highland-east
Contin Forest
A Forestry and Land Scotland network near Strathpeffer with marked green, blue and red forest loops. A useful intermediate-friendly venue for the Easter Ross and Strathpeffer area.
Quick facts
- Trails
- 20 km
- Parking
- free
- Postcode
- IV14 9EG
- Mobile signal
- Patchy in the forest. Good signal in Strathpeffer (5km).
- Best for
- Easter Ross locals and riders basing themselves in Strathpeffer or Dingwall.
- Not for
- Riders looking for a waymarked, named-trail experience — Contin is forest-road exploration plus the unmarked Torrachilty/Strathpuffer 24 loop, best with local knowledge or a map from Square Wheels.
Trails open· Last checked 14 May 2026
Check operator alerts →Trails
- Green
- Blue
- Red
Facilities
- CafeNo on-site cafe — Contin village or Strathpeffer (2km)
- Bike wash
- Bike hire
- Bike shop
- Uplift service
- Skills area
- Pump track
- Toilets
- Showers
Our take
Contin is a proper working forest first and a trail centre second, which means the trails change with forestry operations. On a good day the red loop is an honest XC circuit with some natural singletrack sections. On a bad day parts are closed for felling. Check before you travel.
Insider tips
Check the FLS page for felling closures. Strathpeffer village (5 min) is worth a wander — Victorian spa town with a decent cafe scene.
Accommodation
Strathpeffer or Dingwall for accommodation. Inverness (30 min) for more options.
Food
Nothing on site. Strathpeffer Pavilion has a cafe.
When to ride
Pair with
Two contrasting Easter Ross / Black Isle centres. Contin for the longer red loop, Learnie for the tighter trails and Black Isle views.
Drive times
- Glasgow4h 40m
- Edinburgh3h 25m
- Inverness1h 35m
- Aberdeen3h 50m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:30
- Sunset
- 22:01
- Civil dawn
- 03:26
- Civil dusk
- 23:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Share your experience
Ridden Contin Forest? Help other riders plan their visit.
After the ride
Travel context and post-ride food and drink — on the SCOT network.