Family cycling in the Cairngorms: adventures on two Wheels
One of the best ways to explore the Cairngorms as a family is by bike.
You don’t have to be a serious cyclist, own expensive bikes or ride huge distances. Some of our favourite family rides involve stopping to skim stones across a loch, watch red squirrels in the forest or enjoy an ice cream in a Highland village.
With quiet roads, traffic-free forest tracks and miles of beautiful scenery, the Cairngorms National Park is a fantastic place to introduce children to cycling—or simply spend quality time together outdoors.
Why the Cairngorms are great for families
Unlike many popular cycling destinations, you don’t have to battle busy roads to find a good ride.
Around Boat of Garten and the wider Strathspey area you’ll find an excellent network of forest tracks, quiet lanes and purpose-built cycle paths linking villages and attractions.
That means children can build confidence while parents can relax and enjoy the ride instead of worrying about traffic.
The biggest challenge is often persuading everyone to stop taking photographs!
Start small
You don’t need to plan a 30-mile adventure.
Some of the best family rides are only a few miles long and include plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Children usually remember the adventures along the way far more than the distance they’ve cycled.
A paddle in a loch.
A rope swing over a burn.
A red squirrel darting across the path.
A café stop for hot chocolate.
These are the moments that make family cycling holidays memorable.
Our favourite family-friendly rides
Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge
This gentle ride links two beautiful Highland villages using quiet roads and cycle paths.
There are cafés, play areas and plenty of opportunities to stop beside the River Spey or simply enjoy the woodland scenery.
Rothiemurchus Forest and Loch an Eilean
One of the classic family rides.
Wide forest tracks make this suitable for most children, while the destination is spectacular. The ruined island castle at Loch an Eilean feels like something from a fairy tale and there’s plenty of space for a picnic before cycling back.
Loch Morlich
Cycle through Glenmore Forest before arriving at one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.
On a warm day it’s difficult to resist a paddle—or even a swim.
Families often combine a bike ride with canoeing, paddleboarding or simply relaxing on the sand.
Uath Lochans
These peaceful woodland lochs near Kincraig are ideal for a relaxed family outing.
The trails are easy to follow and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Glenlivet Bike Trails
For families with older children looking for a little more excitement, the easier trails at Glenlivet are an excellent introduction to off-road riding.
Don’t miss the nearby zip wire—it makes a brilliant reward after a morning on the bikes.
Build confidence at Fraoch Lodge
One feature that younger guests particularly enjoy is our own pump track.
It’s the perfect place to practise balance, cornering and bike handling before heading out onto longer rides.
Children quickly gain confidence and, more often than not, parents can’t resist having a go too.
Bike hire
Don’t worry if you’re travelling without bikes.
There are several excellent bike hire centres nearby offering everything from children’s bikes and tag-alongs to electric bikes and mountain bikes.
Hiring locally allows you to choose the right bike for your planned adventures without transporting your own.
We’re always happy to recommend the best option depending on your family’s plans.
Stay at Fraoch Lodge
Fraoch Lodge makes an ideal base for a family cycling holiday.
From our doorstep you can access quiet roads, woodland trails and scenic rides without spending hours in the car. After a day outdoors, return to comfortable accommodation, good food and plenty of local advice for planning tomorrow’s adventure.
Whether your children are just learning to ride or already love exploring on two wheels, there’s enough cycling in the Cairngorms to keep the whole family smiling.