North East Bike Trails: Pitfichie Forest

Want beautiful views, well-maintained trails, and spicy lines then Pitfichie is your spot. Sound intense? Do not fear with over 30 trails there is something for everyone.

Over 15km of gravel roads that offer steady climbs and smooth descents, well maintained flowy single track across open hillside and techy lines with steep sections and drops to show off your mad skills. It’s no wonder why oodles of Enduro and Downhill races have been held here over the years.

Situated 20 miles from Aberdeen and 28 miles from Stonehaven, Pitfichie is an accessible spot for those in the North East. Although a popular mountain biking destination it is also popular with hikers and dog walkers, so be aware when hooning down the trails.

Two main carparks offer plenty free parking, but be warned it can get busy on weekends and holidays. Rock up early though and you will get a prime spot and be back before the crowds.

There are three trails of particular note. The Pitfichie Red Climb leading on to Devils Staircase, Macchiato, and Pitfichie Downhill.

Pitfichie Red Climb leading on to Devils Staircase

An enjoyable climb that will improve your fitness as well as your technical climbing skills. The well-maintained trail takes you up onto an undulating path over granite slabs surrounded by heather. As you reach the summit of Cairn William enjoy the amazing views across the Vale of Alford and out to Bennachie before dropping into Devils Staircase. A 2km trail that winds down the hillside incorporating switchbacks, small drops, berms, and rollers, a great trail for the blue trail biker starting to push onto red graded trails.

Macchiato

A pure diamond of a trail. Rough and ready at the top with loose corners and sizeable rocks to navigate. Once you hit the tree line fast berms greet you with plenty of spots to get air and bypass bomb holes and rogue rocks. Well-built and rapid this is one of – if not the best trail at Pitfichie.

Pitfichie Downhill

A well-known and well-used trail this is a classic Pitfichie line. Starting on granite slabs with heather nipping at your heels you transition into the trees with large boulders and roots galore. The trail widens giving the rider ample choice of lines. Trying to pick the best line whilst traveling at speed can play havoc with the mind. Weaving your way through the trees the trail finishes with a sweet drop down to the forest road. An exhilarating trail that is built for the clock.

There are many more epic trails to be found at Pitfichie with some gnarly climbs to push your fitness to the brink. It’s a stunning spot that highlights the epic mountain biking that we have here in the north East.

On a final note, a big shout-out has to go to Aberdeen Trail Association for maintaining the trails, to Forestry and Land Scotland who have supported mountain biking events and continue to support development in Pitfichie Forest, and finally to all the rad bikers that give Pitfichie a sweet vibe with plenty of bike psych.

Words & images: Rach Bennet

Check out Rach’s blog for more trail guides: Back To Bikes