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Scotland MTB holiday destination ideas - East

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[#13536854]

Hi, 

Looking for suggestions on if there is anything between Dundee to Aberdeen, ideally a base for 4 nights, XC type riding, some views, 3-4 hour rides? 


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 5:20 pm
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Braemar?

Obvsc not quite in the location you have asked for but ...


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 6:20 pm
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There's definitely a bunkhouse/hostel place in Glen Prosen, and the Glen Clova hotel used to have one too, not sure if that's still operational. Both are within reasonable striking distance of Mount Keen, and ive got eyes on the old drove road Fungle Road route up there too. Lots of gravelly-type tracks are shown on the maps in that area around Glens Uig, Clova, Esk, Lethnot, although I'm too far away to know how usable they are. 

Sorry, best I can do.


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 6:24 pm
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There's the likes of Pitmedden and Durris, but I'd say you're better Ballater/Tarland/Anyone/Glenlivet/Glen Clova.


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 6:27 pm
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Posted by: thelawman

Lots of gravelly-type tracks are shown on the maps in that area around Glens Uig, Clova, Esk, Lethnot, although I'm too far away to know how usable they are.

 

Vary from freshly gravelled to rutted and rocky. Most would be passable on a gravel bike but much better on an mtb. 

Lots of good riding in the area, the towns not so much. Not much in the way of hotels etc. Carnoustie golf hotel often has deals on, but again a small town with only a few places that do meals. About 45 minutes to the glens from there and nice paths along the coast as well. We stay just outside town. 

Plenty of choice in Deeside but you’ll pay the tourist trap prices for accommodation there. 


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 6:36 pm
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Another vote for Ballater/Aboyne.


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 9:14 pm
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The Angus glens - great riding, xc but of the 'mostly or totally up a Munro' ride. A few good epics up MtKeen, Jocks Road, Capel Mounth etc. Mostly a bit longer than you are looking for. Such are the big hills...

As others are saying, Royal Deeside just to the north has a lot more options. 


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 9:41 pm
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Thank you all for the suggestions - will check them out 


 
Posted : 26/08/2026 10:32 pm
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Drumtochy - just avoid 13th September as the Tartan Endro round 3 is taking place

Ballo Wood

Aboyne (Birsemore)

Ballater (HBR, Final Destination, Mastermind)

Not a fan of Tarland personally as it's too machine-built for my taste. Fun for half a day though.


 
Posted : 27/08/2026 12:38 pm