perthshire
Craigvinean / Dunkeld
A steep forest of hand-built natural-style singletrack on the slopes of Craigvinean above Dunkeld, long a local favourite with the Perthshire enduro scene. No purpose-built trail centre — just good trails in a proper forest.
Quick facts
- Trails
- 15 km
- Parking
- free
- Postcode
- PH8 0JR
- Best for
- Confident intermediate and advanced riders with some local knowledge or a guide.
- Not for
- Riders looking for waymarked family loops — Dunkeld is enduro/DH territory best with local knowledge or uplift.
Trails open· Last checked 14 May 2026
Check operator alerts →Trails
- Blue
- Red
- Black
| Trail | Grade | km |
|---|---|---|
| The Blue RouteOfficially built 2014; rides physically hard for a blue — climbs and rooty descents on CraigvineanForest road and singletrack | Blue | — |
| Craigvinean DH (SDA track)one-wayLong-running Scottish Downhill Association venue — fast flowing into technical/steep shootsBuilt and natural DH | Black | — |
| Newtyle Hill enduro trailsone-wayUnofficial but well-established enduro descents accessed via Progression Bikes upliftNatural singletrack | Red | — |
| Birnam Hill enduro trailsone-waySteeper unofficial enduro lines accessed via upliftNatural singletrack | Black | — |
Facilities
- CafeDunkeld town (5 min drive)
- Bike washOn-site at Progression Bikes
- Bike hire
- Bike shop
- Uplift service
- Skills area
- Pump track
- ToiletsDunkeld town
- Showers
Our take
Dunkeld is a rider's trail venue. No cafe, no signage worth mentioning, no facilities — just steep hand-built singletrack through atmospheric old Scots pine woodland. The Dunkeld descents are some of the most technical natural riding in central Scotland. Know where you're going or ride with someone who does.
Insider tips
Park in Dunkeld town and climb up via the Hermitage. Strava heatmap is useful here — the trails are not obviously marked. Wet roots after rain make it serious quick.
Accommodation
Dunkeld and Birnam have hotels, B&Bs and the Taybank pub. Pitlochry (15 min) for more options.
Food
Dunkeld has several good cafes and the excellent Aran Bakery. Nothing in the forest itself.
When to ride
Drive times
- Glasgow2h 35m
- Edinburgh1h 20m
- Inverness2h 50m
- Aberdeen2h 40m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 21:50
- Civil dawn
- 03:35
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
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After the ride
Travel context and post-ride food and drink — on the SCOT network.