Cycling
Cambus O'May Trail autumn morning
The biking locally is fantastic either on or off road with many routes to choose from. There are some great quiet roads offering low level rides around the Dee valley or some serious mountain climbs for those needing a challenge like the Lecht or the Cairn O'Mount.
Off-road options vary from super little runs for kids of any age to big mountain slogs. There are a couple of local trail centres to keep you pumped.
Bikes can be hired from Cycle Highlands shop by the square in Ballater or the Bike Station next to the Tourist Information.
Bike Rental
Family Rides
The Deeside Way links Ballater to Aberdeen and as it is an old disused railway is wonderfully flat with some beautiful scenery as it passes through the pine forest by the River Dee. The Riverside Cottage by Cambus O'May is a great stop for a refreshing drink (and they do great ice creams!)
The Cambus O'May trails mentioned on the walking page are great in themselves but undulate a little and there are some steps. They link into the Burn O'Vat trails too. Again some smooth tracks around Loch Kinord (but avoid the small stretch just on the north side of Loch Kinord as it is quite rocky in parts).
Glen Tanar is a short drive away (or a 4 mile mountain bike away). There is a pay and display car park from where you can set off on a good track leading eventually onto Mt Keen . The visitors centre there has information and maps.
Loch Muick a short drive from Ballater is a lovely day trip with a 9 mile path all the way round it at loch level or many trails going up and over the surrounding mountains. Part of the track at the south end is rocky for a good few 100 yards and bikes would need to be carried at that point. The Capel Mounth track will drop you right over to the Angus Glens , or you can head up to Mount Lochnagar if you're feeling ambitious. Again there is a pay and display car park and visitors centre at the end of the Loch Muick road. During the rutting season you will almost always see Deer and dogs should be kept on a lead or close heel. Head to Ballater on your way back for well earned hot chocolates.
1. Tarland Trails
These are just a couple of miles from the cottage and can be accessed almost entirely off road. Cycle East along the track and take the left hand fork after about 150 yards at the last cottage. Cycle past the Deeside coal yard and the onto the road turning right and up the brae. Carry on for 1 mile, as you are coming down the hill turn into Strathweltie farm track. Cycle through the farm veering to the right. The track leads you down the hill, over a small burn. Turn right and there is a small climb to the top of the trails.
2. Glenlivet Trails
Found 38 miles up and over the Lecht ski station these trails offer a 9km Blue and a 22Km Red run. There is an onsite Cafe.
3. Moray Monster Trails Fochabers
48 miles from Larach
Trail Centres
Trail linking Cambus to Milton of Tullich
The Deeside Way in October
Glenlivet Blue Trail