Balblair
Balblair Forest Notice
COVID-19 has changed lots of things we do. And as we re-open the majority of our facilities and welcome more of you back in Phase 3, we need your help to do it safely. Please check what’s open before you travel; enjoy your visit safely by following NHS and Scottish Government guidance; take your litter home with you; and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At this location:
- The car park is open and normal charges (if any) now apply.
- All mountain biking trails are closed. Before they can reopen, we need to check they are safe, carry out any necessary repairs, clear fallen trees and branches and remove fly tipping and litter.
Please bear with us and check back regularly for updates. You can also find more information by visiting our COVID-19 page and our FAQs.
The repair works at Balblair have been suspended. Mountaing biking trails will have to remain closed after physical distancing regulations are lifted to complete the works.
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.
Balblair Mountain Bike Trails Guide Map (PDF 721KB)
Guide map to the Forests of the Far North (PDF 6MB)
Walking trails
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.
Allow ¾ hour
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.
Pine Trail
Climb up through pine, larch and spruce forest for hilltop views across the Kyle of Sutherland.
Long fairly steep slopes for 400m. Mostly firm but uneven gravel surface. Some grassy and earthy sections that may be muddy. One narrow opening.
Allow 2 hours
Some short sections are shared with mountain bike trails and horse riders, so please watch out for bikes and horses. The Pine Trail follows the same route as the Pond Trail from the car park to the dipping pond.
Mountain biking trails
Blue Trail (closed)
Soar through the trees on this twisting trail.
Mostly wide gravel paths with some loose sections and long, gentle to moderate slopes. Can be muddy when wet.
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.
Black Trail (closed)
Top of the world rock slab.
Mostly loose gravel singletrack with sections of bare rock and boardwalk. Can be muddy and very steep in places.
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.
Facilities & access
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.
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 in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?