What does ‘off the beaten track mean to you’? Depending on how adventurous you are, the phrase can mean different things to different people. It can be scary to choose the path less travelled by, but the benefits from getting off the beaten track in Scotland are exhilarating.
But, this certainly doesn’t mean you need to skip all the top sites like Loch Ness. For some, getting out of cities is rural enough and therefore Loch Ness is a great choice. But for those feeling adventurous and wanting to get a little more remote, we can help you there.
Wanting to find a little peace and quiet is the most natural thing in the world whether you’re most at home surrounded by nature, a city dweller or somewhere in between. And arguably, there is no better place than the Highlands of Scotland. Known for its epic beauty, contrasting scenery and out of this world views, you’ll soon find yourself where the air and water are fresher and the most prominent noises keeping you company is nature at its finest.
The Cairngorm National Park is the ideal base for you to experience and explore the remoteness the Highlands can offer. Depending how far off the beaten track you want to get you’ll find an array of options suited for all fitness levels and ages. Offering options to be guided, or self exploration if you prefer, Scot Mountain Holidays has it all.
We understand that only you know what getting off the beaten track means. But, Scot Mountain Holiday trips, by definition are all off the beaten track. It’s unlikely you’ll see crowds of people during any typical day with us. Choosing one of our trips is a great way to decide if the more unusual spots and a more active vacation is the way forward for you.
Whether you’re after hiking, mountain biking, walking or countryside relaxation, you’ll find it here. We can help organise a tailor-made trip for you, friends and family. Or, you can join one of our scheduled trips where you’ll meet like-minded people and gain friends for life. The choice is yours.
The Cairngorms National Park offers some of the most exhilarating mountain biking experiences in the UK. From expertly designed trail centres to expansive natural trails, the Cairngorms cater to riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking challenging descents or a family looking for a leisurely ride through stunning landscapes, the Cairngorms have something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this region a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
The Cairngorms boast several well-developed trail centres that provide a variety of routes and facilities to ensure a fantastic biking experience. Here are some of the top trail centres you shouldn’t miss:
Laggan Wolftrax is a premier trail centre known for its challenging routes and spectacular views. It offers trails ranging from green (easy) to black (expert), ensuring that every rider finds a suitable path. The trails are well-maintained and designed to provide a thrilling ride through the heart of the forest.
There are also some trails across the road where you can explore a hill fort too.
Glenlivet is another top destination for mountain bikers. It features flowing singletrack trails that cater to intermediate and advanced riders. The centre also offers bike hire, a café, and ample parking, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop for bikers.
Glenlivet now have a zip wire development too and are constantly adding and maintaining their tracks. It’s one of our favourite places to go, if we head to a trail centre.
MTB trail riding at Glenlivet, Cairngorms National Park
For those looking to hone their skills, the Grantown Skills Park is the perfect place. It features a variety of obstacles and practice areas where riders can improve their technique. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced rider looking to perfect your jumps and turns, this skills park has something for you.
The Boat of Garten Pump Track is ideal for riders of all ages and skill levels. This compact track is designed to help riders develop their balance and bike handling skills. It’s a great spot for a quick ride or for families to enjoy together.
The pump track is literally on our doorstep. If you’re looking for a wee practise cornering or pumping your bike it’s a great place to go and all the locals are very friendly and hopeful if you’re after some tips.
Tarland Trails offers a mix of trails suitable for all abilities. From flowy singletracks to technical sections, it provides a diverse riding experience. The community-driven development of these trails ensures they are well-maintained and continuously improved.
High Burnside features a network of trails that wind through beautiful woodland. It’s known for its natural feel and varied terrain, offering a great mix of climbs and descents. This trail centre is perfect for those who enjoy riding in a more natural setting.
There are now plans to add a multi-million pound purpose built mountain biking trail centre near Loch Ness, which should complement what’s on offer already.
For those who crave adventure beyond the structured trail centres, the Cairngorms’ natural trails offer virtually unlimited options. You can embark on epic journeys, cycling almost entirely off-road for over 100km in loops from the base in Boat of Garten. Here are some classic routes to consider:
The Burma Road is a challenging route that rewards riders with stunning views of the Cairngorms. This trail features a mix of steep climbs and exhilarating descents, making it a favourite among experienced bikers.
Map of the Burma Road Route.
Gleann Einich is a picturesque route that takes you deep into the heart of the Cairngorms. The trail follows a glacial valley, offering breathtaking scenery and a sense of remote wilderness.
The Abernethy Loop is a diverse trail that takes you through ancient Caledonian pine forests and open moorlands. It’s a fantastic way to experience the varied landscapes of the Cairngorms.
This section of the Cairngorm Circuit is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful vistas. It’s a demanding ride that will test your endurance and technical skills, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Glenfeshie offers a mix of technical singletrack and scenic forest trails. It’s a lesser-known gem that provides a peaceful and enjoyable ride away from the more crowded areas.
To make the most of your mountain biking adventure in the Cairngorms, it’s essential to have reliable maps. Trailmaps are highly recommended as they provide detailed information on the routes, including difficulty levels, elevation profiles, and points of interest. These maps are invaluable for planning your rides and ensuring you stay on track.
The Cairngorms are a mountain biker’s dream, offering a blend of well-developed trail centres and endless natural trails. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of expertly designed routes or the adventure of exploring rugged landscapes, the Cairngorms have it all. Pack your bike, grab your trail maps, and get ready for an unforgettable mountain biking experience in one of Scotland’s most stunning regions.
COVID and retirement plans have created complete havoc in the cafe market here. Our list of cafes is now seriously outdated and we’ve been forced to revise it completely as when re-reading the list in October 2021, we noticed that at least half of the recommended cafes have now closed. Watch this space over the next week or so and we’ll give you the new improved list.
Graeme McLean of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland recently described Aviemore to me as having a “cycle culture”. At the time this meant nothing to me, until they went on to explain that when you visit Aviemore you become seduced into cycling just because it seems to be the thing to do. When everyone else seems to be cycling around this must mean that it is the thing to do. Hence in our area it is not difficult to come up with a list of cyclist friendly cafes.
Certainly here at Fraoch Lodge we have noticed a definite increase in the number of people driving around the area with bikes mounted on the car and also a definite increase of bike use on the tracks.
These are the cafes we are most familiar with and are therefore almost all on the north side of the Cairngorms, in and around Aviemore. However, we will be in Deeside for a week in July and will be very happy to update our list after 16th July with some additions from Braemar, Ballater etc – if we find anything which meets our criteria: superb food (especially cakes), somewhere to safely leave your bike locked, somewhere to work on your bike, bike/cycling route advice, bike/cycling related reading materials, maps for sale.
After consultation with my fellow members of Petal Power (the Cairngorms area female mountain biking group), I’ve come up with the following list.
Listed in order of their proximity to Fraoch Lodge:
The Osprey Coffee House has come on in leaps and bounds since it re-opened after Covid. It is now owned and managed by Andreas and Tanya Perch. The Perches have plenty of Coffee Shop experience having previously run their own enterprise in Val d’Isere (French Alps). They offer soup as well as “Fika” (coffee and cake, Swedish style).
Routes close by: Speyside Way, Burma Road, Ryvoan Pass plus numerous local routes through the woods, Woodland Wheels (Boat of Garten pump track)
Unfortunately Nethy House is currently up for sale but it is a highlight of any route in the area. They get any meat they need for their lunch options from Balliefurth Farm Shop next door (the highest quality of meat). Cairngorms Connect venison is also available through the butchers at the farm shop. If you eat meat, certainly make the time to fit in a visit.
Routes nearby: Speyside Way, Abernethy Forest, Forest Lodge, Ryvoan Pass, plenty of forest routes and Rynettin also a highlight
Delicious smells were emanating from the door when I went by to take a peek at the menu. Great selection of hot food. The Cullen Skink is exceptional and the cakes are very hard to resist, especially the cheesecake.
Recommended by Petal Power
Routes nearby: Burma Road, Tomatin on Route 7, off road route to Boat of Garten via Route 7
Despite it’s proxmity to Mike’s Bikes, I have yet to sample the delights of Ryvoan Cafe personally, but I have had universally good reports from friends who have been there.
Under the personal supervision of owners, Nina and Daniel, Ryvoan Cafe isn’t just Aviemore’s latest neighbourhood deli-cafe – they’re passionate about creating a warm and inviting space where you can unwind and indulge.
“Our menus are carefully crafted to delight your palate with simplicity and finesse. We embrace the ever-changing seasons, incorporating locally sourced ingredients for an authentic and memorable dining experience. From sophisticated snacks and charcuterie to be shared, perfectly complemented by our selection of organic wines, to drinks and dining that draw visitors from far and wide.”
Routes close by: Rothiemurchus estate, Lairig Ghru, Glen Feshie and Glenmore to Inshriach
(Petal Power comments) Inschriach Nursery Cafe have always been very welcoming, even when wet and muddy.
The Barn does take away cake etc as well as eat in. There is usually plenty of choice and there is the Rothiemurchus shop just across the car park if you’re looking for any treats to take home. Meat from the estate is also sold there.
Routes nearby: Burma Road, Loch an Eilean, Rothiemurchus estate, Speyside Way, Badenoch Way, Glenn Einich
Another popular spot right next to Glenmore campsite and very convenient if you’re looping around Loch Morlich or more widely through Rothiemurchus estate or the Ryvoan pass. They have a bar but also do a roaring trade in coffee, hot chocolate and hot food plus they have a wee shop attached if you just want a snack. If you’re lucky enough to be out for a late ride you might even catch some of the live entertainment.
Routes nearby: Ryvoan pass, Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich
One of my favourite places to stop if I’m ever over this way. I just love the atmosphere and Tony himself (owner and front of house) is a keen cyclist too. They go the extra mile for cyclists for sure. There isn’t a massively extensive menu but everything they offer is top quality and reflects their Italian heritage. Ann Vastano (co-owner of the cafe) is a renowned local artist who sells prints and cards of her work, alongside the orginals displayed in the cafe.
Being a purpose built MTB centre, the Coffee Still at Glenlivet ticks all the best practice boxes. Currently run by the owners of Nethy House. There are bike racks, wee track to keep the kids happy, trail maps for sale, bike hire available, range of food – not only cakes but hot food like pizza and burgers too. The trails are great too and very family friendly.
Routes nearby: Glenlivet MTB trails, Glenlivet Distillery routes, Kinkardine Hills, Ladder Hills
Not forgetting the south side of the park (nominated by Petal Power, an all-female mountain biking club in the Cairngorms, centred around Aviemore and Nethybridge)
The Bothy is an excellent relaxing spot attached to Braemar Mountain Sports. Bikes can be hired here and the back of the cafe looks out over the river. The cakes and hot chocolate also deserve some praise. Plenty of choice at the cake bar.
Honorary mentions nearby the Cairngorms
Linda, who runs the Pottery cafe and bunkhouse, has been baking bread and cake for more years than she cares to count. Her cakes are always light and the soup is delicious. The cafe is a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Laggan Wolftrax and though I haven’t eaten at Laggan so I can’t compare the two – Linda’s opening hours were longer and she’s open all year round. When I was at Laggan (before the main season opened) the cafe was closed.
Routes nearby: Laggan Wolftrax
2. Olive Tree Cafe (Logie Steading) – on the Dava Way, just outside Forres
Logie Steading is a collection of up-market operators selling all kinds of things from second-hand books to plants to pictures and not forgetting food. You can also catch up with
From the Daily Record: Top cycle friendly cafes in Scotland
http://www.skinnytyres.com/2010/10/14/great-cycling-cafes-is-scotland/
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