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Pitfichie
Where we are
Latest forest information
9 May 2024: Whitehills Car Park is now open for access to Cairn William. The Downhill Car Park and access to Pitfichie Hill remain closed due to ongoing harvesting in the area.
About
Walking and mountain biking across granite hilltop trails
Pitfichie’s trails lead through varied forest and across open hill tops, with wide views of the Vale of Alford and Bennachie. Mountain bikers can find exciting rides through real countryside on a red-grade trail across granite hill tops, as well as a challenging downhill route.
Walking trails
Walking
Cairn William Trail
A long circuit around the foot of Cairn William, passing Whitehills Stone Circle and providing great views of Bennachie and the Vale of Alford. Suitable on foot, bike or horseback.
Long steep slopes. Mostly wide and firm gravel surface, with some grassy sections. Includes exposed tree roots and muddy sections.
11 ½ miles / 18.6 km
Allow 7 ½ hours
More information
This trail takes you all the way round Cairn William and it’s great for runners, mountain bikers, horse riders and walkers who want a good workout. For a shorter route, try just going to the Whitehills stone circle, about a quarter of an hour from the car park: you’ll still find a grand view.
On the way, look out for some of the forest’s wildlife: you might spot, coal tits, goldcrests, Scottish crossbills or long tail tits. Ospreys often fly overhead in the summer: they nest close to the River Don.
Mountain biking trails
Mountain Biking
Granite Top Trail
Grade – Red: Difficult
4 miles / 6.4 km
Is this trail for you? Find the right grade for your abilities
Grade – Red: Difficult 
Expect a mixture of steep climbs, descents and / or avoidable features. Larger jumps, berms and rollable features at controlled speed. Technical features such as tree roots, drop-offs and large rocks. Very variable surfaces.
Fast singletrack with some great natural rock features, suitable for good mountain bikers. Branching off the Cairn William Trail, you’re soon tackling a challenging climb with some rocky obstacles. From the top of the hill there’s a superb panorama over the surrounding countryside: a perfect place for a breather on a summer’s evening.
After that you’ll need to tread carefully on The Devil’s Staircase – a lively technical descent with some tight switchbacks and a few small drops. Then you can drop back down to the Cairn William Trail, or head up and over Pitfichie Hill to find the Downhill Trail. Remember to ride only in the direction of the arrows, from west to east. The trail branches off the Cairn William Trail near the King’s Stane. Watch for marker post number 16.
Mountain Biking
Pitfichie Downhill Trail (closed)
Grade – Orange: Extreme
1 miles / 1.6 km
Is this trail for you? Find the right grade for your abilities
Grade – Orange: Extreme 
Suitable for extreme level riders with expert technical skills & good fitness. Technical bike skills important. Jumping ability obligatory. Expect extreme levels of exposure and risk, large features.
Championship-grade downhill action. The Scottish Downhill Association have often run their Championship Series here – and it’s easy to see why. First up, there’s a fast section over granite slabs and jumps, then an awesome drop and a plunge through the forest on a rough trail of roots and rocks. The lower section’s a bit smoother, with more drops and a big step near the finish. Two hundred metres of descent, adrenaline pumping all the way! It’s a long climb to get back to the start, but well worth it.
The trail is recommended for expert downhill mountain bikers only, with a high quality downhill machine. It would be dangerous for walkers or horse riders to use it. The Downhill Trail starts from the summit of Pitfichie Hill. Follow the Cairn William and Granite Top Trails to get there.
Facilities and access
The nearest public toilets are in Alford. There are place to eat in Monymusk and Alford.
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.
Getting here
The entrance to Pitfichie forest is on the north side of the B993 between Monymusk and Tillyfourie. Look for the turn-off signed for 'Pitfichie Forest cycle trails'.
Using SatNav?
AB51 7SS is the nearest postcode. If searching by name, don't confuse the forest with the small hamlet of Pitfichie which is 3½ miles away.
Public transport
Buses between Monymusk and Alford pass close to Pitfichie. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
Nearby forests
The best views of Bennachie on a quieter walk to the summit
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Donview': 3.69 miles
The best place to start for Bennachie first-timers
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Bennachie Visitor Centre': 5.86 miles
A favourite start point for those climbing Oxen Craig
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Back o’ Bennachie': 7.03 miles
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