Photo Credit (Scott Buick Alyth Hill)
Whether you’re visiting with little ones or chasing the thrill of mountain trails, Blairgowrie offers a cycling experience as diverse as its landscapes. Nestled between tranquil rivers and rolling hills, this corner of Perthshire has something for everyone—from gentle family rides to adrenaline-packed BMX tracks and challenging off-road routes.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Adventures
For families looking to make memories on two wheels, there are plenty of scenic and safe options. The River Ericht Circular offers a peaceful 8.2 km loop alongside the rushing water, perfect for a picnic break. Another favourite is the Kinclaven Bluebell Woods Circular, a short and magical ride through spring blossoms. You can also read more about the woodland on the Woodland Trust’s page.
Along these paths, you’ll find benches, snack stops, and chances to spot ducks or deer, making the journey both relaxing and enriching. Trailers or child seats are perfect for tiny explorers—just don’t forget the juice boxes and flapjacks!
đźšµ Alyth Bike Park: Community-Built Trails with Big Personality
Just a short hop from Blairgowrie, Alyth Bike Park is a compact but exciting trail centre nestled on the slopes of Alyth Hill. Built in 2014 by local volunteers from the Alyth Hill Users Group (AHUG), the park features:
- A blue-grade trail with optional red features for more advanced riders
- A pump track and small jump park for skill-building and fun
- Access to natural trails and hand-built technical routes beyond the main park
- Kids’ MTB classes, guided rides, and coaching sessions in summer months
The park is free to ride year-round and has a welcoming, grassroots vibe. It’s maintained by volunteers and supported by grants like the one from the Alyth Development Trust, which helps cover insurance and upkeep.
While there are no toilets on-site, there is parking available, and the community is actively working to improve facilities.
đźšµ For the Thrill-Seekers
Feeling bold? Blairgowrie’s proximity to epic trails makes it a perfect base for off-road fans. The Cateran Trail, a 64-mile loop through Perthshire and Angus glens, is ideal for confident riders with a love of scenery. You can explore curated cycling itineraries from the Cateran Ecomuseum and their local highlights via Visit Cateran Country.
For something more forested and serene, the Strathardle trails and Blackcraig Forest tracks offer a rewarding mix of quiet roads and woodland terrain. OS Maps is a great tool to plan routes suited to your pace.
🌲 Forest Escapes in Dunkeld
Just a short ride away, Dunkeld’s lush woodlands promise adventure and tranquillity. The Atholl Woods and Mill Dam Circular trail (10.9 km) winds past lochs and forest paths, while the longer Loch Oiseanneach via Loch Ordie route delivers moorland views and peaceful escapes.
If you’re after adrenaline, Dunkeld also hosts a range of technical downhill runs and uplift services—check out Trailforks or Uplift Scotland for trail maps and booking info. Progression Bikes in town offers rentals, repairs, and advice.
⛰️ Glenshee Ski Centre: Ride the Chairlift
Craving alpine thrills without the uphill climb? Glenshee Ski Centre now offers summer mountain biking via their Cairnwell Chairlift. You can strap your bike in and ascend 285m to the top before flying down one of the 23 km downhill runs.
Key details:
- One bike per chair, with full-day passes available.
- Tickets and info at Tee@TheShee café.
- Trails are natural and unmaintained, so riders use them at their own risk.
- Further details on Visit Cairngorms.
It’s a fantastic option for experienced riders chasing gravity-fuelled fun and expansive mountain views.
🚲 BMX Buzz at RAD Rattray
Ideal for energetic kids and teens, the RAD BMX Track in Rattray is a local gem. With berms, jumps, and a pump track, it’s great for building confidence and mastering gravity-defying moves. Keep an eye out for community events and casual meetups—they’re a brilliant way to connect and learn new tricks.
🛠️ Where to Hire or Repair Your Bike
Need a bike or just a quick tune-up? Here are some nearby options:
| Name | Location | Contact | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crightons Cycles | 87 Perth Street, Blairgowrie | 01250 874447 | Repairs, accessories, advice |
| Scottish Cycling Holidays | Same address | 01250 876100 | Hire services & cycling packages |
| Alyth Cyclery | The Barony, Alyth | 01828 920055 | Custom builds, servicing |
| Lintrathen Cycles | Bridgend Farm, Kirriemuir | 01575 560205 | E-bike & mountain bike hire |
🌿 More Than Just a Bike Ride
Cycling in Blairgowrie is about connection—to nature, to the community, and sometimes even to yourself. As you coast along quiet lanes or zoom over dirt tracks, you’ll find beauty in every bend and perhaps stumble upon a charming café or scenic bench you didn’t expect.
And if you’re lucky, you might catch a local cycling event or pop-up ride led by the Cateran Ecomuseum, which celebrates history, ecology, and cultural routes through curated trails.
