Cycling and Biking
Cycling and biking is one of the best ways to explore and discover the sights, nature and wildlife here in the Park. All types of cycling is catered for here in the Park from family friendly routes, stunning rides on quiet roads to some of the best mountain bike trails in Scotland for all ages and abilities.
Family Friendly Cycling
Easy going gentle mainly traffic free cycle routes are a great way for all the family to enjoy the Park, discover something new and unwind. Time spent in the fresh air on bikes is great way for everyone to get some exercise. We have picked out some of the best to get you started – view and download our cycle route cards.
Mountain biking
Scotland with its forests, moorland and mountain and progressive access legislation is a world-class destination for mountain biking. It’s not only the landscape that makes the Park a great destination for biking it’s the wealth of paths and trails, and with four mountain bike centres Glenlivet, Laggan, the Lecht., and Tarland there is something for everyone.
To find your next ride the Highland E-Guide is a great place to start.
Road Cycling
With cafés in just about every village there is no shortage of cake stops for the intrepid road cyclist with the only question being which route to take. One of our favourites is the Snow Roads Scenic route. The Snow Roads scenic route is a 90-mile journey that traverses the highest public roads in Britain taking you through some of the most outstanding landscapes on the eastern side of the Park. The journey runs from Grantown-on-Spey, through Tomintoul, Ballater, Braemar and down to Blairgowrie. This cycle is entirely on-road and takes in some of the steepest ascents and descents, in particular the Cairnwell Pass at 670m above sea level at the Glenshee Ski Centre.
Download the Snow Roads leaflet and map here.
Cycle touring and Bikepacking
If you are inspired to ride your bike for days whether kitted out with panniers or rigged for adventure bikepacking there are lots of routes to choose from. Epic off-road adventure through isolated glens into the heart of the Cairngorms and quiet back roads linking welcoming villages and towns (and their cafes!) are just waiting to be discovered.
If you are looking to take your adventures off road then the Hill Tracks Guide is great starting place for some inspiration. With some of Scotland’s iconic bothies hidden in the hills you can go light and travel far.
If you are looking to stick to the roads and cycle paths the two National Cycle Network cycle routes that pass through or into the Cairngorms National Park are:
Route 7: Links Sunderland to Inverness and takes you through the west side of the Cairngorms National Park, passing by Pitlochry, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carr-Bridge.
Route 195: The Deeside Way, on the west side of the Park, follows the line of the Deeside Railway between Aberdeen and Ballater. This 28 mile route runs from Duthie Park in Aberdeen through quiet country roads to Aboyne and then onto Ballater.
Routes to ride
If you are looking for inspiration or routes to ride, or you like to be able to download a gps of your route (and directions!) – check out the VisitCairngorms Cycling Routes
Do the Ride thing
Whether mountain biking, gravel riding or road cycling always follow the “do the ride thing” advice to make sure you are being a responsibly cyclists and staying safe, making cycling a great experience for everyone.
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