Just outside of the city, Kirkhill is a popular destination for locals. Although the way-marked trails are very limited, with a bit of exploration or some local knowledge, there’s plenty of great riding to be found.

How to get there

From Aberdeen, head north on the A96 towards Inverness. The forest is on the right-hand side of the dual carriageway, about 8 miles from Aberdeen, and a short distance before the turning for Blackburn.

The trails around Kirkhill pass through dramatically rural countryside.

Sat Nav: BLACKBURN

Facilities

Just parking.

Trails

Riding in the forest. Image Marc Roberts via Flickr

The main trail is the blue grade 12 km Kirkhill Loop. It’s mostly easy (dull) fire road but it’s a good way to recce the forest and find the hidden trails. There are two spurs off the trail. The North is fairly tame double-track but the South is more fun with some steep rooty and rocky sections and it spits you out next to the Fun Park.

Although only 2 km long, as the name suggests, it’s fun! It’s never too steep and all the jumps are rollable so, how fast you take it and whether you get airborne, is entirely up to you.

Nearest bike shops

Alpine Bikes, Aberdeen
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, Aberdeen

Other info

Parking is £2 for the day

Useful sites

Forestry Commission guide to Kirkhill
Cycle Grampian’s guide to Kirkhill

Location map

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