Kirkhill

Known as the Kirkhill Mountain Bike Fun Park, this is a relatively short but great fun trail that's easily accessible from the car park. The Fun Park is a mile long, and it is reached by a ride of equal length on an undulating trail that runs through the forest. The outward trail winds gently uphill through mature conifers, and is sedate in comparison to the Fun Park.

Then comes the Fun Park trail, which includes all the features you would expect - jumps, bumps, berms and switchbacks, all packed into the mile and coming at dizzying speed. One of the key characteristics of Kirkhill, though, is that it isnt on a steep hill - the gradient is enough to build momentum and speed if you want it, but equally the speed is easily controlled for those who are new to the sport.

It might be short but it can keep you entertained for a while, by going back and doing it again, and again, and again! It is therefore ideal for younger mountain bikers, whose parents might not be bikers. They need venture no further than the car park.

Kirkhill has more to offer. The forest is large and contains an array of double-track and single-track, with a way-marked 11.5km 'Forest Trail' and two shorter single-track loops, the North Spur and the South Spur.

The Forest Trail contains a good balance of double and single-track. There is a long climb to start before it darts on to long established natural-style single-track trails. There are no massive descents (or climbs) - instead, the trail winds around Tyrebagger Hill and there are some great views around the back, to the north of Aberdeen.

Other Info

Routes
Blue - 12kms
Red - 2km Fun Park

Bike Shops/Hire
Alpine Bikes 01224 211455
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op 01224 632994

Getting There

This wood is on the north side of the A96, between the Dyce roundabout and the Blackburn roundabout.

Distance from
Aberdeen - 8 miles
Edinburgh - 132 miles
Glasgow - 152 miles
Newcastle - 256 miles

Website

• www.forestry.gov.uk