Bike Trails

Cycle or walk from our centre on quiet forest tracks, enjoying views of the stunning mountain scenery and the historic river Spey. Pass dramatic lochs where ospreys dip and dive, over heather moors, breathing in the aromatic scent of some of the oldest woodland in Britain - the Caledonian Pinewoods - with their special wildlife.

Cycle Routes

Boat of Garten is surrounded by a network of excellent trails suitable for biking and walking. Some trails link to the well-known areas of Glenmore and Rothiemurchus, but many other trails from the village are so quiet you may not see another bike all day! As well as easier rides for the family, there are plenty of longer, harder routes in the area, including miles of single track close by. Bike trail guides and route information available in the shop.

A selection of bike trails from our centre:

Some easier off-road routes, especially suitable for families with children:

Route 1: Loch Garten and the Osprey Centre.
Time: Allow 2-3 hours
Longer route options available
Grading: Easy/Moderate
Cafes: 1 on longer route option

Cycle to the Osprey Centre by easy forest tracks; find out more about these fascinating birds; return by easy singletrack. Suitable for all, including families, child seats and trailer bikes.

Route 2: Across the Moor to Aviemore (with or without optional one-way trip on steam train!).
Time: Allow 3-4 hours
Longer route options available
Grading: Easy/Moderate
Cafes: Several in Aviemore & Inverdruie

Take the track across the moor to Aviemore; great views of the mountains and the steam train on the way. Why not catch the steam train back? Plenty of room for bikes in the guards van! Well-surfaced track, suitable for all, including families, child seats and trailer bikes.

Route 3: Abernethy Forest and Nethybridge.
Time: Allow 3-4 hours
Longer route options available
Grading: Moderate
Cafes: 1

Cycle toward Loch Garten, then continue on forest tracks through ancient Caledonian pine forest to Nethybridge, the Forest Village. Return by track and singletrack to Boat of Garten, or cross the strath to Broomhill and catch the steam train back!

Full-day off-road routes:

Route 4: Ryvoan Pass to the forest of Glenmore.
Time: Full day
Grading: Moderate with some short technical sections
Cafes: 2 at Glenmore

A day's ride through forest and heather moorland; over the Thieves Road through the Pass of Ryvoan to Glenmore with great mountain views. Pass Lochain Uaine, the green lochan; some short technical descents. Return on forest tracks or by the Old Logging Way

Route 5: Wade's Road & the Slochd Hills.
Time: Full day
Grading: Moderate with some rougher sections, and a section on quiet minor roads.
Cafes: 1

Head north-west from Boat of Garten; a steep climb, then an easy run up into the Slochd hills; return by the historic Sluggan bridge, a burn crossing, and a fast descent back to Boat.

Detailed route guides available in the shop.

Multi-day trips:

Boat of Garten is perfect as a base for multi-day rides, such as round the Cairngorms over 2 or 3 days. Using any of the bike trail guides available in our shop, there are a number of routes starting from Boat of Garten, using old Drove Roads and Rights of Way to the north and west of the Cairngorms. We are happy to advise on trails to suit you.

Come into the shop, where we sell OS maps and guide books, and we can provide advice on your trip into the hills.