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.
Trail grades
- Green
- Blue
- Red
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.
Drive times
- Glasgow3h 45m
- Edinburgh3h 40m
- Inverness1h 50m
- Aberdeen2h 50m