Coming to Fort William for World Cup this May? Why not extend your stay, explore the area and find your own Highland magic.

Glencoe Mountain Resort is located at a relatively accessible spot to the south of Lochaber, at the entrance to the dramatic and atmospheric Glen Coe that drops down to the west coast. Its superb location gives dramatic views onto Rannoch Moor and Buachaille Etive Mor, and is perhaps the most photographed mountain in Scotland.

The chairlift gives access up onto Meall A' Bhuiridh, where trails are steep, rocky, and rugged. Both the red and the black trails have been used by the Scottish Downhill Association (SDA) to host the national downhill race venue.

For first time riders visiting Glencoe, it is recommended riding the red trail which is a real challenge for even the most experienced mountain bikers. Berms have recently been re-surfaced and some great new sections have been added.

Did you know that Glencoe Mountain was Scotland's first ski lift, built in 1956? It is a very special place and maintains that independent and slightly raw feel - it certainly has its own character that is loved by many.

The Aviemore area is exceptionally well set up for families with attractions like Landmark Forest Adventure Park, the RZS Highland Wildlife Park and so many family friendly activities in Aviemore itself, and only a 90min drive from Fort William!

The accessible routes in the area make family rides a great way to spend an active day out. Hire a bike from one of the great bike shops in town and explore the area, stopping for a break at cafes and viewpoints along the way. Popular routes include the Old Logging way to Glenmore and the Speyside Way that has some good riding for families between Kingussie, Aviemore and Boat of Garten, on easy well maintained and relatively flat trails.

For good simple fun, the village of Boat of Garten has an amazing pump track that is well worth a visit or linking into a ride along the Speyside Way from Aviemore.

For a step up to single track, trails Annagach Woods in Grantown in Spey have a series of short fun trails from green to red grade, or nearby Laggan and Glenlivet are have great options for all abilities.

Laggan Wolftrax is one of Scotland’s favourite trail centres. It offers great trails for families and less experienced riders with the green route, and now with the recent addition of the blue and red grade trails, allowing all riders to have fun progressing up to the classic rocky Laggan trails.

The black route is an absolute belter, blurring the boundaries between technical cross country and enduro – it has flow but you need to work to find it between all the technical rock features.

There is a great café on site, and a bike shop with bike hire facilities, and its location halfway between Aviemore and Fort William makes it a great way of linking the popular outdoor towns for mountain bikers.

In summer 2023, after many years of interest from riders, Cairngorm Mountain developed bike facilities. The Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park is a bit special, having a real focus on being a family bike park. With lift assisted (by magic carpet lift!) gravity blue and green trails, as well as flowing blue and reds with berms and jumps, all with the scenic surroundings of the Cairngorm Mountains and Glenmore.

So whether you have a family and are looking for accessible high quality trails, or an experienced rider wanting a day of riding fun flow trails in a Scottish Mountain location, Cairngorm Mountain is worth a look!

Glenlivet’s location at the northern edge of the national park gives it a different feel – its more remote, and the trails pass over the tops of the lower more rolling hills, but hidden in the forest are some delights.

Glenlivet has some awesome cross country trails that allow a longer ride than many trail centres. The trails have been evolving though, and over recent years Bike Glenlivet have built 'Bazzas Berms', a fantastic jump and berm laden blue trail that is truly magical, an Jump line - a 1km jump trail that is great for building skills, and the exciting new Keiran's Line - a progressive trail with pretty huge jumps, not for the faint hearted! There are also numerous hand build enduro trails to explore.

Glenlivet’s exceptional café is surrounded by a great wee skills trails to keep kids lapping while parents take time to enjoy lunch, and this Spring, a brand new Zipline experience has opened on site making this a great place for an active family day out.

Aberdeenshire's first purpose built trail centre and Scotland's newest, officially opened in June 2023 with much anticipation. These exquisite trails crafted by CRC Trails, are located on, and around, the hill of Pittenderich. The trails consist of sweeping turns, big berms, jumps and technical riding, with incredible views to boot! The ideal place to take your riding to the next level.

With a massive car park, amenities and the town of Tarland within riding distance it offers an amazing day out for all riders.

An iconic destination on any Aberdeenshire trip – a chance to mix epic big mountain rides with some steep enduro classics all within easy reach of a stunningly beautiful village location, steeped in history and royal heritage.

Ride a mixture of the iconic Heartbreak Ridge, Mastermind or Green Mile trails combined with some of the lesser know trails and you are sure to have a great time. With easy links into Balmoral Estate, and plenty of cafe stops, two local bike shops, you are sure to have the most Royal of epic adventures.