Pitlochry Cycling and Mountain Biking
Cycling and Mountain Biking in and around Pitlochry, Perthshire
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.
Check rates and availability of Adventure Breaks Scotland/ Make a booking
Link to Local Sustrans Map for On-Road Routes
Local Off-road trail cards may be purchased at our local Cycle Shop – Escape Route
Dunkeld Off Road Mountain Bike Trails:-
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
