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Heading to Pluscarden, south of Elgin for a few days' riding with a friend and four kids (5-7 y/o). Does anyone have any suggestions for child friendly riding in the area? The 5-year olds will likely be on Towhee bungees, so can potentially cover small non-technical climbs.
I know the trails at Heldon Hill a little, but they're mostly too gnarly for what we're after. I'm thinking that around the Torrieston walks might be worth exploring.
It looks like Sanquhar woods near Forres might be worth a go?
Never been to Quarrel wood outside Elgin. Is that worth exploring with kids?
We will likely do an excursion, to either Glenlivet, Monster Moray, or Aviemore. Anyone with knowledge recommend one over the other? I've ridden all three before, and from memory Glenlivet Blue trail is fairly child friendly single track. How about Monster Moray? I seem to remember the less techy stuff being more fire roads rather than single track. Same with Aviemore, but we were riding to the north in the forestry commission woods (Burnside?). This was quite a while ago though, and things may have changed, or we skipped the appropriate trails, etc etc...?
Thanks in advance for any help.
There's loads of lovely singletrack in and around Roseisle Woods between Findhorn and Burghead. I was there a few weeks ago with some kids in our group and they were having a ball. Mostly, you just want to park up and follow your nose. There are some marked (walking) trails as a starter, just see where they take you. If you park at the main car park then you could head West towards Findhorn too. The Moray Coastal Trail takes you to Findhorn where there are a couple of cafes. Also an excellent cafe in Burghead at the Bothy Bistro.
Moray Monster would be good as a proper MTB ride for them - it's not technical.
Aviemore will be an easier place to find easier riding though - all round the Rothiemurcus estate are forest roads with little paths off them that will be great. It's not proper mountain biking but it's a lovely day out.
Torrieston has some lovely trails and vary in width from broad walking paths to tight and fun singletrack. Keep your eyes peeled on both sides and look for bike tracks!
On the other side of the road the lower Monaughty trails will keep you busy and entertained - don't need to go far, or to chuck yourself down the steeper tech stuff.
Sanquhar is a good shout -- haven't been in ages but good range of trails.
Quarrelwood / Oakwoods is fun as well - lots of choices, some climbing involved and some of the more off piste tracks will be a bit rooty / muddy. Good variety. Even some bits over the east side of the road which are flatter.
-- do check out trails in Lossie woods - several sections, Lossie Forest is strung out in several chucks along to Kinston / Garmouth.
-- also -- very much this actually -- look in detail at Roseisle / Findhorn. Seems flat (by the coast, wooded dunes with trees) but what a variation in trails. From Findhown at west edge right through to Burghead at eastern end. Some gems if you look hard enough.
Monster Trails -- fair bit of fire road, though once you've gained height you can do the Haggis which is good laugh. And tag along friendly.
Glenlivet - can't really speak for the Blue (skills loop as well now). It's a bit of a trek as is Aviemore if you're in Pluscarden already. Aviemore has great options round Loch Morlich and Loch an Eilean. Broad walking trails and little wips of singletrack in between and linking it all up.
Would have thought there's plenty to do without Speyside excursion, with the faf of getting the bikes and kids -- stay local and have fun!
Thanks all. Impressively speedy and detailed replies :).
Will definitely check out Roseisle. We were thinking of an excursion to Findhorn anyway. Knowing there's biking in the woods, I'll move it up the list of priorities. Maybe combine with a visit to Hopeman beach.
Good to know that Torrieston is worth exploring. I've ended up there a few times coming down from Monaughty, but was never evaluating the trails for kiddy suitability.
Thanks again for the info. Lots to look at/research. The knowledge-spreading power of the internet at its best.
give a shout nearer the time. I'm in Elgin.
Thanks kcal. That's very good of you. We're heading up the weekend of July 20/21 (plus a day or two either side, exact dates tbd). Will plan on dropping you a line for a bit of local intel.