Some rides just stay with you forever — and this was one of them.
Heartbreak Ridge might sound brutal, but for us it was pure joy, fulfilment, and one of the most epic MTB days we’ve ever had in the Cairngorms.
This adventure started from the stunning Cairngorm Bothies, our off-grid accommodation for the trip, before being picked up by Callum from Bothies & Bannocks for a full day of shuttles and riding.
First up: the flowing off-piste reds and blues of Birse Forest near Aboyne. Then, onto the legendary Heartbreak Ridge in Ballater — loved by thousands of riders every year, and for good reason. Big climbs, breathtaking views, and a descent that leaves you buzzing for days!
Massive thanks to Callum for making this day possible — check out Bothies & Bannocks if you’re planning your own Aberdeenshire adventure.
https://www.bothiesandbannocks.co.uk/
Here are the details of the Endless Trails tours
https://www.endlesstrailsmtb.com/scotland
https://www.endlesstrailsmtb.com/torridon-skye
And Callum McBains aberdeenshire epic tour:
https://www.dialledincoaching.com/aberdeenshireepic
And if you’re looking for a truly unique MTB base you should definitely check out the Cairgorm bothies here:
https://www.cairngormbothies.co.uk/
I am proud to be a Rider Resilience ambassador. Please keep an eye on our socials for group ride announcements and come along and share our collective passion for riding with a friendly and supportive group!
@riderresilience
#RiderResilience #BikesAreMedicine #RideItOut
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00:00 Intro trailer
02:47 welcome to the bothies
04:48 introducing Bothies and Bannocks
05:48 Birse Forest Aboyne
17:09 Cycle Highlands – Ballater tour
19:11 Heartbreak Ridge
14 Comments
Love this edit, loved this trip!
Plenty stuff to check out here if you’re heading up in this direction.
The bothies are awesome as is Calum’s adventure tours!
Can’t wait to head back up 🎉❤
Nice one dude. I think you should move up here🤣. As for Calum he is getting lairy on the bike 🤣
Epic video! Great edit and awesome scenery and riding. It looks amazing👍
Brilliant edit bud, looking forward to getting you back for more ❤ thanks for supporting Bothies & Bannocks ❤
Drone really captures the scenery eh? Some beautiful places to ride 👌
Beautiful part of the world! Great video, as always, and gorgeous trails 👍
Awesome vid mate , it’s looks class up there
Connor was riding so good….bet you are super stoked 💪🤟
Love the Aberdeenshire dirt 👏
Where is the huts at the start of the video? Looks really nice!
Also, I think Anna B should have her own show 🤩🤩
Beautiful edit. That intro was pretty epic.
Brilliant content as ever and some more places for me to check out in September as we are now planning on heading up that way soon 👊🏻
Awesome video. Just back from a few days in that area and did same trails as you, thanks for inspiration!
Amazing edit! Stayed at the bothies and did Heatbreak Ridge and Tarland with my two boys a couple of weeks ago. We have stayed at various places up there over the years.. but the bothies are something special.