The best MTB trails in Perth and Kinross

Get ready to mountain bike the Comrie Croft Trails loop, a moderate route that takes you through the Strathearn hills and woods. You will wind past oak woodlands and picturesque waterfalls, covering 8.5 miles (13.7 km) with a total elevation gain of 1338 feet (408 metres). This ride typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete. Look for ancient Pictish standing stones along the way and enjoy the views from spots like Decision Rock, offering a true taste of the Scottish landscape.

Comrie Croft is designed for easy access, with a compact trail network where all routes lead back to a central hub. Here, you will find practical facilities including a cafe and a bike shop, making it convenient to prepare for your ride or relax afterward. Parking is readily available at this main hub, ensuring a smooth start and end to your mountain biking adventure.

This trail offers a distinctive mountain biking experience within Scotland's scenic Strathearn Valley. As you ride, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the chance to spot red squirrels in their natural habitat. The route's natural feel and varied terrain make it a notable choice for exploring the Scottish landscape on two wheels.

The Dunkeld MTB Trails deliver a challenging mountain biking experience across 21.4 miles (34.4 km) with a significant 3626 feet (1105 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete. You will ride through diverse terrain, from riverside paths along the flowing River Tay to demanding forest singletracks in Craigvinean Forest and open hill climbs. Expect stunning views over Perthshire, winding past lochs, and a mix of dense woodlands and open moorland, with some forest sections offering a unique "Jurassic feel" due to abundant greenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the towns of Dunkeld and Birnam serve as convenient trailheads, providing bike-friendly cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. While the area offers some easier family cycles, the Dunkeld trails are particularly renowned for their difficult red and black grade routes. Be prepared for steep, rocky sections, technical downhill tracks, and enduro-style riding, especially in Craigvinean Forest, Birnam Hill, and Newtyle. Many of the more demanding routes require very good fitness and advanced riding skills, with some portions potentially requiring you to push your bike.

Dunkeld is celebrated for its natural, technical, and hand-built trails, offering a distinct riding experience that avoids an overly manicured feel. The area boasts a rich history in Scottish mountain biking, having hosted various regional downhill and enduro races, including national championships. Beyond the challenging downhill, you can explore extensive cross-country loops like those around Glen Garr and Loch Ordie, providing opportunities for longer, more tranquil rides. Local riders have fostered a strong community, developing a vast network of trails that consistently deliver "smiles for miles" to those who tackle them.

The Beinn a Ghlo, Falls of Tarf and Glen Tilt loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience in the Scottish Highlands. This difficult 34.3-mile (55.2 km) route, with 3019 feet (920 metres) of elevation gain, takes around 5 hours and 6 minutes to complete. You will navigate primarily unpaved estate roads, rough Land Rover tracks, and sections of singletrack, often rocky or boggy, with numerous stream crossings. The trail circumnavigates the Beinn a' Ghlo range, providing dramatic views of iconic peaks like Ben Vrackie and Schiehallion, and passes through native woodlands and expansive heather moorlands. A key visual landmark is the impressive Falls of Tarf, which you cross via a Victorian-era suspension bridge.

This loop is consistently rated as a difficult mountain bike ride, requiring a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills. You should be prepared for considerable climbing, some of which is non-technical, but also steep, loose sections that may require you to push your bike. The singletrack sections can be demanding, with rocky surfaces and descents that demand concentration. While you might be tempted to ride clockwise, many riders recommend tackling the loop anti-clockwise to better enjoy the technical descents and the

Embark on the Dunkeld Loch Ordie Butterstone Loop for a difficult mountain biking adventure spanning 24.0 miles (38.6 km) with a significant 2152 feet (656 metres) of elevation gain. This route typically takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete, guiding you through diverse terrain from natural cross-country paths to forest roads. You'll experience superb scenery, passing classic spots like Loch Ordie and enjoying excellent viewpoints over Loch Benachally, all while traversing forests and open glens where you might spot red kites.

Before you set out, be aware that the track on the southern side of Loch Ordie can become extremely muddy after rain, so checking weather conditions is a good idea. Cell reception can be limited in higher areas, and there are no food or drink options directly on the trail, so make sure to stock up in Dunkeld. Dunkeld itself serves as an excellent starting point, offering cafes, shops, and bike services.

This loop is set within the expansive Atholl Estate, offering a rich natural environment with varied landscapes. The journey takes you past several small lochs, creating a tranquil atmosphere amidst the more challenging sections. It's a route that truly showcases the region's beauty, combining demanding climbs with rewarding views and a chance to immerse yourself in the Scottish countryside.

Get ready for an easy mountain biking adventure on The Banvie Circuit, a route that spans 11.6 miles (18.7 km) and features a gentle elevation gain of 983 feet (300 metres). You can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 39 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. As you pedal, you will journey through a diverse landscape, transitioning from dense woodlands and forestry into open moorland. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the historic Blair Castle early in your ride, and later, enjoy expansive views across Glen Banvie.

This mountain biking route is suitable for a wide range of riders, from beginners to those looking for a leisurely spin. The trail consists mostly of unpaved paths, with some sections on roads, offering varied terrain for your ride. While there are no specific warnings about snow, road closures, or permits for this circuit, it is always a good idea to check local conditions before you head out. Planning your visit during dry weather will ensure the best experience on the unpaved sections.

The Banvie Circuit offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue within the Cairngorms National Park. Beyond the scenic views of Glen Banvie, where you might spot red grouse, the route also passes the ruins of Bail an t'Sepail. This adds a touch of ancient history to your ride, allowing you to connect with the past as you explore the varied landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Tackle the difficult 23.1-mile River Tay, Farragon Hill and River Tummel loop for a challenging mountain bike ride with stunning Scottish sc

Embark on the Glen Tilt, Allt Scheicheachan bothy and Glen Bruar loop, a moderate mountain biking route that takes you deep into the Cairngorms National Park. You will cover 25.4 miles (40.9 km) with a total elevation gain of 2394 feet (730 metres), offering a diverse riding experience. Expect to navigate everything from well-maintained estate tracks to more challenging rocky singletrack and potentially boggy sections, all while enjoying vast vistas of the Scottish Highlands, including the impressive Munro Beinn A'Ghlo and the beautiful River Tilt. This loop is estimated to take around 3 hours and 46 minutes to complete, providing a substantial day out on your bike.

Planning your visit requires a good level of fitness and commitment, as the varied terrain and conditions can be demanding. Be prepared for potentially muddy and boggy sections, especially after rain, and anticipate river crossings where your feet might get wet. Parking is generally available near the starting point in Blair Atholl, making it convenient to access the trailhead. Always check local conditions before you go, as the weather in the Highlands can change quickly.

As you ride this route, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home, such as majestic eagles soaring overhead and herds of red deer grazing in the glens. The trail also passes by the scenic River Tilt Waterfalls, a notable natural feature that adds to the beauty of the journey. This loop offers a true taste of the rugged Scottish wilderness, combining physical challenge with stunning natural beauty and a chance to experience the remote charm of the bothy country.