Skip to main content

Balblair

Where we are

Latest forest information

  • Candy Mountain, Loopy Loo, and Slab & Tickle will be closed until further notice. A diversion is in place, please follow all onsite signage. See map for diversion routes. 

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

Wild mountain biking and peaceful forest walks

If you're looking for a mountain bike challenge, or peaceful walks to a pond where beasties lurk, this hidden gem is worth seeking out. You can explore its sunny forest glades and high rocky slabs on bike, foot or horseback. There's a sense of wild country on the tops, with views west and east over the hills, while deep in the forest you'll find sheltered clearings full of wildflowers and berries.

Walking trails

Balblair route card (PDF)

Walking

Pond Trail

A short climb through the pine forest to an enchanting little dipping pond.

Moderate climb to dipping pond. Narrow gravel path through trees to a wide forest road. No obstacles.

Strenuous trail grade icon grade icon
1 miles / 1.7 km

Allow ¾ hour

More information

Open forest glades let the sunshine in all the way to a pretty dipping pond. In summer these woodland clearings are home to butterflies and blueberries; in winter there are views to the snowy Struie hills.

Mountain biking trails

Balblair mountain biking route card (PDF)

Mountain Biking

Blue Trail

Grade – Blue: Moderate 2 miles / 3.2 km
Is this trail for you? Find the right grade for your abilities

Grade – Blue: Moderate  fls web icon cycling blue moderate
Expect a mixture of climbs and descents with moderate gradients, technical features like tree roots and rock steps; jumps and berms. Rollable features at controlled speed. Variable surfaces.

Soar through the trees on this twisting trail. An enjoyable quick blast through the trees for competent riders looking to improve their bike handling skills and an ideal warm up for experts attempting the Balblair Black. Work on your balance on the tight twisting sections, then let the good times roll on the smooth downhill Ceilidh Trail. Start at the second car park. Mostly wide gravel paths with some loose sections and long, gentle to moderate slopes. Can be muddy when wet.

Mountain Biking

Black Trail (diverted)

Grade – Black: Severe 4 ½ miles / 7.2 km
Is this trail for you? Find the right grade for your abilities

Grade – Black: Severe  fls web icon cycling black severe
Expect a long and steep climbs, descents, and jumps. Numerous hazards including drop-offs and severe features. Rapid rate of surface change. Commitment required.

A fun and memorable black with technical rock features and fast-flowing downhill. The full, lung-busting climb up Cnoc an Tionail (knock an tinnell - hillock of the gathering) gives you spectacular views before a rock slab descent down Candy Mountain that'll test even the most courageous! Start at the second car park. The route follows the Blue Trail at the start and finish. Mostly loose gravel singletrack with sections of bare rock and boardwalk. Can be muddy and very steep in places.

A trail notice is in effect

Candy Mountain, Loopy Loo, and Slab & Tickle will be closed until further notice. A diversion is in place, please follow all onsite signage. See map for diversion routes. 

Facilities and access

Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area

The nearest public toilets and café are less than a mile away in Bonar Bridge. You can hire bikes from shops in nearby Ardgay and Tain.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

Balblair is 1 mile north of Bonar Bridge on the A836 road to Lairg.

Using SatNav?

IV24 3EE is the nearest postcode, on the edge of Bonar Bridge.

Public transport

The nearest bus stop is in Bonar Bridge, 1 mile walk from the forest. If you have a bike, Ardgay train station is an easy 2 mile cycle away. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

Ancient woodland, Atlantic salmon and thundering falls

Facilities and activities
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Play area
Play area
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Distance from 'Falls of Shin': 5.78 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Descend down by Allt Mor burn into Raven's Rock Gorge

Facilities and activities
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Raven's Rock': 8.14 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Ancient monuments, scenic views and gentle lochside trails

Facilities and activities
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Play area
Play area
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Tourist information
Tourist information
Cafe or refreshments
Cafe or refreshments
Distance from 'Ferrycroft': 8.38 miles