Try mountain biking this half term

The Cairngorm Excursions Biking Map will help visitors staying with an eco-friendly self catering business explore the Cairngorms National Park in a “green” way.

Visit Aberdeenshire, with funding from the UK Government, has used GPS technology to provide a 360° sky tour of the forest area, with a series of sequential photographs guiding riders along the 1.5 mile route.

Both picturesque and tranquil, it connects visitors staying at the twelve energy efficient Cairngorm Bothies to the award-winning Tarland Trails in Drummy Woods and then onto the award winning Pittenderich Trails.

Local points of interest are highlighted, as well as the location of the recently installed Bike and Pet Wash station at Cairngorm Bothies. The route is off road most of the way, enabling bikers to enjoy the peace of the forest, while climbing Knockargerty Hill, with its panoramic views of Royal Deeside and Donside, before heading home to wash the dirt of the trail off their bike.

Participants can be confident that they are staying on the designated path and avoiding any potential obstacles or surprises by validating their navigation as they cycle.

The business obtained funding and guidance from North East Adventure Tourism (NEAT), a body committed to transforming Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire into a world class destination for adventure activities and sports.

Two of the business’s new bothies, Hazel and Oak, now have secure private bike sheds allowing guests to store their bikes safely and conveniently using their own personal pin numbers. 

Owner Dr Gordon Drummond said: “We are excited to launch this pioneering new map, and hope that visitors to the area this October use it and provide us with feedback. We’re also really pleased to have geo caching available now on the estate, with a series of micro treasure points waiting to be marked off. Geo caching is another very popular outdoor pastime for all ages. A clue to those planning to do this is to look very closely and carefully at the local flora!”

Dr Drummond added his thanks to Visit Aberdeenshire for its support in making the Cairngorm Excursions Biking Map a reality, together with the UK Government for its vital funding assistance.

He said: “I’d also like to thank Project Manager at NEAT, Will Clark, for all his valuable funding assistance, help and support in enabling us to make the business even more bike friendly overall. The bike stores and wash are already being very well used.

“Mountain biking is a brilliant fit with our business as many of our customers come here bringing their bikes, or hire them locally, to explore what we have to offer.

“We would often be asked by our self catering guests about the quickest way to get to local Trails avoiding roads where possible. Developing our own map has given them a fantastic option to try.

 “Come and enjoy the mountain biking paradise that is this area.”

www.cairngormbothies.co.uk, and Cairngorm Lodges at www.cairngormlodges.co.uk