4.5
(2)
111
riders
Dunkeld MTB Trails
03:40
34.4km
1,110m
Mountain biking
The Dunkeld MTB Trails deliver a challenging mountain biking experience across 21.4 miles (34.4 km) with a significant 3626 feet (1105 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete. You will ride through diverse terrain, from riverside paths along the flowing River Tay to demanding forest singletracks in Craigvinean Forest and open hill climbs. Expect stunning views over Perthshire, winding past lochs, and a mix of dense woodlands and open moorland, with some forest sections offering a unique "Jurassic feel" due to abundant greenery.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the towns of Dunkeld and Birnam serve as convenient trailheads, providing bike-friendly cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. While the area offers some easier family cycles, the Dunkeld trails are particularly renowned for their difficult red and black grade routes. Be prepared for steep, rocky sections, technical downhill tracks, and enduro-style riding, especially in Craigvinean Forest, Birnam Hill, and Newtyle. Many of the more demanding routes require very good fitness and advanced riding skills, with some portions potentially requiring you to push your bike.
Dunkeld is celebrated for its natural, technical, and hand-built trails, offering a distinct riding experience that avoids an overly manicured feel. The area boasts a rich history in Scottish mountain biking, having hosted various regional downhill and enduro races, including national championships. Beyond the challenging downhill, you can explore extensive cross-country loops like those around Glen Garr and Loch Ordie, providing opportunities for longer, more tranquil rides. Local riders have fostered a strong community, developing a vast network of trails that consistently deliver "smiles for miles" to those who tackle them.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment that is highly dangerous
A part of this route comprises highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 5.23 km for 40 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.92 km
Eastpoint Trail, Dunkeld
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
Tip by
18.7 km
Rake to Ruin (Birnam Hill King's Seat Singletrack)
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
Tip by
34.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
12.1 km
9.72 km
4.38 km
3.35 km
2.66 km
1.90 km
262 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
11.7 km
8.96 km
7.91 km
1.91 km
1.91 km
1.25 km
789 m
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Elevation
Highest point (360 m)
Lowest point (50 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 19 May
16°C
7°C
19 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Dunkeld is a special place for me, as it's where my love for mountain biking started. I've got so many memories of riding here, and it's where I did my first SDA race on a hardtail, and looking back that was pretty wild! Over the last few years with the increase in popularity of riding natural, hand-cut trails growing, it's grown to be a popular riding destination. The quaint village is surrounded by four hills, which each have their own style of MTB trails. Eastpoint is my favourite trail in Dunkeld. It's got a real mix of everything. Commit or Cry is an old-school downhill track: rooty, technical, you have to work the bike and when you get it right it feels so good. The hill with the mast is home to a trail named The Rudder, so called because you're gonna be steering with the rear. It's loose, steep and there's loads of really fun turns. Rake to Ruin is a classic Dunkeld Enduro trail. There's a pretty arduous climb up to the top, but once you get up there, you're rewarded with amazing views across Perthshire. Dropping in, it's steep, loose, and rocky. You pass an old ruin and finish up at the quarry.