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Glenlivet MTB Trail Centre
The Glenlivet MTB Trail Centre, known as Bike Glenlivet, is the north east of Scotland's only mountain bike trail centre. And it is a cracker!
Since its opening in November 2013 the centre has been expanded and now boasts Red and Blue trails (with black grade features), an Orange freeride trail, a short Mini Downhill enduro style track, a pump track, and a skills area.
There is no charge for use of the trails and no booking is necessary - just turn up and enjoy yourself.
Additionally, there are all the facilities you would expect at a trail centre, including MTB and e-bike hire. Note however that some of the facilities are seasonal.
These purpose built mountain bike trails are in the heart of the Glenlivet Estate, within the Cairngorms National Park, close to one of the highest villages in Scotland - Tomintoul, in Moray. The remoteness, and height, of the Glenlivet Trails give you spectacular scenery and stunning views. But this comes at a price, with the trails often being closed in winter due to snow and ice.
Glenlivet Trails
All trails leave from the BikeGlenlivet hub, where there are handy information boards giving last minute reminders of how to get to the trails. Though to be fair, all trails are well signed so you won't go wrong.
The trails are nested - so to ride the red route you do part of the blue trail, then the red, and rejoin the blue to finish the loop. And likewise with the orange - start on the blue, move onto the red, then do the orange before rejoining the red which leads back onto the blue.
Glenlivet Blue Trail
Glenlivet Blue is a 9km (5½ miles) blue grade route suitable for all the family but exciting to ride with its twists and turns and great flow. There are a couple of climbs but you'll be rewarded with great downhill sections of sweet flowing trail, sculpted roll overs, and cambered corners, but nothing too technical. If you push it a bit and build up some decent speed you should be able to grab a wee bit of air from time to time.
Glenlivet Red Trail
Glenlivet Red is a 22km (14miles) red grade route with optional (and well marked) black grade technical features to keep the experienced rider alert. Climb up to the summit of Carn Daimh, offering breathtaking views of the Cairngorms, before plunging into the Glenlivet descent; 6.5km of single track downhill packed with features and jumps before rejoining the Blue for a final few twists and turns of forest cycling.
Glenlivet Orange Trail
The newest attraction is the Orange freeride trail which opened in 2020. This popular proline singletrack trail is a fun filled 1km of jumps and berms, suitable for riders with good experience of free-ride trails. During construction a 2m diameter pipe was installed to allow the existing Blue trail to pass under the new Orange - nice idea!
The Mini Downhill
The mini DH is a natural mountain trail, recommended for advanced riders. It is a handbuilt trail offering roots, jumps, large drop-offs (with ride arounds), steep sections and muddy sections. If you do decide to tackle this trail then due to the ever changing conditions at Glenlivet - scope out the obstacles before sending it, and ride within your abilities.
Skills Area
The skill area, next to the cafe and shop, opened in July 2018. It was designed by renowned trails designer Paul Masson, allows mountain bikers of all ages and abilities to safely practice their techniques and skills in an area away from the main routes.
Pump Track
On the other side of the cafe from the skills area is the 75m long pump track. This opened in late 2014. The numerous jumps, bumps and berms are perfect for loosening up on after your drive and getting the blood flowing before heading onto the hills.
Facilities at BikeGlenlivet
Pay & Display with all car park money going towards trail development and maintenance. That sounds fair.
Less than 1hr - Free. Up to 2 hrs - £3. Over 2 hrs - £5
Overnight tickets, and annual passes also available.
Open 24hrs, with disabled and baby changing facilities.
On site Cafe offering breakfasts and lunches, cakes, ice creams and fabulous coffee. Seasonal opening.
Bike hire including E-bikes. Call 07963 217793
Nearest cycle repair shops are in Grantown-on-Spey, or Ballater. The on site cafe sells a small range of bike spares.
Nearest shops, bars and hotels are in Tomintoul.
Mobile phone signal patchy in places.
Bike wash - free.
What is our guide to the Glenlivet mountain bike trails missing? Let us know and we will get it included. Contact details linked at the bottom of the page.
Getting to BikeGlenlivet
The Glenlivet Trail Centre is located off the B9136, 4.5 miles from Tomintoul. Look out for the brown tourism road signs as you get near.
The B9136 is off the main A939, Old Military Road, that joins Tomintoul and Grantown-on-Spey.
The address is; Glenlivet Bike Trails, Kirkmichael, Ballindalloch, AB37 9AR
Nearby Mountain Bike Trails
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.
Aboyne Bike Park
Aboyne Bike Park is a small mountain bike centre in Bell Wood, on the edge of the village of Aboyne. 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.
Ben Aigan
Ben Aigan in the heart of Whisky country offers an exposed circular mountain bike trail which provides superb views over parts of the Spey Valley. Tough climbing in parts but rewarded with free flowing descents.
The Lecht Ski Centre
During the summer the Lecht offers two mountain bike tracks; a difficult red trail and a moderate blue. And, there is no need to cycle to the top of each trail, simply hook your bike onto the chairlift and enjoy the ride.
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