4.8
(3)
20
riders
7
rides
Mountain bike trails around Methlick are set within the rural Aberdeenshire landscape, characterized by the River Ythan and extensive woodlands. The area offers a network of trails, including singletrack, fire roads, and multi-user paths, suitable for various skill levels. Riders can expect elevation gains and descents, providing a dynamic experience across the region's natural features.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
4.5
(2)
9
riders
54.3km
03:58
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
32.8km
02:01
280m
280m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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37.9km
02:31
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
60.6km
04:00
450m
450m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
19.9km
01:03
110m
110m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very good coffee and a fantastic selection of cakes! trelliscoffeeshop.com
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The visitor centre is open daily 10am - 4pm. The impressive dune system is always open. 😉
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The Formartine and Buchan railway line connects Dyce in Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and Peterhead. It's a popular path with cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, horse riders etc. Some sections are nice and wide, while others are more single track. There are a number of gates on the route, which are quite narrow. The path is slowly being improved in sections to facilitate better access.
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It's possible to visit the whole day. I was there in the evening and it was great
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A beautiful little sandy bay. The coastal path goes above it or you can descend into the bay.
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Here you can find the ruins of the old church of Forvie. The village was buried by a shifting dune in the 16th century.
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Maud, formerly known as Brucklay is a quaint village that once served as a crucial junction for the Fraserburgh and Peterhead railway lines. The station, a lasting testament to its historical significance, now houses the Formartine & Buchan Railway Museum. Note that the museum operates seasonally during the summer, so it's advisable to check the opening times before planning your visit.
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The South Ugie Water is a tributary of the Ugie Water. This section of the Buchan and Formartine Way closely follows the watercourse between Maud and Old Deer. The Ugie drainage basin, particularly in the South Ugie Water catchment area, boasts significant traces of prehistoric settlement. One notable example is the Catto Long Barrow, situated to the south of the mainstem.
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There are 8 mountain bike trails around Methlick listed on komoot, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty.
Yes, Methlick offers 3 easy mountain bike trails. One option is The Coffee Apothecary loop from Cairnfechel, which is just under 20 km long and has minimal elevation gain, making it a good choice for those new to mountain biking.
The mountain bike trails in Methlick traverse a diverse landscape, featuring singletrack, fire roads, and multi-user paths. Riders will encounter varied terrain through rural Aberdeenshire, often along the River Ythan and through dense woodlands like Waterside Wood and Craigie Wood.
Yes, many of the trails around Methlick are designed as loops. For example, the Deer Abbey – Platform 5 Café & Sweet Shop loop from Ellon is a moderate 54.3 km circular route, and the Loch Hills Stone Arch Bridge – View of Hayhillock Countryside loop from Chapel Junction offers a 37.9 km circular ride through rural landscapes.
The region around Methlick is rich in history. You can explore sites like the Gight Castle Ruins, which are accessible via scenic walks, or the Tolquhon Castle Ruins. The Hackley Bay – St Adamnan's Kirk Ruins loop from Ellon specifically passes by historical ruins, offering scenic views and a glimpse into the past.
While some trails are moderate, there are easy options suitable for families. The multi-user paths and fire roads provide a less technical riding experience. For a dedicated family-friendly option, consider the Formartine and Buchan Way, an old railway line converted into a multi-user path, which is excellent for cycling.
The mountain bike trails around Methlick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the tranquil rural scenery, and the opportunity to explore the River Ythan and dense woodlands.
While specific designated mountain bike parking areas are not detailed, Methlick and surrounding areas typically offer parking options in villages or near trailheads. For routes like those starting from Ellon or Chapel Junction, local parking facilities would be the most convenient.
The best time for mountain biking in Methlick, like much of Aberdeenshire, is generally during the drier months from spring to early autumn (April to October). This avoids the wettest winter conditions and the peak midge season, offering more pleasant weather and better trail conditions.
Yes, Methlick village itself has amenities. Additionally, some routes are designed to pass by or start near cafes. For instance, The Coffee Apothecary loop from Cairnfechel suggests a route that includes a cafe, and the Deer Abbey – Platform 5 Café & Sweet Shop loop from Ellon also indicates a cafe stop.
Methlick is a village in rural Aberdeenshire. While local bus services connect Methlick to larger towns like Ellon and Aberdeen, direct public transport access to specific trailheads might be limited. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus schedules is recommended if relying on public transport.
Many trails in rural Aberdeenshire, including those around Methlick, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs under control, especially when passing through farmland or near livestock, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Always check for specific signage on individual trails regarding dog policies.


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