Pitlochry Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cycling and Mountain Biking in and around Pitlochry, Perthshire
Rosemount Hotel offers great facilities for Pitlochry cycling and mountain biking breaks. Cycling is a fabulous way of getting to see the stunning scenery around Pitlochry. Highland Perthshire offers an impressive choice of off-road cycle trails, 16 have been recorded in special off road cycle trail cards which feature accessible routes, ranging from easy flat riverside paths to more challenging treks into the hills. They are ideal for families and visitors to the area who enjoy getting out on their mountain bike, but may be unsure about where to go.
What makes these routes different is that the relevant landowners have been contacted and have approved the routes as cycle trails, and provided cyclists read and act on the information specific to each route regarding access, they will be welcomed as responsible cyclists. Cards may be purchased from the local Tourist Information Centre. A few easy and moderate routes are highlighted in the complete list below our booking details.
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Link to Local Sustrans Map for On-Road Routes
around Pitlochry Perthshire
Experience a very small sense of the treats in store from a cycling visit to Pitlochry, Perthshire Scotland in the following selected highlight videos.
Pitlochry is idyllic and has a perfect location at the very centre of Scotland's cycling network.
Pitlochry is idyllic and has a perfect location at the very centre of Scotland's cycling network. This makes it a perfect base for touring and exploring the stunning heart of Scotland by bike
Pitlochry is idyllic and has a perfect location at the very centre of Scotland's cycling network. This makes it a perfect base for touring and exploring the stunning heart of Scotland by bike
A thrilling video of the DD Descent and Riviera trail with some excellent recording by McTrail Rider. Thankyou!
An entertaining video of a "wee" cycle trek with some fairly epic musical accompaniment, which is equally as impactful. Thank you, Alan Stewart.
Downloadable Off-Road Cycle and Mountain Bike Route Cards
Below, you’ll find links to a selection of Route cards for exciting off-road cycle paths in the Perthshire area close to Pitlochry. Click on the headings below to access a downloadable route card
Dunkeld Area
Route 1 The River Tay at Dunkeld and Birnam
- Two riverside cycle paths following the north (6km) and south (7km) shores of the River Tay
Route 2 Birnam Glen and Rumbling Bridge
- A moderate climb through a flexible network of paths through a mix of scenic landscapes. 10.5km
Route 3 Atholl Woods and Loch Ordie
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- This route explores beautiful countryside with Lochs and a choice of tracks with varying degrees of technical challenge. 15km, 25km with possible extension.
You Tube of Loch Ordie Route
- This route explores beautiful countryside with Lochs and a choice of tracks with varying degrees of technical challenge. 15km, 25km with possible extension.
Pitlochry Area
Route 15 Loch Faskally and Killiecrankie
- A low level route, along loch-side,through beautiful scenery. One expert section with steep banks (alternative, easy bypass). 13km one way
Route 16 Killiechangie by Logierait
- A purpose built trail of 4km which can be doubled into a circuit by taking the road
Blair Atholl Area
Route 12 The Banvie Circuit
- A highly scenic route with good chance of encountering red deer
Rosemount Hotel Ben Vrackie, Bealach Mountain Bike Route, Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire
Routes of graded local off road rides rides may be found at https://www.highlandperthshire.org/by-difficulty/mod-walks-and-off-road-bike-rides
GPS co-ordinates for Pitlochry
56.7044° N, 3.7297° W
Focus on Dunkeld Off Road Mountain Bike Trails:-
Local Off-road trail cards may be purchased at our local Cycle Shop – Escape Route
EASY Route 1: The River Tay at Dunkeld & Birnam
From the square in Dunkeld cycle through the archway and follow the path past Dunkeld Cathedral and to the river, which you’ll follow upstream until you reach the beach under the A9 road bridge. Backtrack into Dunkeld from where you can extend your cycle ride over the bridge in the direction of Birnam, but taking a right at the doctor’s surgery and tennis courts. At the river, cycle to the right, downstream past the Birnam Oak, continuing to the fishing hut at the far end of the path. Return via the same route.
MODERATE Route 2: Birnam Glen & Rumbling Bridge
From the centre of Birnam, cycle to the top of Station Road past the Birnam Institute and follow the path under the A9 road and railway. Follow signs for “Inchewan Walk”, which is well waymarked and a moderate route for mountain biking. Follow signs for Balhornish Farm and on to Rumbling Bridge. Cycle left then right, crossing Rumbling Bridge and up the hill on the other side. Follow the fire road downhill to the Hermitage car park. Take the path right atthe A9 junction, through Inver and left at the forestry commission offices, cross the bridge and return to Dunkeld past the football pitch and doctor’s surgery.
Route 3: Atholl Woods & Loch Ordie – please see relevant route card
Grandtully Off Road Cycle Trails:-
Route 4: Castle Dow, Grandtully
This route offers an opportunity for both a fabulous walk and a moderate mountain bike ride up a steadily climbing forest track, leading to stunning views. As a reward upon completion, don’t forget to nip on into Grandtully and indulge yourself at the Highland Chocolatier. Find it by driving from Rosemount Hotel Pitlochry, heading south down the A9 to Ballinluig and on towards Aberfeldy
At the Pitnacree bridge, just before Grandtully, follow signs for Balnaguard for just under 1 mile. The forest is on the right with a small parking area.
The trail climbs steadily through woodland to reach an ancient hill fort with spectacular views along Strathtay. You can choose to cycle further along the track, but return the same way.
The remaining routes are available on route cards. As we obtain personal recommendations, or experience the routes ourselves, we’ll expand details on this site.
Aberfeldy and Kenmore Off Road Cycle Trails:-
EASY Route 5: The Old Railway Riverside Path up to 12 km
Park in the Car Park behind Girvan’s Garage. Head right out of the town and past Dewar’s World of Whisky on your right. Turn immediately left after the cemetery then right following the signpost to Grandtully. Follow the track through 2 gates, over a wooden bridge and through another 2 gates to Grandtully. Either return the same route or cross over the bridge over the Tay into Strathtay and follow the quiet road to your left back to Aberfeldy. Please note that this is also a popular walking route, so please let walkers know of your presence in good time.
EASY Route 6: Wade’s Bridge to River Lyon up to 12 km
From Highland Safaris on the Weem/Strathtay Road, cycle down to the road, turn left past Castle Menzies and follow the sign on the right down to the river. Turn right at the river and continue as far as the bridge over the river Lyon. Either back-track or cycle back towards Weem along the road.
EASY to MEDIUM Route 7: Dull Wood Routes
HARD Route 8: Glassie Circuit
HARD Route 9: Camserney & Dull Wood
Route 10: Drummond Hill
Rannoch Off Road Cycle Trails:-
Route 11: Black Wood of Rannoch (Allt na Bogair)
Blair Atholl Off Road Cycle Trails:-
MODERATE Route 12: The Banvie Circuit
Route 13: Falls of Bruar from Blair Castle
MODERATE Route 14: Glen Tilt
Pitlochry Area Road Cycle Trails:-
Route 15: Loch Faskally & Killiecrankie
Route 16: Killiechangie, by Logierait
Atholl Estates Blair Atholl
Off Road Routes covering a total distance of nearly 40 miles/ 64km using tracks on Atholl Estates. OS Landranger Map 43
Atholl Estates is a large highland estate, with daily activities concentrating on farming, forestry and fieldsports. These practices have created a rich landscape and a network of excellent tracks extends throughout the uplands and glens around Blair Atholl, perfect for exploration by mountain bike. Tracks are not waymarked (OS Map essential) but all link together to enable cyclists to plan their own routes.
Follow the course of the River Tilt to Marble Lodge and Falls of Tarf or ride up Glen Banvie to the deserted settlement of Chapel Town. A leaflet/map detailing the cycling routes on Atholl Estates is available from the Estate Information Centre in Blair Atholl Tourist Information Centre. Cyclists are asked to respect other path users and remember that the estate is a place of work, as well as a popular location for recreation.
- Highlights: The tracks take you through woodlands, alongside rivers, past waterfalls and onto open moorland, with many fine views to spectacular mountain scenery beyond
