Why you should try gravel biking in the Cairngorms

The best gravel biking routes around Aviemore

For any biking-devotee, it’s clear the Highlands are oddly lacking in decent gravel biking events, despite having some of the most incredible tracks and terrain for it. Luckily, 2022 will see the start of an incredible new event by the team at BackcountryScot, the excellently named Graviemore, coming to Inshriach for the first time in September this year.

Here at Speyside Kitchen we’re delighted to be supporting the event with our outside catering service, and can’t wait to be serving up hearty hot food to nourish all those taking part and creating the event! 

In the meantime, because we’re so excited to be part of this new scene, we thought we’d tell you some more about the wonderful world of gravel riding and how best to do it in the Cairngorms. 

“The Cairngorms National Park contains more good gravel than a B&Q garden centre” The Graviemore Team

What is gravel biking?

Gravel biking is the most recent growing trend in biking, and there’s a good reason for it. It’s the idea of going on unpaved roads across multiple different types of terrains, fitting somewhere between road biking and mountain biking. It might typically describe long days out, but caters for everyone, from chilled social rides to ultras and beyond.

What are gravel bikes?

Gravel bikes have drop handlebars but wider clearance forks so that they can take wider, more stable tires. These bikes are made for off-road capabilities, meaning they can roll happily over forest tracks and make excellent steeds for bikepacking adventures. Versatile as well for economically-minded riders, tires can be swapped so the bikes work well on road - ideal for those without budget or space for multiple frames.

Do you need a gravel bike to gravel ride?

Whilst the bike is a great part of getting into gravel riding, it’s not essential. A mountain bike will do the job for the terrain, but if you’re going to be racing, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got fast tires!

Where can you go gravel riding?

Lots of places! One of the best things about this popular new sport is how it gives you different access to more popular areas, and helps you explore less popular ones too. Kielder Forest, the Cambrian Mountains, the South Downs, Peebles and the Gower are all great places to get a gravel adventure. And of course, the Cairngorms!

Gravel riding in the Cairngorms

Myriad forest tracks around the Cairngorms make off-road biking extremely accessible. Here are a few great areas and routes to try.

Rothiemurchus and Loch An Eilein 

Gorgeous forest scenery is criss-crossed with lovely tracks and trails to bridge the terrain between Rothiemurchus and Glen Feshie. There’s such an incredible variety of paths that the best thing to do is pull up a map and plot your own adventure! One suggestion is to ride from Aviemore or Glenmore along the logging way until you reach Loch Morlich. It’s a climb up, but well worth it to get to roll through beautiful mountain backed forest scenery on a gentle but exhilarating descent down to Loch An Eilein. From there, extend your journey to explore over toward Inshraic and the Uath Lochans, or ride back into Aviemore. Either way, you’ll be more than satisfied with this gravel outing. 

A mini bike-packing adventure in Glen Feshie 

The perfect introduction to bikepacking is an exploration into Glen Feshie! Start in Aviemore or park up past Lagganlia and start following the river. Roads lead to forest tracks which weave alongside the beautiful River Feshie into one of Scotland’s most idyllic glens, all taking you to Ruigh Aiteachain - the fanciest bothy in all the land! As it’s just one night, you might not need more than a backpack with a sleeping bag and mat in - along with a stove to cook up some delicious food for dinner. The bothy has several rooms, tables, chairs, and is usually stocked up with firewood from the estate. The next day you can either head straight back or explore further in and around the glen.  

Aviemore, Ryvoan and Nethy Bridge 

A longer loop but well worth the effort. It heads up through Glenmore over the Ryvoan pass and down into charming Nethy, offering a fantastic mix of mountain and forest scenery. The first third is a long ascent, but gentle enough to be manageable, taking you up the logging way from Aviemore, past Loch Morlich and beyond. Make sure you pause to take in the beautiful Green Loch and pop your head in Ryvoan bothy before enjoying an undulating descent down into Nethy Bridge. From there you’ll be able to come back to Aviemore through the magical woods of Boat of Garten and along sections of the Speyside Way. One more great thing about this route - the coffee and pub stops! With the Pine Marten or Cobbs Cafe in Glenmore and then the Nethy Bridge cafe, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Loch Einich
The route for big mountain views! Make sure you’re prepared with waterproofs and supplies as you enter the realm of the Caingorm plateau. This route takes you beyond the forests to follow an easy track all the way to Loch Einich, an atmospheric glen with astounding and dramatic views in abundance. Pack your swimmers, because the track takes you right to a fantastic mountain beach! Also be warned that the forest track passes a lot of rivers - be prepared to get wet feet and careful going after a lot of rain.

Contact us if you’re planning a Cairngorm adventure and need fueling! Email info@speysidekitchen.co.uk or call +44 1479 861387 / +44 7925 544473.

Speyside Kitchen: helping busy individuals and groups alike achieve memorable life events by providing first class event planning and catering service that prioritises customer service and customer experience.

Perfect forest tracks for riding in the Cairngorms

Gravel bikes are perfect for off-road terrain

Forest trails are great for gravel riding

Dramatic Loch An Eilein

The Green Loch - one of many views along your route