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Scolty Hill Mountain Biking Trails
Scolty Hill is on the outskirts of Banchory, just over the River Dee from the town centre, and forms the eastern end of the Forest of Blackhall. The large stone tower at the summit of Scolty is a local landmark visible from miles around.
Scolty provides good mountain biking, but is very popular with walkers so depending on your trail choice, be prepared for interruptions especially at weekends.
There are a wide range of trails on offer at Scolty and in the surrounding Blackhall Forest and Shooting Greens. These include over 20 km of cross country trails, the infamous Scolty downhill tracks, and sections of the family friendly Deeside Way.
In summary; Scolty provides loads of challenges for the experienced mountain biker, and yet still manages to be suitable for a family cycle if you choose your paths carefully.
Scolty Hill Trails Descriptions
Scolty is at one side of the Blackhall Forest, Shooting Greens is at the other. In between lies loads of superb mountain biking, all of which is easily accessible. A notice board in the car park provides a last minute reminder of the main routes to the tower, though if you want to follow the cross country routes then you will need to bring a decent map with you.
Scolty Down Hill Tracks
The challenge of cycling to Scolty Tower is too great for most to resist. There are a few different ways to get there, all of which are signposted and leave from the car park.
There is a choice of 8 DH tracks leading back down the hill. All are rocky in parts and demand your attention all the way, you will be dropping 200m in a farly short time - great!
Scolty to Shooting Greens Trail
This waymarked cycle trail now forms part of the DeesideWay, and is on forest roads all the way. From Scolty the cycle route goes through the Blackhall Forest to Shooting Greens at its western end. From there you can retrace or you can do a slightly longer circular loop that brings you back to Scolty. This longer route is a wee bit more hilly than the basic trail.
Just Explore the Trails
There are hidden gems of single track, swooping downhills and challenging climbs scattered through out the Blackahll forest. They are not marked, but they are there. Just get out and explore. You can spend a whole day here and still be able to uncover something new the next time you return.
Facilities at Scolty and Nearby
Large car park. A couple of quid for the whole day.
Closest public WC at Bellfield car park, Banchory.
Nearest cafes shops, bars and take aways in Banchory. See our page listing Cafes near Scolty Hill.
Mobile phone signal relatively good all over the hill.
Nearest cycle repair shops are in Banchory.
If you think we have missed something in our guide to the Scolty mountain bike trails then let us know. Contact details are on the link at the bottom of the page.
Getting to Scolty Car Park
Scolty is a mile or so from the traffic lights in the centre of Banchory. At the lights follow the B974 south to cross the River Dee, and then take the first public road to the right. Keep going to you see the sign for Scolty Woodland Walks.
AB31 6PT is the nearest postcode for Scolty car park, and grid reference is NO 691950.
Make a Day of It
If you decide to travel to Banchory, then make a day of it. Combine a trip to the Scolty Trails with a couple of hours at Banchory Woodland Trails on the western edge of Banchory town centre.
And after you are finished cycling, grab some refreshments in one of the cafes, restaurants, or bars in the town.
The Woodland Trails offer 3 dedicated mountain bike trails and a skills area, designed and graded intermediate to expert, for riders based on ability and experience. Interested? Then check out our guide to Banchory Woodland Trails.
MTB Trails Close to Banchory
Kirkhill Forest
Kirkhill Forest mountain bike fun park and cycle trails offer a good variety of tracks to suit all abilities and degrees of fitness, and even features as a venue in the national SXC series.
Hill of Fare
Hill of Fare mountain bike trails extend across the flanks of the Hill of Fare massif, an area of forestry and rough moorland which boasts over 57km of trails, including 17 access road type trails, 4 blue, 11 red, and 5 black graded trails.
Aboyne Bike Park
Aboyne Bike Park is a small mountain bike centre, on the edge of the village of Aboyne, in Bell Wood. Five short trails offer something for the novice to the expert with black grade downhill tracks and a triad of trails making an impressive jump park.
Clachnaben
Iconic Clachnaben offers a classic circular mountain bike trail which makes you feel as if you are truly remote. Grinding ascents, a technical and exposed rocky descent, fast flowing forest sections and gentle firebreak sections. Something for everyone.
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