Ballater is located in Cairngorms National Park and it’s one of Scotland’s scenic treasures. It’s where you’ll find majestic castles, well-stocked rivers, and superb cycling trails to suit everyone. Whether you plan to explore mountain bike trails or you plan to take a more leisurely ride, Ballater offers real adventures into the great outdoors surrounded by the natural beauty that only this region of Scotland has to offer. It’s what makes cycling Ballater such a great experience.
The village of Ballater is situated close to Lochnagar, a mountain that rises to over 3000 feet (914.4 metres). You’ll discover brilliant cycling trails in the area which includes Tarland, Glenlivet, Capel Mounth and Streak of Lighting. You’ll get to test your stamina on several roads too, including Ballater Road with its steep, demanding gradient. Over recent times, Ballater has become a must visit cycling destination for serious mountain bikers and people who want to enjoy the great outdoors.
The northeast coast is glorious but once you leave the area, traffic can be an issue. That said, visiting this beautiful region is best done on a bike. There’s such a great choice of trails to suit all abilities with the best part being they are all generally accessible. The bonus being the stunning Scottish countryside you get to discover.
No matter where you go, you’ll always find cycling-friendly cafes that serve up coffee and a fine-piece of Doric cake!
Table of Contents
1. Mountain Cycling at Glenlivet Trails: Ballater
The Glenlivet trails are purpose built so you enjoy exploring and discovering this glorious estate on superb trails, and there’s lots to choose from. The Blue trail is perfect for families who want to get into cross country cycling. The Red trails are for the more experienced cyclists who enjoy more of a challenge. There’s even an Orange trail with 1km (0.62 miles) of jumps and berms which one visiting cycling described as being the ‘best in Scotland and the UK!’.
The views over Corgarff Castle and Lochnagar are superb with grazing deer and lots of wildlife. You’ll find everything you need onsite which includes a café, pump track and a skills area. It makes for a great day out cycling Ballater taking in all that’s on offer.
2. Laggan Wolftrax in Cairngorms National Park
Laggan Wolftrax is just a short 3 miles (4.83 km) away from Aviemore and the trails are part of the National Cycle Network. The trails are known to be among the best in Scotland. Owned and maintained by Forestry and Land Scotland, they offer a great day out.
The Laggan Wolftrax trails are open all year unless the weather turns bad or forestry activities are taking place in which case access to some trails may be limited.
You’ll find all you need at the centre which has a café, toilets and showers. The Laggan Forest Trust office is located at the centre too. There’s a parking fee but all the money raised goes towards maintaining the trails in great condition.
Laggan Wolftrax trails include:
- Green – ideal for easier rides for the less experienced cyclists
- Orange – freewheeling all the way around berms, with some big air on jumps. It’s a great place to practice skills but not recommended for younger bikers
- Upper red – a more challenging experience through the rocky forest that shares the black run trail to the Wolf’s Lair viewpoint. Then it’s downhill all the way on a fast single track. Lots to test your skills and places you can opt out of if they look too difficult
- Black – a demanding ride where bikers get to stare into the wolf’s jaws. It’s a technically challenging ride that tests the experts
You can check out the Laggan Wolftrax trails map to plan your cycling Ballater schedule
Bike Shop and Hire
3. Crathie
Photo by Katja Nemec
Crathie is a great choice for people who want an easier climb. It’s a short distance north of Balmoral Castle and you’ll enjoy fabulous views looking down from above with the best part being the ride to the top is relatively easy. There’s loads to see and do in and around Crathie which makes it a great day out for the family.
Bike Shop and Hire
4. Etape Royale – Ballater Road
Photo by Katja Nemec
5. Cairn O’Mount
Photo by Katja Nemec
Cairn O’Mount may only offer a short climb, but it’s got the better of many experienced cyclists. At 1473ft, it’s the highest point along the B974 which takes you over the eastern border of the Cairngorms between Banchory and Fettercairn. The climb from the south is a 2 mile (3.22 km) long category 3 climb with a 9.8% gradient.
If you are looking to be challenged, this is more than likely a great choice but take note there is no gentle starting point on Cairn O’Mount. The climb starts at the junction with Auchenblae Road close to the Clatterin Brig Tea Room. It’s open country from the start to the finish across a wild Scottish landscape. The gradient gets more intense as you climb and there are a few tight bends to negotiate before you pass a car park to reach the cairn which makes it one of the more exciting cycling Ballater routes.
A few details:
- Overall distance = 2.07 miles (3.33 km)
- Climbing distance = 2.07 miles (3.33 km)
- Descent distance = 0.0 miles
- Flat = 0.0 miles
- Total ascent = 1049ft (319.74 metres)
- Total Descent = 0 ft
- Steepest ascent = 18.6% at 1.8 miles (2.90 km)
- Averagegradient = 9.8%
6. The Tarland Cycle Route
This traditional off-road cycle route takes you from the northern Highlands of Scotland right over to the Irish Sea. Developed to promote sustainable tourism and travel in the region where many people commute to work in southern Scotland, especially Edinburgh.
The Tarland Cycle Route is a great choice for all cyclists including families. It’s definitely a family-friendly route that joins the village of Tarland to the town of Aboyne. The route is a 10k (6.21 miles) ride that takes you through the Howe of Cromar which is a region of outstanding natural beauty rich in wildlife.
There’s a ‘lookout sheet’ produced by the Tarland Development Group to help keep children busy and happy enroute. You can also get information guides at the Paper Shop and Pharmacy located in Tarland. You can choose to start out on this cycle route at Tarland or Aboyne whichever is best. It’s definitely one of the cycling Ballater routes the entire family will enjoy.
7. Mastermind Biking Trails – Ballater
This trail is a great choice for all riders no matter how experienced they are. It is a single track downhill only trail which is not overly steep. It’s great for beginners who want to experience the thrill of downhill biking in a safer way. It’s become one of the most popular in the region with many calling Mastermind a ‘belter of a trail’ that’s got a little of everything from big compressions to tight spaces through trees.
You can grab something to eat and drink at the Brown Sugar or the Bothy café once you reach the end of this fun packed trail before climbing back up for more. If you are looking for a cycling Ballater trail that tests your skills, this is the one.
8. Deeside Way Cycle Route
A great route for cyclists who want to take their time and relish all the sights, sounds, and smells of rural Aberdeenshire. The Deeside Way Cycle Route takes you through some of the most scenic countryside the region has to offer. It’s often called the ‘jewel in the crown of family-friendly cycling’, and it’s part of the National Cycle Network.
The 41 mile (66 km) route starts out at Duthie Park right in the centre of Aberdeen before taking you close to the River Dee through the Aberdeenshire countryside to the Cairngorms National Park and the lovely village of Ballater. There are some great places to stop along the way so you can rest up and enjoy the lovely scenery and stunning countryside. This family-friendly cycling Ballater route is one to put on your list.
9. Lecht / Tomintoul
A great route for cyclists who want a challenge because you have to go up and down the same hill twice. Although Lecht via Tomintoul is a tough route, the scenery is superb with gorgeous views of Ballater and Ralia once you reach the higher points of the route. It’s not too steep and the downhill part is fun. However, the climb back up means you’ve got two climbs to negotiate.
The Lech Road ascent is 12km (7.46 miles) long with a climb of 304 height metres. The average percentage being 2.5%. The route is both beautiful and challenging with some parts being more so than others. It’s definitely one of the cycling Ballater routes for the more experienced cyclist who wants to test their mettle.
10. National Cycle Network Route
This is another route for cyclists who want to test themselves while enjoying a superb ride through some of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. You’ll negotiate hills, spot wildlife and take in the breathtakingly gorgeous scenery along the way. It connects Aberfeldy and Pitlochry in Perth and Kinross and runs along the western edge of the Cairngorms National Park.
It’s one of the most challenging routes that stretches over 600 miles (966 km) in total with several fantastic rides starting out at Aviemore. In short, you won’t have to ride the whole 600 miles (966 km) to enjoy Route 7!
Cycling Essentials To Take Ballater
The things you need to take with you when cycling in Ballater:
- Helmet/s
- Sunglasses – even if the sun is shining or not
- Bike lock
- Phone, change of clothes, emergency money
- Bike pump, spare inner tubes, other parts needed to repair your bike like spare brake pads
- Up-to-date maps of the areas
- Water and food
- First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, etc)
Cycling Ballater and the surroungs is a lovely way to spend your holiday. You can check out our accommodation to find the place you want to spend your night during your stay.
Check out our guide to traffic-free cycling routes, and plan your cycling route in Scotland to discover more about superb cycling Ballater routes you’ll get to explore.
Make Ballater your cycling base
Planning a few days on the bike? Explore our self-catering accommodation in the Cairngorms and stay around Ballater and Royal Deeside with a wide choice of cycling routes within reach.
Ride during the day, then return to your own space for a relaxed evening before heading out again the next morning.
