4.0
(15)
118
riders
27
rides
Mountain biking around Downfield And Brackens offers varied terrain, characterized by prominent hills and scenic valleys. The region features elevations such as Craigowl Hill, reaching 455 meters, and Kinpurnie Hill, providing expansive views. Riders can find routes that traverse open landscapes and pass by natural features like Clatto Reservoir and the Strathmore Valley. This area provides a mix of challenging climbs and more gentle paths suitable for mountain biking.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
1
riders
60.1km
03:53
910m
910m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
3.0
(1)
7
riders
8.35km
00:40
90m
90m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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4.0
(1)
6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
31.5km
02:19
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
1
riders
23.0km
01:37
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Popular around Downfield And Brackens
The V&A Dundee is the first design museum in Scotland and the first Victoria and Albert Museum outside London. It is also the first building in the United Kingdom designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Tuesdays from November to March. Admission is free. More information: https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
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It wasnt a Mountain Bike , it was a hybrid, A Carerra Crossfire 2. It is a good route despite two stars. From Rosemill to Dronley that is usually the enjoyable bit for me, although its gettinv quite overgrown now with Hogweed, some of the track has been impacted by the winter flooding and there are worn channels on the path. other than that i quite enjoy the route. i was away to do the next stretch beyond the Dronley Car Park, but too much hogweed groeing across the gravel track, i turned aboot and went back onto the road taking me to Birkhill. it was a nice night, pretty windy, thankfully going up the Dronley Road It was sheltered. It was good to get out though, Just what the doctor ordered (and Ive not been to the Doctors, figure of speech 🤣) 👍
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Nice views. Whilst the very narrow dirt path that runs past this point is smooth enough to ride, the dense heather hanging over the path poses a significant risk to the bike's derailleur.
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A plentiful supply and mix of dirt and gravel paths and tracks.
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For Trail MTB explorers on an adventure. A selection of dirt tracks and paths through and around this community wood. There's a free car park at the northwest corner with an information board. After rain, there's plenty of mud for entertainment. If required, there's easy access south and west to the excellent path on the former Dundee and Newtyle Railway track.
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In March 2024, the main track through the woods was well and truly blocked by fallen trees.
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Craigowl Hill, towering at 455m just north of Dundee, offers breathtaking 360-degree views, making it a prime spot for biking enthusiasts. The climb to the summit is on a steep, well-paved road, challenging but entirely manageable particularly on an electric bike, thanks to the added boost. With both a lower vehicle gate featuring a pedestrian wicket for easy access and an upper gate with a cattle grid, the ascent is straightforward. Starting from the large, free community car park in Balkello Woods, riders can choose between the exhilarating return down the same road or venturing off-road on several dirt single-track paths through the enchanting Balkello Woods. This route promises an unforgettable adventure with both the thrill of the climb and the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
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There are over 30 mountain bike trails available around Downfield And Brackens, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
Yes, the area offers several easier routes. You can find 6 easy trails and 23 moderate trails, providing options for those new to mountain biking or looking for a more relaxed family outing. A good moderate option is the Clatto Reservoir loop from Bridgefoot, which is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) long and offers a pleasant ride around the reservoir.
The trails often provide stunning panoramic views. For example, the Craigowl Hill Summit – View of Strathmore Valley loop from Balluderon Stone offers expansive vistas of the Strathmore Valley. Reaching the summit of Craigowl Hill, which stands at 455 meters, rewards riders with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Scottish landscape. Kinpurney Tower on Kinpurnie Hill also provides excellent panoramic views.
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, the area has options. The From Auchterhouse to Keillor Hill and Long Loch loop is a challenging 37.4 miles (60.1 km) trail that explores a diverse landscape including hills and a loch, taking approximately 3 hours 53 minutes to complete.
You can encounter several natural features and attractions. The trails often pass by prominent hills like Craigowl Hill and offer views of the Strathmore Valley. You might also ride near the Clatto Reservoir or catch a View of Long Loch. The region also features areas like Templeton Woods.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Downfield And Brackens are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Clatto Reservoir loop from Bridgefoot and the Craigowl Hill Summit – View of Strathmore Valley loop from Balluderon Stone.
The mountain bike trails in Downfield And Brackens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 100 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and challenging climbs.
Yes, for experienced riders, there are challenging routes available. The From Auchterhouse to Keillor Hill and Long Loch loop is classified as difficult, covering over 60 km with significant elevation gain, making it suitable for advanced mountain bikers.
While the primary focus is on natural landscapes, the broader region around Downfield And Brackens does have historical sites. You can find highlights such as Mains Castle and Broughty Castle nearby. These are not directly on the mountain bike trails listed but are points of interest in the vicinity.
While mountain biking is possible year-round, the spring and summer months typically offer the most favorable conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though trails may be wetter. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, Templeton Woods is a notable area for mountain biking. The Tiso Outdoor Store Dundee – Templeton Woods loop from Dundee is a moderate 31.5 km route that takes you through this area. Another option is the View of the Sidlaw Hills – Templeton Woods loop from Ardler, which is 22.9 km long.


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