Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking in Moray
Moray Monster Trails and Ben Aigan — Scotland's hidden north-east riding
Overview
The Moray Monster Trails at Ben Aigan above Craigellachie are one of Scotland's lesser-known trail centre gems — purpose-built singletrack through the Moray forests with a genuine monster of a red circuit. The area is in the whisky distillery country of Speyside and makes an excellent combination with a cycling and distillery tour.
Moray is a genuine secret — the Monster Trails at Ben Aigan punch well above their profile. The red circuit is proper sustained singletrack through excellent forest terrain, and you're likely to have the trails largely to yourself outside summer weekends. The combination with Speyside's distillery country makes this genuinely unique — park the bike after the ride and walk to Macallan or Glenfiddich. A destination that rewards those who seek it out.
Grades available
Signature trails
Ben Aigan Monster (Red)
redThe signature Moray trail — a full red circuit on Ben Aigan's forested slopes above the Spey. Sustained singletrack with technical sections and excellent natural trail character. Rarely crowded and a genuine quality red circuit well off the mainstream radar.
Knock Hill Circuit
blueA blue loop through Knock Forest that gives accessible riding for the family or as a warm-up before the main Monster circuit. Good forest trail surface with views towards the Moray coast.
Speyside Way Connector
greenThe Speyside Way long-distance path crosses through the riding area — bikes are permitted on sections. An easy trail connection linking the riding with the wider valley cycling routes and Craigellachie village.
Trail centres in Moray
Best for
- Red/black riders
- Quiet trails
- Speyside distillery combination
- Family riding (lower loops)
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:13
- Sunset
- 21:07
- Civil dawn
- 04:24
- Civil dusk
- 21:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Where exactly are the Moray Monster Trails?
- The Moray Monster Trails are based at Ben Aigan Forest Park above Craigellachie in Speyside (approximately 15km south of Elgin). The car park and trail head are at Craigellachie car park on the B9102. Postcode AB38 9ST is the best satnav reference.
- Can I combine riding with distillery visits in Moray?
- Absolutely — Speyside is Scotland's whisky heartland and the riding area is minutes from Macallan (5km), Glenfiddich/Dufftown (15km) and Strathisla (20km). Craigellachie village has the excellent Craigellachie Hotel for post-ride food and whisky. Plan for riding in the morning and a distillery tour in the afternoon.
- How do the Moray trails compare to more famous venues?
- In terms of trail quantity the Moray Monster Trails are smaller than Glentress or Laggan, but the quality of the red circuit is genuinely good. The main advantage is the near-absence of crowds — even on summer weekends, the trails are typically uncrowded. Good for experienced red/black riders seeking quality without queues.
- Is there food at the Moray Monster Trails?
- The trail car park has toilets and a bike wash but no café on-site. Craigellachie village (2km) has the Craigellachie Hotel for post-ride food. Aberlour (5km) has a good café. Dufftown (15km) and Elgin (15km) have a wider range of options.