What kind of routes do you have in the area? Can you tell me about grades and condition?

Dunkeld has a huge range of trails, on every hillside and along the rivers you’ll find mountain bike trails suitable for most ability levels.  Green grade flat easy family cycles along the Tay or into the Hermitage to the waterfalls. More challenging enduro style trails (red and black grade) can be found in Craigvinean forest, Birnam Hill and Newtyle.  We are lucky to have had an amazing downhill track here for many years and have hosted Scottish Championship rounds. The downhill track can be found in Craigvinean Forest.   There are also long distance cross country rides into the hills if you are looking for a day of peace and tranquillity.

Most of the trails are in good condition but this can vary depending on time of year and weather. A volunteer group works all year round with local landowners to maintain the trails. If you’d like to get involved and help with trail maintenance pop into Progression Bikes for more details.

Are they easy to access with parking nearby?

Yes, all the trails start right from the villages of Dunkeld and Birnam. This gives the area a unique advantage as you can park up, ride out and come back for coffee/lunch really easily. Dunkeld has two pay and display car parks, and some on-street parking. Birnam has on street parking. There is also ample parking at the Hermitage, just up the A9.

If you aren’t sure where to park, don’t worry, park anywhere in the villages and ride out as you won’t be more than a 10 minute ride from a trail.

I’m looking for a real challenge but my kids are just starting off. Any suggestions on where to go?

The River Tay has some lovely paths along it. They are wide enough for trailers, and smooth enough for balance bikes. Traffic free and plenty of benches. The Hermitage has similar easy routes but access to plenty of more technical routes too.

Any suggestions for bike hire, sales, repairs and maps?

Progression Bikes in Dunkeld is the place to go for hire, sales, spares, repairs, maps and local knowledge.   They stock a wide variety of mountain bikes (including electric ones), hybrids, kids’ bikes, kids’ trailers and seats as well as lots of great clothing, shoes, helmets and accessories.

None of the mountain bike routes in the area are waymarked so gaining some local knowledge on trail grades and picking up a map for directions might be key to your day.  Progression Bikes staff will be able to point you in the right direction and provide a map.

Are there any less known routes that only locals know about?

Yes there sure are! We try to keep them off the maps, which keeps them in good condition, and this includes freshly built ones too.  Over the years the local riders have built up a good working relationship with the landowners. Some of the trails are in areas that wouldn’t stand up to high traffic and can be difficult to maintain. You are allowed to ride them but they aren’t on the maps and are not used in races or events.  Speak to the guys in Progression Bikes for further information and directions.

Are there any events in the area?

Yes, we have the annual Dunkeld Enduro (usually around the last weekend in April/early May) which is 5 stages of great Dunkeld trails. Dunkeld is renowned for its steep and technical riding but this race aims to keep things a little easier, it’s 1 day of blind racing, sociable and fun with a core of people who come back year after year! Over the past two years we have had a round of the Scottish Enduro Series and who knows what the future may hold! For further info on the Dunkeld Enduro search Facebook.