Question 1

Are there opening times for the car parks?

Accepted Answer

The car parks at both Drummy Woods and Pittenderich are open 24/7

We will only ever shut the car parks in the case of emergency or very severe weather. Please remember that our lease prevents over night parking and camping; doing so could effect the future of the trails.

Remember to pay for your parking too! Or buy a season pass.

Question 2

How much does it cost to park at the trails?

Accepted Answer

Drummy Woods and Pittenderich have a few parking price options.

All of the proceeds from parking go straight back into maintaining, creating and promoting the trails. Paying for parking means the trails will be here forever.
£3 for a half day
£5 for a full day
£40 per car for a year pass
£80 per minibus for a year pass

Question 3

Is there uplift at the trails?

Accepted Answer

We don't run uplift at either Drummy Woods or Pittenderich.

Drummy Woods has easy going climbs that are suitable for all ages and fitness. Pittenderich has much longer climbs but they are all purpose built and never overly steep.

From time to time you may see team vehicles up at the Pittenderich trails.  Especially during digs higher up there may be the opportunity to take you bike up with us....this is the closest thing we have to uplift.  For helping dig your reward is a free ride down!

Question 4

What's in Tarland?

Accepted Answer

Tarland is a small, thriving town in rural Aberdeenshire.

With shops, a cafe, bars, hotels and more it's the ideal place to fuel up before and after your ride. Why not make a trip of it and stay in one of the hotels and be on the trails in ten minutes by bike?

0.4miles from Drummy Woods and 0.9miles from Pittenderich.

Question 5

Is there a cafe at the trails?

Accepted Answer

We don't have a cafe on site at the trails.

We encourage you to ride down into the centre of Tarland and visit the Tarland Tearooms. Parking in The Square is chaotic at the best of times! They have great food and great service! Equally The Commercial and Aberdeen Arms also do food and drinks. Go check them out.

Question 6

What amenities are in the car parks?

Accepted Answer

Pittenderich has a large car park with several amenities and Drummy Woods is small with none.

Pittenderich has space for around 120 cars plus an overflow hardstanding area (thanks to a local farmer). It has toilets, a shelter and numerous picnic benches. Drummy Woods is a small car park with no amenities of it's own except some picnic benches.

Tarland has several shops, restaurants and bars plus public services. We highly encourage you to head in and make use of them (by bike if possible).

Question 7

Is there a bike wash?

Accepted Answer

Being installed in late 2025 or early 2026

We secured funding from Aberdeenshire Council and sponsorship.  Watch this space.

Question 8

Where does all the parking cash go?

Accepted Answer

Your money goes back into the trails to sustain, maintain and improve Tarland Trails.

Tarland Trails is part of the Tarland Development Group, a charity focused on improving the area in and around Tarland for it's residents. Every contribution helps us to improve and maintain the trails, as well as supporting wider projects to benefit Tarland and the local community.

Question 9

Can I park overnight at the carparks?

Accepted Answer

Overnight parking is strictly prohibited at both Drummy Woods and Pittenderich car parks.

Our lease agreement for both areas says we can't allow overnight parking and any breaking of these terms could jeopardise the future of the trails. There are fantastic serviced campsites in Tarland, Alford, Banchory and Ballater which are all close by.

Question 10

Can I camp at the trails?

Accepted Answer

Camping is strictly prohibted at both Drummy Woods and Pittenderich trails.

Our lease agreement for both areas says we can't allow camping and any breaking of these terms could jeopardise the future of the trails. There are fantastic serviced campsites in Tarland, Alford, Banchory and Ballater which are all close by.

Question 11

Can I hire bikes at Tarland Trails?

Accepted Answer

Not yet....

For now the nearest hire is in Ballater or Banchory

Bike Station, Ballater:
https://www.bikestationballater.co.uk/bike-hire

Banchory Cycles:
https://www.banchorycycles.com/

Question 12

Can I ride my Surron at Tarland Trails?

Accepted Answer

We do not accept the visit of Sir Rons.  No throttle controlled bikes are permitted of any make, type or size.  This includes children's motocross bikes / balance bikes e.g. REVVI KID'S ELECTRIC BALANCE BIKE

The landowners do not permit motorised access to their land without permission.

Under Scottish Outdoor Access Code, access rights do not extend to the use of motorised vehicles; meaning you cannot drive a car or other motorized vehicle across most land in Scotland unless you are using a designated vehicle access point or have specific permission from the landowner.

Exceptions for disabled people:
Individuals with disabilities may use adapted motorised vehicles for access if necessary. 
e.g Bowhead Reach Adaptive bikes.

Question 13

Can I buy Tarland Trails merchandise?

Accepted Answer

We do not hold stock of Tarland Trails merchandise.

From time to time we will do bulk orders of t-shirts or Fortan jerseys - Keep an eye on socials or subscribe to our mailing list.

If you order a parking pass you will get some TT stickers.

Frequently asked questions