With stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland, the inner Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge, the Kyle of Sutherland Mountain Bike Trails offer 17 km of trail for a range of skills.
There are blue, red and black graded trails combining in-forest riding, technical features and forest roads.
See the trail grades page for full descriptions of what the different grades mean.
Facilities and contact details are provided below the trail descriptions.
Trail maps
- Download the Carbisdale trails map (PDF 500k)
- Download the Balblair trails map (PDF 535k)
- Download the map showing how to travel between Carbisdale and Balblair (PDF 116k)
The Trails
The trails are split between the Carbisdale trails on the west side of the Kyle and the Balblair trails on the east. (See how to get there.)
Carbisdale Blue
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 2.5km
Perfect for intermediate mountain bikers: optional rock features, wonderful views and technical descents, such as Goldie Rocks and Hissing Sid. This route is a great introduction to the trails and is ideal for improving your skills to prepare you for riding the red route.
Carbisdale Red
Grade: Difficult
Distance: 4.5km
This route has some technical features, such as Little Red Riding Wood and What Big Teeth along with forest road sections. The viewpoint overlooking the lochan provides the perfect rest point when you get to the top of the hill. Soak in the view while you regain your energy for the cycle ahead.
Balblair Blue
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 3km
A great route if you want a quick spin. Enjoy the in-forest feel of the Whoopy do section and the smooth descent on the Ceilidh Trail.
Balblair Black
Grade: Difficult
Distance: 7.5km / 11km
There is plenty on the Balblair Black to test even the most experienced cyclist, with rock slabs such as Rock Hard and Candy Mountain, timber trails, and lung-busting uphill sections. Not for the faint-hearted, but the view from the top of the hill at the mast is well worth the effort.
Facilities
Parking
The car park for Balblair is just off the A836 around 1.5km past Bonar Bridge (heading towards Lairg). Look for the car park and trail head on the right. For Carbisdale, carry straight on past Culrain station before joining the road up to the youth hostel, on the left. The car park and trail head is about 200m along this road on the left hand side. See how to get there for full details.
Toilets
At Carbisdale, toilets are available in Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel. The closest public toilets for Balblair are in Bonar Bridge.
Cafes / food and drink
Bonar Bridge and Ardgay have a selection of takeaways, cafes and pubs, and the Salvesen Cafe is available in Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel.
Bike hire
Bike hire is available at Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel for both sets of trails.
Contact
If you have any queries regarding the Kyle of Sutherland trails, please contact North Highland Forest District:
Email: northhighland@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 01408 634063
Forestry Commission Scotland
North Highland Forest District
The Links
Golspie Business Park
Golspie
Sutherland
KW10 6UB
