from alltrails.com

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Length: 7.1 kilometres

Old folks once said that Rob Roy’s Cave was named after a Scottish outlaw from the mid-1700s who hid from the Duke of Monstrose’s men in this exact spot. With its eight-foot drop, this place is not for those who easily cower over a challenge.

The trail begins and ends in this well-known cave, and you’ll pass along Loch Ard as well. It’s moderately challenging with lots of wooden paths, a few muddy sections, and some technical climbs, but the pretty scenery makes it all worth it.

Pro tip:

On top of visiting the cave, we went off the beaten path and biked a little further to the remains of the Duke’s Castle ruins. So, if you want the historic spot to yourselves, go here as early as you can.

12. Crail to Kingsbarns

Crail to Kingsbarns
Screenshot from Google Maps

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Location: Fife

Length: 5 kilometres

The route from Crail to Kingsbarns is a former railway track that’s easy to navigate with flat surfaces. It takes you to East Neuk Town, Kingsbarns Beach, Balcomie Links Hotel, and eventually to the edge of Kingbarns.

Expect to see stunning coastal views throughout this quick 5-kilometre ride. You can even make a stop by the shore to breathe in that fresh air or take a bite of the popular local favourite – the mac n’ cheese toastie – at The Cheesy Toast Shack.

Pro tip:

Take note if you’re parking at Kingsbarns Beach that it’s free for the first two hours but has a charge of £2 for the rest of the day, if you decide to stay longer.
You can also find free public toilets on this site in case you need to make a stop.

13. Burma Road Loop

Burma Road Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Cairngorms National Park

Length: 44.3 kilometres

With a total of 44.3 kilometres, the Burma Road Loop in Cairngorms National Park is a long but fun mountain biking experience with mostly flat paths and lovely sceneries. It starts and ends at Aviemore car park.

We refer to it as a moderately challenging trail since it’s quite long, taking around four hours to complete but with only a few climbs. The best highlights include passing by the River Dulnain and going up the Sluggan Bridge.

Pro tip:

We noticed a lot of sheep along the way, so refrain from speeding up too much unless the coast is clear. 

14. Glenlivet Estate

Glenlivet Estate
Image from glenlivetestate.co.uk

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Location: Cairngorms National Park

Length: 9 kilometres

Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the Glenlivet Estate trail has blue and red sections for mountain biking. The blue one has an easier climb while the red trail is longer with a faster-flowing single track across moorland and woodlands.

Whichever you pick between the two, you’ll still need to go through the blue trail to access the red one.

Pro tip:

Recently, there was an Orange trail added to the mix, which is a kilometre filled with jumps and berms, so you can test out your skills here. 

But, we highly discourage beginners from trying this out, especially if you’re doing it alone since it can be risky. Don’t lose hope though; you can always give it a shot once you improve your skills and gain more riding experience.

15. 7 Stanes Innerleithen Trails Loop

Stanes Innerleithen Trails Loop
Screenshot from komoot.com

Level of Difficulty: Challenging

Location: Innerleithen

Length: 17.7 kilometres

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have heard of the infamous 7 Stanes Innerleithen trails loop with its four downhill trails that are extremely challenging. 

The climbs get so steep at times that there’s even a part where you’ll need to push your bike manually. It’s on the bucket list of every experienced mountain biker because not everyone could easily conquer it – you might need a few pain relief patches after.

Pro tip:

Take note that the car park at the start and end of the route has no toilet facilities. Lucky for you, No 1 Café, one of the closest shops to the trail, has restrooms!

Plus, they serve great coffee, a delicious breakfast set of pancakes and omelettes, and decadent scones – yum!

Related topics