Cairngorms
Rothiemurchus & Inshriach
The private Rothiemurchus Estate and adjoining Inshriach Forest south of Aviemore form one of the largest forest ride networks in Scotland, with marked routes from family-friendly loch trails to serious XC through ancient Caledonian pinewood.
Quick facts
- Trails
- 40 km
- Parking
- paid£3 all day
- Postcode
- PH22 1QH
- Best for
- Everyone — family groups on the easy loops, serious XC riders heading into Inshriach, visitors basing themselves in Aviemore.
- Not for
- Riders seeking technical singletrack, bike park lines or downhill — Rothiemurchus is gravel and forest-road family/XC riding, no waymarked technical descents.
Trails open· Last checked 14 May 2026
Check operator alerts →Trails
- Green
- Blue
- Red
| Trail | Grade | km |
|---|---|---|
| Loch an Eilein LoopFamily loop taking in Lochan Mor, Loch an Eilein (ruined castle on island) and Lochan Deo; flat with rippled hillsForest tracks and gravel | Green | 10.8 km |
| Old Logging Way (to Glenmore)one-wayGentle climb from Aviemore to Glenmore Lodge; family-friendlyWide, smooth gravel | Blue | 10 km |
| Loch an Eilein & Loch Morlich circuitLarger loop through Glenmore via Old Logging Way; wildlife (deer, red squirrels)Forest tracks, gravel and singletrack | Blue | 29 km |
| Inshriach forest tracksFast rolling forest and moor tracks; sandy link to Dalnavert and RothiemurchusWide gravel | Blue | 8 km |
Facilities
- Cafe
- Bike wash
- Bike hire
- Bike shop
- Uplift service
- Skills area
- Pump track
- Toilets
- Showers
Our take
Rothiemurchus is the Cairngorms trail centre by another name. It's not purpose-built like Glentress, but the sheer scale of the Rothiemurchus and Inshriach forest network, combined with the setting in one of Scotland's best-preserved Caledonian pine forests, makes it one of the best long-day-out venues in the country. Loch an Eilein is the classic family loop. The routes into Inshriach are proper XC adventures.
Insider tips
Download a map from the Rothiemurchus website before arriving — signage is forest-style rather than trail-centre-style. Combine with a visit to Loch an Eilein island ruin.
Accommodation
Aviemore has the full range of hotels, hostels and self-catering. Camping at Rothiemurchus itself.
Food
Estate cafe at the Rothiemurchus Centre. Aviemore (5 min) has plenty of options.
When to ride
Drive times
- Glasgow3h 45m
- Edinburgh3h 40m
- Inverness1h 50m
- Aberdeen2h 50m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:30
- Sunset
- 21:55
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 22:57
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Share your experience
Ridden Rothiemurchus & Inshriach? Help other riders plan their visit.
After the ride
Travel context and post-ride food and drink — on the SCOT network.