3 minute read

Get n Yer Bike!

THE CAIRNGORMS ARE CALLING...

Life on two wheels in the Cairngorms National Park is pretty blooming spectacular - and as clichéd as it is, there is something for everyone...

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Perfect for family adventures with little ones in tow…

Awesome for those who haven't biked for years but feel the yearning to get back out there…

World class for the hardcore biking crowd who love gravel, single track, and big days out filled with wilderness adventure.

Check out our mini guide to get the pedals turning…you see the Cairngorms from the car or the cafe…but you “feel” it by bike…(and then you can go to the cafe for cake!)

Family Mini Adventures

Choosing the first mini adventure can be tricky, it needs to feel epic enough but you also need to know it's doable… short sections of The Speyside Way and The Deeside Way are perfect for little ones.

Aviemore to Boat of Garten is a cracking section of The Speyside Way, with some lovely little ups, some whooshing downs, sections under shady canopy and vast expanses of moorland - the vibrant pinks and purples of the autumn are glorious. And if you are lucky you might find yourself racing alongside the Strathspey Steam Train…pure magic!

Dinnet to Ballater on The Deeside Way is a great family friendly section. The Cambus O’ May Suspension Bridge and The Cambus O’ May Cheese Factory with The Milk Hoose Café are a great mid point stop off. Ballater, a beautiful Victoria Highland village, is perfect to meander around. Royal Deeside is a special spot. You can go out and back on both of these routes…or plan a cheeky pick up if your biking buddies are on the wee side.

If you like a circular ride, Loch an Eilein is an iconic route, a loop that is perfect for younger riders…flattish, canopy covered, lovely lochside pedalling, a mysterious island castle…and ice-cream at the end!

Cairngorm Mountain Resort is launching an exciting new family friendly bike park in July 2023. The park features two 100 metre conveyor uplifts that take the hard work out, meaning more energy for the downs! There will be a range of trails to suit beginners through to advanced riders, they will even have bike hire available on site.

Guided rides are also a fabulous option - Big Tree Adventures will make sure your day on the bike is the perfect balance of adventure, pit stops and fun!

Going Full Circle

The big routes of the National Park are legendary - and Cairngorm Bikepacking 360° Loop, mapped and filmed by Markus Stitz is gravel biking at its most awesome.

Following the old military and drover roads, the route takes in the true and beautiful wilderness of the National Park, and drops back into the villages and communities that are the beating heart of this wonderful place. Epic adventure can be tied in with comfy B&B’s, pub lunches and cosy dinners!

Gps Routes And Insider Know How

VisitCairngorms wants to make sure everyone feels comfortable exploring the National Park on two wheels.

Check out our dedicated biking pages where you will find loads of information, including invaluable GPS mapping of some awesome routes. This is insider information from the best!

There are links to our fabulous bike shops, where you can hire bikes, e-bikes, trailers and seats, and businesses who can guide your adventures, and tailor make them for you. We have also made sure you have all the inside information on lunch, coffee and cake stops!

There is also loads of advice to help you to do all the good stuff when you are out on two wheels - taking care of our spectacular habitats and the rare species that call this place home is easy when you know how.

Getting back on a bike can feel a bit daunting…is it really something we never forget?!

The answer is yes and the great news is The Cairngorms is the perfect backdrop to be brave and rekindle your love of turning pedals because…

• We have the best bike shops in the business, these guys will kit you out so you embark on your adventure with confidence

• Our trails will inspire you. You don’t have to go far along our cycle routes to feel that you are truly in the heart of this magical National Park

• We have coffee and cake stops in abundance… you can even plan your day around them!

A top route to check out would be the predominantly gravel route from Kingussie to Kincraig, following the Speyside Way (with a slight diversion to take in the view of Uath Lochans - absolutely worth it!). At Kincraig you will find the brilliant Old Post Office Cafe

- D E L I C I O U S ! The way home on the quiet B970 has some great views including the wonderful Loch Insh and imposing Ruthven Barracks.

If this still sounds a bit much - hire an e-bike. An e-bike will open up the National Park to you, the climbs will become a joy and you will be able to look up and take in the spectacular landscape. Recapture the freedom of pedals turning, the exhilaration of wind in your face and the joy of a clear mind; this is priceless. Go and try it!

OTHER PLACES YOU MUST CHECK OUT…

• Bike Glenlivet

• Laggan Wolftrax

• Woodland Wheels Pump

Track at Boat of Garten www.visitcairngorms.com/cycle