4.8
(20)
260
riders
56
rides
Mountain biking around Heldon Wood offers a diverse landscape for riders, characterized by extensive woodlands like Monaughty Wood and Castle Hill Wood, providing varied forest trails. The region features moderate elevation changes, with some routes incorporating viewpoints and hills under 200m. Riders can also find routes that extend towards coastal areas, such as Findhorn Beach, offering a mix of terrain. The network includes options for different ability levels, from easy forest tracks to more challenging moderate routes.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
7
riders
13.2km
01:28
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
38.7km
02:27
130m
130m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5
riders
31.7km
02:38
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
17
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
20.1km
01:40
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The pine forest, planted in the 1930s, is criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails and offers wonderful relaxation. It is wonderful to walk along the beach in one direction and through the forest in the other. In stormy weather, the forest offers shelter from the wind and in the car park there are toilets (closed in winter), a playground and a food truck. It is free on foot, by bike and on horseback, but very moderate parking fees apply if you drive.
1
0
As noted the distillery is closed until further notice. You can walk around and peak in the windows but not much else. Check the website to confirm. Guessing it won’t reopen over the winter season.
0
0
basically the whole of this area the forest is built on sand because of a big gale many years ago
0
0
The sea is starting to eat away at the trail however its still passible with care.
0
0
Great climb to to the windfarm, with great views back over to Eglin and Lossie
0
0
Steep climb with great views over Elgin
0
0
The abbey was founded in 1150 by King David I and was first colonised by monks from Melrose Abbey. It received its Papal Bull from Pope Alexander III in 1174, and later came under the protection of the Bishop of Moray in 1187. The abbey went on to become one of the largest and wealthiest religious houses in Scotland, receiving the valuable salmon fishing rights on the River Findhorn from Robert the Bruce in 1312.
0
0
Heldon Wood offers a good selection of mountain bike trails, with over 60 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy forest tracks to more challenging moderate paths, ensuring options for various skill levels.
Yes, Heldon Wood has a significant number of trails suitable for beginners, with 25 routes classified as easy. These typically involve gentler terrain through the woodlands, perfect for those new to mountain biking or looking for a relaxed ride.
Trail lengths vary, but many popular routes range from 8 to over 40 kilometers. For example, the Monaughty Wood High Track loop from Torrieston is about 13.1 km and takes around 1 hour 26 minutes, while the longer Heldon Wood – Castle Hill Wood loop from Dallas covers 44.1 km and can take over 3.5 hours.
While the majority of trails are easy to moderate, there is at least one route classified as difficult for experienced riders seeking a greater challenge. These routes may feature steeper climbs, technical descents, or more rugged terrain.
Many of the easier trails through the extensive woodlands are suitable for families. These routes often have well-maintained surfaces and gentle gradients, providing a pleasant experience for riders of all ages. Look for trails marked as 'easy' on komoot.
Parking is generally available at common access points to the woodlands, such as near Torrieston or Dallas, which serve as starting points for many routes. Specific parking information can often be found in the route descriptions on komoot.
Heldon Wood is enjoyable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides can be invigorating, though trails may be muddier. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Heldon Wood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Monaughty Wood High Track loop from Torrieston and the Findhorn Beach – The Captain's Table loop from Alves.
The extensive woodlands of Heldon Wood are home to various wildlife. Riders might spot deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out, especially in quieter sections of the forest, and always respect their natural habitat.
Yes, some routes extend beyond the immediate woodlands to incorporate coastal scenery. The Findhorn Beach – The Captain's Table loop from Alves is a notable example, offering a diverse ride through both woodland and coastal areas near Findhorn Beach.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the peaceful woodland environment, and the well-maintained paths that cater to different skill levels.
Yes, some trails incorporate viewpoints that offer scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The One Tree Hill Viewpoint – War Memorial, Dallas, Moray loop from Dallas is an example of a route that includes a notable viewpoint.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.