Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking in Trossachs
Forest riding in Scotland's first national park — 45 minutes from Glasgow
Overview
The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in the Trossachs has extensive cycling trails and some purpose-built MTB singletrack near Aberfoyle. The park visitor centre at Aberfoyle is a good base. The Trossachs cycling network also connects to the wider Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park cycling map — significant quiet road and path options alongside the singletrack.
The Trossachs is Scotland's most accessible national park riding — 45 minutes from Glasgow with excellent facilities at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park visitor centre. The trails max out at red grade rather than black, which makes this genuinely good family MTB territory. For advanced riders the trail volume is limited, but the combination of cycling infrastructure, scenery and Loch Katrine makes for an excellent day out that suits riders of all ages.
Grades available
Signature trails
Forest Drive (QEFP)
greenThe waymarked Queen Elizabeth Forest Park trail from the Aberfoyle visitor centre — smooth gravel surface through mixed Trossachs forest with viewpoints over Loch Ard. Suitable for families and beginners on any bike.
Loch Katrine Circuit
blueThe traffic-free cycling circuit around Loch Katrine — part of the Trossachs cycling network. Starting from Trossachs Pier (11km from Aberfoyle on the A821), the route follows the loch shore through beautiful scenery. One of Scotland's finest accessible cycling routes.
Aberfoyle Red Singletrack
redThe purpose-built red singletrack near the Aberfoyle visitor centre — the most technical MTB riding in the Trossachs. Well-built with proper berms and flow sections. Shorter circuit than the bigger centres but good quality.
Trail centres in Trossachs
Best for
- Families
- Beginners and blue riders
- Accessible national park riding
- Loch Lomond combination
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:24
- Sunset
- 21:04
- Civil dawn
- 04:38
- Civil dusk
- 21:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Trossachs good for family mountain biking?
- Yes — the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park has well-maintained green and blue trails suitable for families with capable young riders (approximately 8+). Bike hire is available from the Aberfoyle visitor centre and the traffic-free Loch Katrine circuit is suitable for most cyclists. The Trossachs is one of the best national park family cycling destinations in Scotland.
- How technical is the Trossachs MTB riding?
- The Trossachs trails top out at red grade — there are no black trails in the QEFP network. The red singletrack near Aberfoyle is properly technical for its grade but experienced black riders will find the options limited compared to venues like Glentress or Laggan. The Trossachs is best for riders at green-to-red level.
- Can I cycle to Loch Katrine from Aberfoyle?
- Yes — the A821 Duke's Pass road from Aberfoyle to Trossachs Pier (Loch Katrine) is 11km of scenic cycling. The road is well-surfaced but has significant climbing over the Duke's Pass. From Trossachs Pier, the traffic-free Loch Katrine circuit continues. This is best for fit cyclists on road or gravel bikes.
- Is there parking at the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park?
- Yes — the main car park is at the QEFP visitor centre on the A821 approximately 1.5km north-east of Aberfoyle. Charges apply (Forestry & Land Scotland rates). The visitor centre has a café, toilets and cycling route information. Aberfoyle village also has parking.