Explore further: cycling is the ideal way to make the most of the well-maintained paths that crisscross Rothiemurchus. Don’t have your own bike? No problem. You can hire bikes for adults and children (plus any trailers, tag-a-longs or seats you might need for little ones) from The Pavilion at the Woodland Car Park, a short stroll from the Farm Shop and The Barn cafe.
There are heaps of route options for two-wheeled travellers, and each leads you through ancient forest to stunning mountain views. These trails are popular, so pull in to let faster bikers pass and slow down when approaching horse riders, walkers and their dogs.
Download map Bike hire
What’s it like?
A gentle off-road loop through ancient forest, taking in Lochan Mor, Loch an Eilein and Lochan Deo.
Distance:
10.8 km loop / 6.7 miles loop
Allow 1 – 2 hours
What’s it like?
A longer loop that takes you into the less trodden parts of Rothiemurchus, with stunning mountain views and a lovely downhill section to finish.
Distance:
19.8 km loop / 12.3 miles loop
Allow 2 – 3 hours
What’s it like?
This trail follows the route taken by loggers in the 19th century. In days gone by, logs were floated down the River Spey on their way to shipyards to be made into masts, hulls
and decking.
Distance:
12 km / 7.5 miles each way
Allow 2.5 – 3.5 hours (out and back)
The Barn cafe is a warm and relaxed space for breakfast, lunch, cakes, coffee, tea and more. The emphasis is on home cooking, baking and good coffee, which comes from a local supplier, Cairngorm Leaf & Bean. You can choose to sit indoors or out, or order a takeaway to transport your meal to a quieter spot.
Check the opening hours, which can change throughout the year.
Learn moreRight next door is the Farm Shop, which has a wonderful stock of everything you could want for a picnic: breads, cheeses, dips, premium crisps and chocolate, beer, fizz and non- alcoholic cold drinks. You might want to pick up some low-food- miles beef or venison to cook at home too. We raise red deer and Highland cattle at Rothiemurchus, and they are expertly butchered here by our butchers Brian and Fraser.
Learn moreBy buying a Rothiemurchus Explorer Map or joining our membership scheme, Friends of Rothiemurchus, you’re directly contributing to the future conservation of this much-loved place.
All the paths, car parks and toilets used by visitors to Rothiemurchus are looked after by the Rothiemurchus team. And there is so much we want to do: from improving paths to modernising our farming systems, reducing the carbon footprint of the farm and solidifying the walls of the castle
on Loch an Eilein.
These responsibilities are complex and expensive, and require us to make long-term decisions around conservation. We’re incredibly grateful for any support that helps us care for this unique, ancient forest in a way that future generations will thank us for.
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