Highland Perthshire Mountain Bike Trails

Highland Perthshire covers a vast area of the southern Highlands between Perth to the south and the Cairngorms to the north, taking in Dunkeld, Birnam, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl, and the Rannoch and Tummel valleys. Nicknamed Big Tree Country, the area offers a huge variety of natural mountain bike riding across all ability levels, from flat riverside paths to demanding big-mountain routes. None of the trails are waymarked, so come with a map, GPX file, or local knowledge. 

The Trails

• The riding in Highland Perthshire falls broadly into four hubs: Dunkeld and Birnam, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, and Blair Atholl and Glen Tilt. Each offers a different character, from technical woodland singletrack to open moorland and glen routes.
• Dunkeld and Birnam is the strongest MTB hub in the area. There are over 40 red and black descents within 30 minutes of Dunkeld, making it a natural base for a day's riding. Classic routes include the Glassie Circuit (15km, difficult), Atholl Woods and Loch Ordie (15 to 25km, difficult), and the Birnam Glen and Rumbling Bridge loop (10.5km, moderate). The trails are a mix of community-built singletrack and estate tracks through ancient oak and birchwood.
• Pitlochry sits below Ben Vrackie and offers a strong mix of big mountain adventures and local woodland trails. The Ben Vrackie route via the Bealach na Searmoin is a rewarding out-and-back for fit riders. The lochside path around Loch Faskally is more accessible. The Killiecrankie and Loch Faskally route (13km, with optional expert black section) is a local favourite.
• Aberfeldy offers routes including the Cam n' Em and Rake and Ruin trails, popular with local riders for their flowing singletrack character. The Dull Wood routes (7km, moderate) are good for a shorter session.
• Blair Atholl and Glen Tilt provide some of the most remote riding in the area. Glen Tilt (13km, difficult) is a classic through-route. The Falls of Bruar from Blair Castle (14.5km, moderate) is more accessible.
• The DMBinS Perthshire guide has a useful overview of the area's key routes and destinations.

Local Bike Shops

• Progression Bikes is based in Dunkeld and is the primary MTB resource for the area. They offer bike hire, guided rides, and trail advice, and are a natural starting point for a day's riding in the Dunkeld area.
• Escape Route is based on the main street in Pitlochry and is the go-to for trail advice, bike hire, and servicing in the Pitlochry area.
• Beyond Adventure in Aberfeldy offers MTB guiding, bike hire and ebike hire for the Aberfeldy area.

Local Organisation

• Highland Perthshire Cycling is a registered Scottish charity promoting cycling across the area. They run the annual Dunkeld Enduro and Belles and Buns events. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Getting Here

• Dunkeld is the primary hub for MTB in Highland Perthshire, around 15 miles north of Perth on the A9. Postcode for Dunkeld town centre: PH8 0AQ. There is public car parking in the town.
• Pitlochry is a further 13 miles north on the A9. Aberfeldy is around 14 miles west of Pitlochry on the A827. Blair Atholl is 8 miles north of Pitlochry on the A9.
• By rail: Dunkeld and Birnam station and Pitlochry station are both on the Highland Main Line from Perth and Inverness.
• By bus: Stagecoach run services to Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Blair Atholl from Perth. Contact the operator in advance regarding bikes on board.

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