4.4
(93)
963
riders
80
rides
Mountain biking around Ardersier And Petty offers routes through a landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open countryside near the Moray Firth. The area features a mix of forest tracks and rural paths, providing varied terrain for mountain bikers. Elevation changes are generally moderate, with some routes incorporating longer climbs.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
4.5
(2)
10
riders
16.6km
01:25
170m
170m
Easy 10.3-mile (16.6 km) mountain bike loop through Culloden Woods, combining woodland scenery with historic sites like the Culloden Battlef
3.3
(3)
5
riders
24.1km
01:56
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
20
riders
46.0km
03:48
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
10
riders
24.0km
02:14
570m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
9
riders
8.11km
00:46
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Among the most important Jacobite clans at Culloden were the Cameron, Fraser, MacDonald, Murray, Drummond, MacLean, and Stewart of Appin. On the government side, the Argyll Militia – largely composed of men of the Clan Campbell – formed the most significant Scottish clan contingent. Many clans fielded fighters for both sides, and some were internally divided. Culloden was not simply a confrontation between Highland and Lowland, but a civil war within Scotland that ran across clans, families, and communities.
0
0
Amazing to see these Cairns still intact after all these centuries!
0
0
History you can touch that gives you goosebumps.
0
1
The gardens are beautiful and very well-kept
0
0
Battlefield of the last military conflict between Scots and English in 1746
0
0
Battlefield Restaurant and Bar close by at the corner, parking and Wifi, affordable yummy sides (if you're on a budget; vegetarian options), very friendly staff (and if you're a woman traveling alone with a mid-sized backpack you'll find the ladies roomy enough for that). Was welcomed as a walk-in, but came at a slow time off season.
0
0
An optional little loop taking you through some forest, maybe 5 to 10 minutes if you walk normally, but really pretty in good weather. Rather narrow, foot trail throughout. There's been some care put into it, to make it passable even on rainy days by laying out treading stones/woods in the worst patches, but I wouldn't recommend it. Was glad ground was still almost frozen when I went and still sagged down some millimeters on a few treading stones. Only go with proper footwear, or avoid (as the loop is only a nice extra). Road traffic audible throughout since close to the road (was lucky to have come at a not-busy time).
0
0
This is part of the Battlefield Walks coming from Culloden Battlefield and or Clava Cairns, even road (asphalt), good for cycling or walking on rainy days
0
0
Mountain bike trails in Ardersier And Petty vary in length. For example, the Culloden Woods loop is about 10.3 miles (16.6 km), while the Culloden Viaduct – Cawdor Castle and Gardens loop from Culloden extends to 28.0 miles (45.0 km). You'll find options ranging from shorter loops to longer, more extensive rides.
Yes, Ardersier And Petty offers several easy mountain bike trails. An excellent option for beginners is the From Tornagrain to Dallaschyle Wood loop, which is 14.9 miles (24.1 km) and connects rural villages with forested sections, providing a gentle introduction to the area's terrain.
For more experienced mountain bikers, there are moderate routes that offer greater challenges. The Culloden Viaduct – Culloden Viaduct loop from Smithton is a moderate 24.1-mile (24.1 km) trail with significant elevation changes, providing a more demanding ride through varied landscapes.
Absolutely. The region features a mix of forest tracks and rural paths, with many routes suitable for families. Easy loops like the Culloden Woods loop are popular choices, offering pleasant rides through woodlands without overly technical sections.
Many of the mountain bike trails in Ardersier And Petty are designed as circular routes, making them convenient for exploration. Examples include the Culloden Woods loop and the From Tornagrain to Dallaschyle Wood loop, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
The best time for mountain biking in Ardersier And Petty is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and trails are drier. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can be wet and muddy, and daylight hours are shorter.
The mountain bike trails in Ardersier And Petty primarily consist of forest tracks and rural paths. Conditions can vary with weather; expect some muddy sections after rain, especially in wooded areas. Generally, the terrain is well-suited for mountain biking, offering a mix of hard-packed surfaces and natural ground.
Yes, several trails pass by historical sites and offer scenic views. For instance, the Culloden Viaduct – Cawdor Castle and Gardens loop from Culloden takes you past historical landmarks. You can also find highlights like the Culloden Battlefield Memorial Cairn and Clava Cairns nearby, which are significant historical sites.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 70 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, which includes rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open countryside, as well as the historical context of some routes.
While specific 'hidden gems' are often discovered through local exploration, routes like the Wood Chip Path – St Mary's Well (Clootie Well) loop from Culloden offer a less-trafficked experience, leading to unique local attractions like St Mary's Well (Clootie Well).
While specific cafes directly on the trails are limited, routes often pass near villages or towns where you can find refreshments. For example, trails around Culloden are close to amenities. The Inverness Victorian Market, though a short distance away, offers various options.
Parking availability can vary depending on the specific trailhead. Many routes utilize forest access points or start near villages where limited parking might be available. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.


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