Dunkeld Mountain Bike Trails

Dunkeld sits on the River Tay at the southern gateway to Highland Perthshire, with an exceptional range of mountain biking on its doorstep. The riding splits into two distinct characters: natural cross-country and enduro trails across Birnam Hill, Craigvinean Forest, Loch Ordie and the wider Perthshire hills, and a dedicated downhill circuit in Craigvinean Forest that has featured on the Scottish Downhill Association national circuit. The central hub for riding in the area is Progression Bikes, based in Dunkeld, which offers uplift, guided rides, bike hire and route advice.

Cross Country and Enduro

• Riverside Loops (10 to 22km, green): Easy riverside trails and waterfall loops along the Tay, suitable for beginners, children and trailers. A natural starting point for first-time visitors.
• Birnam Hill Trails (16 to 20km, red): A loop of red-graded trails on Birnam Hill with several flow trail options. A good half-day session with a warm-up on easier terrain before climbing into the more technical upper trails.
• Loch Ordie Loop (28km, moderate): A classic half-day route into the hills north of Dunkeld on estate tracks and open hillside, with mountain views throughout. Not technical, but a rewarding ride.
• Loch Oisinneach Mor and Loch Ordie (longer variant, summer only): An extended version of the Loch Ordie loop with some singletrack added. Recommended for summer riding only due to conditions.
• Dunkeld to Aberfeldy one-way (25km): An off-road route through Griffin Forest to Beyond Adventure in Aberfeldy, which offers e-bike charging. Can be combined with a return via Pitlochry on the full 68km day loop.
• Route maps and GPX files for all the above are available at progressionbikesscotland.com/trails.

Downhill and Uplift

• Craigvinean Forest offers some of the steepest and most natural downhill riding in Scotland, with technical terrain featuring rocks, roots, drops and exposed lines. The forest has hosted rounds of the Scottish Downhill Association national circuit including the National Championships.
• Uplift is operated by Progression Bikes. Book in advance via their website.

Gravel and Long Distance

• Perthshire Gravel delivers a network of single and multi-day gravel routes through Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and Aberfeldy, suited to riders of varying abilities.
• The River Tay Way is a new long-distance linear route being developed by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, with separate designated cycling and walking routes along the Tay.

Local Organisation

• The trails around Dunkeld and Birnam are maintained by the Dunkeld and Birnam Trail Crew, part of the Tayside Trail Association, a volunteer-run non-profit coordinating trail development and maintenance across Tayside.

Getting Here

• Progression Bikes, The Industrial Shed, St Ninians Wynd, Dunkeld, PH8 0AT. Tel: 01350 727629. Open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. The shop is the main hub for riding in the area, with bike hire, uplift booking, route advice and GPX files. Street parking is available on St Ninians Wynd and in Dunkeld town centre.
• By rail: Dunkeld and Birnam station is on the Highland Main Line, around 10 minutes' walk from Progression Bikes.
• By car: Dunkeld is on the A9, around 15 miles north of Perth.

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