North Highlands Mountain Biking

The North Highlands of Scotland offer some of the most dramatic and remote mountain biking in the UK, from purpose-built trail centres on the Black Isle and in Sutherland to epic natural routes through Torridon and Wester Ross. This regional listing covers the key trail centres and natural riding in the area north of Inverness.

Trail Centres

• Golspie Wildcat: A purpose-built trail centre above Golspie in Sutherland with blue, red and black-graded singletrack. One of the most northerly trail centres in the UK.
• Balblair: Set in the Kyle of Sutherland above Bonar Bridge, Balblair is notable for its exceptional bedrock and slab riding. The black trail is one of Scotland's finest, with 17km of technical riding and panoramic views over the Kyle. A blue trail is also available for competent riders. The Kyle of Sutherland Hub near the trailhead offers a cafe, bike maintenance station and e-bike charging, open seven days a week.
• Learnie Red Rocks: On the Black Isle near Rosemarkie. Green, blue and orange-graded trails remain open. Note: significant felling operations are underway and access is currently restricted to weekends only. The black trail has been permanently removed due to felling. Check the FLS website for the current status before visiting.
• Carbisdale: Near Culrain in Sutherland. The original blue and red MTB trails are now decommissioned and no longer maintained, though the paths remain accessible. The forest tracks and wider Carbisdale area are still used by mountain bikers linking to Balblair via the Shin Railway Viaduct footbridge.

Natural Trails

• The North Highlands has a wealth of natural mountain bike riding on estate tracks, stalking paths and open hill terrain. The following routes are among the most popular:
• Achnashellach Tea Hut Loop (9.9 miles, epic): A classic Torridon route starting from Achnashellach station, taking in remote glen terrain and spectacular mountain scenery.
• Torridon Coulags (29.65 miles, hard): One of the great Scottish mountain bike epics, through some of the most ancient and dramatic landscapes in the country.
• Loch Clair Route (6.38 miles, easy): A more accessible introduction to riding in Torridon, with views of the iconic Beinn Eighe peaks.
• Aldie Burn (12.17 miles, hard): A tough route in the Black Isle area.
• All natural routes in this area use multi-use paths and tracks. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times and give consideration to other path users.
• Check the Highlands region on Trailforks for current trail status and community route information.

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