Mountain biking trails in Scotland

Mountain biking trails in Scotland

Our guide to the best routes

Forest Holidays


Our 5 best Mountain bike trails in Scotland

1. Conic Hill from Balmaha Circular

First on our list for mountain biking in Scotland is Conic Hill from Balmaha Circular, a 5.1km bike trail situated near West Dunbartonshire. Venture off from the small village of Balmaha and take in spectacular views of Loch Lomond. A relatively simple route to follow, there are areas that elevate up to 315m making it a moderate trail suitable for experienced cyclists. This trail is 53-minutes or 32.9-miles from Ardgartan Argyll and 52-minutes or 28.2-miles from Strathyre.

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Beautiful view of Conic Hill on the banks of Loch Lomond above Balmaha.

Beautiful view of Conic Hill on the banks of Loch Lomond above Balmaha.

2. West Highland Way: Milngavie to Drymen

Next on our list for mountain bike trails in Scotland is West Highland Way from Milngavie to Drymen, a 19.8km point to point bike trail situated near Glasgow. It starts in the town of Milngavie and features beautiful views of lochs, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. An easy route to follow, there are areas that elevate up to 140m making it a moderate trail. Cyclists should be aware that some sections are extremely challenging, suitable for experienced mountain bikers only with a reasonable fitness level (you will need to carry your bike over some areas). This trail is 1-hour 5-minutes or 38.9-miles from Ardgartan Argyll and 1-hour or 33.7-miles from Strathyre.

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Scenic view of the West Highland Way.

Scenic view of the West Highland Way.

3. Loch Eck Loop

For slightly longer bike trails in Scotland check out Loch Eck Loop, a 33km loop trail situated near Argyll Forest Park. It starts and ends in the hamlet of Glenbranter and boasts magnificent views of Lock Eck, Beinn Mhor, and on clear days, the west coast islands of Jura and Islay. An clear route to follow, it can be completed in any direction, although some cyclists think it’s best tackled clockwise! With areas that elevate up to 507m, this is a moderate to hard trail suitable for proficient mountain bikers due to the steep slopes and lose debris. This trail is 30-minutes or 21.4-miles from Ardgartan Argyll and 1-hour 28-minutes or 59.2-miles from Strathyre.

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View of Loch Eck near Argyll & Bute. Scotland.

View of Loch Eck near Argyll & Bute. Scotland.

4. Glen Loin Loop

Glen Loin Loop is an 18km loop trail situated near Argyll & Bute. Offering mountain biking in Scotland which starts and ends in Arrochar expect to see beautiful mountain scenery passing through the Arrochar Alps. An easy route to follow, it is best completed clockwise and has areas that reach 580m making it a difficult trail suitable for advanced mountain bikers. This trail is 10-minutes or 3-miles from Ardgartan Argyll.

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View of the Arrochar Alps.

View of the Arrochar Alps.

5. Three Glens Route

Last on our list of mountain bike trails in Scotland is Three Glens Route, a 21k loop trail situated near Strathyre. It starts and ends at the top of Glen Ogle, boasting views of three beautiful glens. It is best completed clockwise and has areas that reach up to 500m making it a hard trail to conquer. This trail is 24-minutes or 14.1-miles from Strathyre.

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Scenic view of Glen Ogle in Scotland.

Scenic view of Glen Ogle in Scotland.

With so many places for mountain biking in Scotland to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice on your cycling break in the UK. Our family hot tub cabins in Scotland are surrounded by winding trails to explore making it an ideal base. Choose between log cabin accommodation at Ardgartan Argyll situated within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park or hot tub accommodation at Strathyre within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Book your hot tub cabin and explore what Scotland has to offer on two wheels.