The best MTB trails around Moncrieffe Hill

There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Moncrieffe Hill, catering to various skill levels. This includes 13 easy routes, 32 moderate routes, and 6 difficult routes, offering a wide range of experiences from short, easy singletracks to challenging, longer rides.

The trails on Moncrieffe Hill feature diverse terrain, including stone-surfaced forest tracks and narrower, firm paths. Some sections can be muddy or have steep gradients, particularly leading up to Moredun fort. An off-road vehicle-grade woodland gravel track provides steep yet enjoyable access, especially for e-MTBs.

Yes, Moncrieffe Hill offers several family-friendly options. Many easy green-difficulty singletracks are suitable for shorter rides. Additionally, the area features a family-friendly sculpture trail winding through the woods, adding an artistic element to your ride. For a specific easy route, consider the Deuchny Hill and Kinnoull Hill loop.

Moncrieffe Hill is renowned for its panoramic views. From Moredun Top, the highest point at 725 feet, you can enjoy extensive vistas of Perth, the Firth of Tay, the Lomond Hills, and Kinnoull Hill. Other notable viewpoints include the Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint, the Carved Wooden Totem and Viewpoint, and the Moncrieffe Hill Eastern Viewpoint.

Yes, many routes around Moncrieffe Hill are designed as loops. For an easy circular ride, try the Perth Bridge – Banks of the River Almond loop from Perth, which takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Another easy option is the View of the River Almond – Banks of the River Almond loop from Perth.

Moncrieffe Hill is home to two significant Iron Age hillforts, including the larger Moredun Top Hillfort. These sites are historically important, having been the location of a battle in 728 AD, and their earthworks are still visible today. You can also find a mysterious socket stone on the southern ramparts of Moredun Top Hillfort.

Moncrieffe Hill offers enjoyable mountain biking throughout the year. The mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland provides varied scenery across seasons. However, some sections can be muddy, so drier periods or being prepared for wet conditions are advisable. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse trails suitable for different skill levels, the stunning panoramic views from Moredun Top, and the peaceful atmosphere of the mixed woodlands.

Yes, Moncrieffe Hill offers routes with significant elevation gain for more experienced riders. Some routes exceed five hours and involve over 3,000 feet of climbing, demanding very good fitness and advanced riding skills. An example of a moderate route with substantial elevation is the View from Kinnoull Hill – Top of Deuchny Hill Bike Park loop from Perth.

The varied woodland of Moncrieffe Hill provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. You might spot roe deer, red squirrels, great-spotted woodpeckers, and buzzards while exploring the trails.

Trail lengths vary significantly. Some easy singletracks can be completed in as little as 1 to 9 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Salutation Hotel – Top of Deuchny Hill Bike Park loop from Perth, can be around 20.7 km (12.9 miles) and take over two hours, while the most challenging rides can exceed five hours.