Mountain Biking Holidays in Scotland

Mountain Biking Holidays in Scotland tailored to your requirements in the Highlands of Scotland

Scotland has been voted the world’s number 1 mountain biking destination by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). One of the main reasons for this has been development of purpose-built trails. Many of these are aimed at competent enthusiasts but more recently newer additions have begun to take into account the huge number of riders operating at a more modest level. This kind of riding can be found from the Borders to the Northern Highlands.

So come along this year with your Mountain Bikes and enjoy fresh air, the best scenery in the world and a fantastic selection of routes everywhere in scotland from the Mull of Kintyre to John o Groats

Cowal peninsula, Argyll and Bute Isle of Skye and the Western Isles Wester Ross and North Highlands The Beautiful Northern Coastlines Borders loch Lomond, Trossachs Cairngorms, loch ness & Central

A sample of Scottish Mountain Biking Routes

Bridge of Orchy – Kingshouse – A straightforward out and back trip that follows the old military road across Rannoch Moor. Superb Hotels on route or at either end for pre, post or mid-ride refreshment. Suitable for intermediate / advanced riders – Accommodation in this area

Glen Kin – A wee circuit of a small glen and the Shores of Loch Eck in Cowal, Argyll that suits beginners and provides more experienced riders with optional challenges – Accommodation in this area

Dalwhinie – Corrour – Traversing Ben Alder, Ardverikie and Corrour estates this linear route passes through some astounding scenery. Although not technically demanding it’s a long and brilliant day out that should appeal to many – Accommodation in this area

A trip to the Isle of Skye. At 44k with just under 1,000m of ascent you can enjoy the finest views. Tons of demanding single track for experts to ride – Accommodation in this area

The riding centres have waymaked and graded trails. Many have dedicated skills areas to practice the techniques needed to successfully negotiate some of the harder routes. As mentioned above they are now including more family friendly trails for those not hooked on adrenaline.

The most important thing about these trails is that they provide riding all year round in venues that are managed with mountain biking in mind. Whatever level you ride at they will provide fun in a controlled environment. In addition to the bike trails, visitor centres, toilets etc. are often allied to woodland walks nearby to ensure that any visit can be comfortable and varied.

Self Catering Scotland has a variety of accommodation near some of the managed riding areas. Many are accessible from your doorstep. A wealth of trails exists in the Argyll area in particular that provide challenge from the easy to the wicked with an emphasis on more family friendly routes. However, they only form part of what you could be riding.

A tradition of cross country riding has existed in Scotland that even pre-dates the appearance of mountain bikes. Many lonely glens have paths and tracks that extend over remote passes to further delights on the other side.

These routes will take the more adventurous through magnificent scenery and past many historic sites. The choices are limited only by your imagination and how far you want to go.

Don’t think you need to be an expert rider to follow some of these routes! Many are on flawless riding surfaces that transport you more smoothly than some of the potholed roads you use to get to your work each day. The great thing about this type of riding is the freedom it brings. Being able to travel much further than on foot allows a greater appreciation of the scale of things added to the simple, child-like pleasure of riding a bike.

Whatever your current fitness level, using a mountain bike on your Self Catering Scotland holiday will improve it and add a valuable dimension to your hard earned free time.

The much loved Glen Kin trail by Loch Eck

The law in Scotland ensures free and unobstructed access to wilderness areas provided it is carried out responsibly. Apart from a small number of exceptions, if you stay out of cultivated fields, private areas surrounding houses and businesses, don’t damage the land, disturb wildlife or people’s ability to earn their living you’re free to go where you please. Put more simply all you need to do is be mindful of the needs of others and of the environment. This ensures that, wherever you choose to stay with Self Catering Scotland, there will be plenty of trails for you to enjoy.

Cowal peninsula, Argyll and Bute Isle of Skye and the Western Isles Wester Ross and North Highlands The Beautiful Northern Coastlines
Borders loch Lomond, Trossachs Cairngorms, loch ness & Central

Cowal, Argyll and Bute

Shore Cottage Loch Fyne – St Catherines, Argyll, sleeps 6. Beautiful detached holiday cottage nestling on the banks of Loch Fyne with it’s lovely mature garden extending to the waters edge and it’s own moorings, where visitors can tie up their own boats. Shore cottage is so close to the water you actually feel within it sitting just 20 yards from the waters edge offering clear un-restricted views up, down and across Loch Fyne to Inverary and beyond. Pets Welcome

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