Tarland/Aberdeenshi...
 

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Tarland/Aberdeenshire suggestions please

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Thinking of spending a couple of days there next week. It's a long old haul from where I live but I'd like to have a look at the Tarland trail centre as I've heard great things about it and Aberdeenshire in general.

Where should I also ride other than the trail centre?

And where would you suggest stopping over a night or 2 in a van?

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 9:36 am
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Tarland is very samey and groomed, loads of berms and tabletop jumps, big wide trails. Nice views at the top of a pretty big climb. I’d have a look then focus on Aboyne and Ballater. Loads of stuff on Trailforks. Braemar if you fancy a bigger hill ride. 

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 10:28 am
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Oh, and it seems an e-bike is mandatory at Tarland 😉

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 10:30 am
hairyscary reacted
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This might be useful, was similar chat last week.....

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/bike-forum/wwstwd-heartbreak-ridge-or-tarland-trails/#post-13645681  

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 10:58 am
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@spacey that's super useful thanks! I did a search before posting and this didn't come up lol which seems to be a permanent gremlin of the stw forums.

No ebike here @dander (yet...), I love a good climb as much as a descent. Cheers will check out those 2 locations.

Heartbreak Ridge sounds like it needs to be done, I'll need to find a gpx

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 11:27 am
spacey reacted
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From what I've heard, check out Aboyne too for good natural trails. Heartbreak Ridge, Mastermind, etc. around Ballater are way better for my type of riding than Tarland (although that can be a fun afternoon). Check out the Cycle Highlands bike shop in Ballater for good trail advice in the area.

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 12:21 pm
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Shite weather forecast for this weekend so we're doing Tarland rather than HBR (that was my post linked above).

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 12:58 pm
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Aboyne trails are great.

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 2:36 pm
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I used to live in Aboyne and would definitely recommend Aboyne/Ballater loop

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 3:27 pm
imnotamused reacted
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@gooner666 have you got a gpx for that loop by any chance?

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 4:08 pm
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I don’t think so but I may be able to do one - lull have a look later and pm you

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 4:30 pm
imnotamused reacted
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https://www.trailforks.com/route/heart-break-ridge-ballater-circular/   

just follow your nose not sure you'll need a gpx 

 

 

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 5:05 pm
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Ha just seen "the impossible rock garden" on that trailforks link 😂

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 5:07 pm
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Posted by: dander

Oh, and it seems an e-bike is mandatory at Tarland 😉

Like most trail centres these days....

And while it is very 'artificial', railing this is always going to be a giggle...

https://flic.kr/p/2qsES8Y

 

 

 
Posted : 22/10/2025 6:21 pm
imnotamused reacted

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