3.8
(3)
103
riders
5
rides
Mountain biking around Gourdon offers diverse landscapes, from limestone plateaus to dense chestnut and oak forests. The terrain features undulating sections, technical singletrack, and varied gradients, providing a range of riding experiences. This region, often called the "Eagle's Nest," provides panoramic views across the Côte d'Azur, extending to the Mediterranean Sea and the Pre-Alps. The area is characterized by wild canyons, hills, and extensive plateaus.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
3.0
(1)
2
riders
36.0km
03:36
870m
870m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
37
riders
40.1km
03:47
900m
900m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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32
riders
24.6km
02:20
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
11.6km
01:02
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
4
riders
41.5km
03:43
830m
830m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A great local bothy and the most eastern in the Cairngorms (ish) region. Part of the MBA network of bothies. if planning to stay then dont forget to check https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/volunteer/work-party-information/ for work party dates.
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Local Shop in AUCHENBLAE provides a great option for food if the cafe is shut. Friendly welcoming place with coffee machine ☕
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Lovely quiet road that passes through Paldyfair Wood
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If you continue 1km further wast on the road you will reach the gothic style Episcopal church which is part of the Drumtochty estate grounds.
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If you plan on heading North over the Cairn o Mount and further inland this is the last refuse stop for supplies for a while with some exposed and very steep paved terrain and even more ascent off road. If heading South from the Cairn O Mount descent the Clattering Brig is the last supply stop before Laurencekirk with railway access, and Fettercairn.
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Small bothy in Glen Dye, which makes for an OK refuge for the night especially in bad weather. No fire or stove. Link to the bothy site: https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/eastern-highlands/charr/
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One of the more interesting Marilyns of the area, you might need a GPS to help find the trig point in amongst the rows of trees planted here.
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Small bothy in Glen Dye. OK refuge for the night especially in bad weather. No fire or stove. Link to the Bothy site : https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/eastern-highlands/charr/
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There are several mountain bike trails around Gourdon, offering a range of experiences. Komoot features 5 routes, with options for various skill levels.
Yes, Gourdon offers easy mountain bike trails. For a less challenging ride, consider the Premier News – Saint Palladius Church loop from Auchenblae, which is 7.2 miles (11.6 km) long and features a manageable elevation gain of 220 meters.
The terrain around Gourdon is diverse, featuring a mix of limestone plateaus ('causse'), scree, and dense chestnut and oak forests. You'll encounter undulating sections, technical singletrack, and varied gradients, providing a rich and engaging riding experience.
Absolutely. Gourdon, known as the 'Eagle's Nest,' offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the Côte d'Azur, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pre-Alps. Trails often provide expansive vistas of the sea and the Pre-Alps, especially from plateaus like Cavillore.
For longer rides, you might enjoy the Strathfinella Hill – Strathfinella Hill Trig Point loop from Laurencekirk, which covers 24.9 miles (40.1 km) with an elevation gain of 898 meters. Another option is the Mid Hill Wind Farm Plateau – Charr Bothy loop from Auchenblae, spanning 25.5 miles (41.1 km) with 826 meters of ascent.
The mountain bike trails in Gourdon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 100 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, appreciating the diverse landscapes and engaging rides.
Yes, the Gourdon area is rich in natural beauty. You can find several waterfalls and natural monuments, including Crawton Waterfall, Woodston Burn Waterfall and Rocks, and Den Finella Waterfall. The dramatic Gorges du Loup also features spectacular cliffs and refreshing waterfalls like Saut du Loup.
Beyond the trails, Gourdon itself is a medieval village classified as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France,' with historic architecture. Nearby, you can visit the Ecclesgreig Old Church and Nether Kirkyard, or enjoy the coastal views from Fowlsheugh Cliffs and Seabird Colony.
Many of the trails around Gourdon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Strathinella Hill, Paldyfair Woods and Drumtochty Forest loop is a popular circular route covering 22.4 miles (36.0 km).
Gourdon's Mediterranean climate generally makes it suitable for mountain biking for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be warm but still enjoyable, especially in forested areas. Winter conditions are generally mild, though some higher elevation trails might be affected by weather.
Yes, many of the trails in Gourdon are suitable for electrically-assisted mountain bikes (VTTAEs). The area is part of the 'Base VTT FF Vélo' label, indicating its suitability for various skill levels and bike types, including e-bikes.


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