Braemar, River Dee and Invercauld bridge loop – Cairngorms National Park
Braemar, River Dee and Invercauld bridge loop – Cairngorms National Park
4.7
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36
riders
Braemar, River Dee and Invercauld bridge loop – Cairngorms National Park
01:34
23.5km
220m
Mountain biking
Embark on the Braemar, River Dee and Invercauld Bridge loop for a mountain biking adventure through the heart of Cairngorms National Park. This route takes you along the picturesque River Dee valley, offering views of majestic Grampian Mountains, extensive heather moorland, and lush Caledonian Pine forests. You'll pass by the scenic Invercauld Bridge, known for its gorgeous surroundings and easy double tracks leading towards Balmoral Estate. The trail covers 14.6 miles (23.5 km) with an elevation gain of 706 feet (215 metres), and you can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 34 minutes.
While parts of this loop are suitable for all skill levels, it is generally considered a moderate mountain bike ride, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills for some sections. The terrain is diverse, ranging from easy riverside paths to more demanding mountain ascents, with some portions potentially requiring you to push your bike. For the best experience, a fully-rated mountain bike with wider tires is recommended, though a hybrid mountain bike might suffice for less aggressive riders.
This loop offers a quintessential Scottish Highland biking experience, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Cairngorms. It's a fantastic way to get oriented to the area, with opportunities to explore numerous side valleys and tracks leading into the hills. The variety of terrain and stunning backdrops, including views of numerous Munros, make this a notable trail in a region highly rated by the mountain biking community.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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3.27 km
Viewpoint Over the River Dee
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
18.7 km
Invercauld Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
There are two bridges here, the Old Bridge of Dee which dates back to 1753 and built by Major Cauleild as part of the military road from Perthshire and then through the mountains to Speyside.
Around a century later this bridge was superseded which is thought to be due to Queen Victoria purchasing Balmoral in 1852. The old main road through Deeside ran along the south side of the river between Ballater and Braemar with the old bridge connecting to the military road. However the Queen had privacy concerns about the old south Deeside Rd thus the government approved the construction of. anew road built along the north bank of the river with the current bridge constructed to connect it to the old road into Braemar.
Tip by
23.5 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.71 km
8.14 km
4.56 km
729 m
367 m
Surfaces
8.64 km
6.26 km
5.79 km
2.73 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (390 m)
Lowest point (320 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 14 August
13°C
7°C
24 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
We kicked off from the free car park in Braemar town centre and headed east along the A93 main road to the historic Invercauld Bridge, a stunning stone arch. A locked gate caused a minor diversion, but …
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