Balfour Forest Mountain Bike Trails

Balfour Forest mountain bike trails, just across the River Dee from Aboyne, is home to two of the best flowing mountain bike trails in Aberdeenshire - Chutney, and Relish. And, in addition to these purpose built trails, there are literally dozens of natural trails in the surrounding forests, making it a great destination for a day on the mountain bike.

Big thumbs up to Aberdeenshire Trail Association for maintaining the Chutney and Relish trails at Balfour through partnership with Birse Community Trust who own and manage the forest, and volunteer engagement. Top work!

Proof, if any were needed, that the trails at Balfour Forest are worth a visit can be seen by the inclusion of both Chutney and Relish in the local enduro scene. Doon thaBrae Events, an Aberdeenshire events organising team, who organise the Aberdeenshire Enduro Series have included them in previous rounds of their events. Check out our mountain bike enduros page to see the events planned for this year.

Balfour MTB Trails Descriptions

There is a very small carpark at the entrance to Balfour Forest, but this is best avoided. In fact Birse Community Trust, owners of the forest specifically ask users of the trails to cycle to the forest. They highlight the single-track road not being meant for lots of vehicles and they do not wish to detract from the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. So, park up in Aboyne, and warm up with a short cycle to the forest trails.

Chutney MTB Trail

Chutney, or Chutney Nudger to give it its Strava name, has been rightly described as "blue flow heaven".
It is a purpose built trail split into 3 sections, meaning it is easy to drop into any of the sections, and repeat.
Overall, the 1.5km trail drops over 100m.
The first section was an old walking path and starts with a brief open section then ebbs and flows through the narrow corridors of the Balfour pine forest, and it is this tree section that this trail is famous for.
The next two sections, still deep in the forest, are old foresting machine tracks converted by local trail builders CRC. It retains a natural feel with the rocks and roots you expect on a natural trail.

Relish MTB Trail

Relish is the natural companion to its much loved neighbour, Chutney.
Another purpose built trail (again by CRC) incorporating many natural features into its durable, hard-wearing surface - ideal for mountain bikers. Graded as a blue, this trail is open to being ridden by kids and less experienced riders.
Relish was designed to retain the excitement of natural trails while lowering the difficulty to allow more riders to progress towards the higher, more technical trails.
Spilt into two parts, Relish drops 80m over its 730m length.
Relish starts at the end of the first section of Chutney, so the permutations are there for some mix and match riding.

Other Balfour Forest Trails

For a tougher, red-rated single-track descent, try Creagantoll Kickers, a fast and rocky trail with a couple of drop-offs. This trail spits you out at the start of Chutney - perfect!

And getting back into the flow, try the nearly 2km long Oh Deer! A fun, flowy, single track trail with a few off camber moments to keep you alert.

Facilities at Balfour Forest

There are no facilities at Balfour Forest. Park in Aboyne, and cycle the short distance to the forest.

  60+ free spaces in Aboyne.

None - nearest on Ballater Rd.

Nearest cafes in Station Square. See our page listing Cafes in Aboyne.

Nearest bike hire provider is in Aboyne. See our page on Bike Hire in Aberdeenshire.

Shops and bars in Aboyne.

Mobile phone signal relatively good in the park.

Nearest cycle repair shops are in Tarland.

Getting to Balfour Forest from Aboyne

From the centre of Aboyne, take Charleston Rd (sign posted South Deeside) and head past The Boat Inn to cross the River Dee. At the tee junction with the B976, take a left, and after 200m take a right onto a tarmac road signed for Birsebeg, and Balfour. The forst entrance is 2.7km further along this road, on the left.

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.

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Tarland Trails

Tarland Trails is a small mountain bike centre, in the village of Tarland. The trails are short, about 3km in total, but suit a wide range of users from family to experienced and competent riders. There is a family trail, a technical run, a big jump run and a pump track.

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Banchory Woodland Trails

Banchory Woodland Trails, located in Corsee Woods, on the edge of the town of Banchory.
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.

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Durris Wood

Durris Wood currently offers a couple of marked trails and a complex network of unmarked trails that suits all abilities. There are plans to create a chairlift-serviced mountain bike park, snow sports centre and multi-activity adventure experience at the woods.

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