Quad trekking is the best-known of the activities run by the Rothiemurchus estate, two kilometres from Aviemore at Inverdruie, and it is the one that generates the most enthusiastic accounts. You ride a quad bike, in a guided group, along the estate’s forest tracks through the Caledonian pinewood, with the Cairngorms above you.
It is not a race and it is not a thrill ride. It is a way of covering ground on a large Highland estate at a pace that lets you look at it, with someone who knows the place explaining what you are passing.
Groups are small and guided throughout. There is a full briefing on the machines before you set off, and the tracks are the estate’s own — forest roads, water crossings and open ground rather than a purpose-built course.
Treks run in different lengths, from a short introductory ride to longer routes further into the estate. The guides stop at intervals to talk about the forest, the wildlife and the estate’s history, and there is usually a chance to see the estate’s Highland cattle.
Waterproofs and wellingtons are provided; you will get some water on you at the crossings, which is part of it.
Adults ride solo. Younger riders can generally go as passengers with an adult, and there are minimum ages both for riding and for carrying a passenger — they vary by trek, so check when booking.
No previous experience is needed. The overwhelming majority of people on these treks have never sat on a quad before, and the operation is set up on that assumption; the guides are consistently singled out for their patience with nervous riders, including some considerably older than the average.
Rothiemurchus is a working Highland estate with a substantial activity operation from the Rothiemurchus Centre at Inverdruie:
Clay pigeon shooting and air rifle ranges.
Fishing — fly fishing on the estate lochs and salmon fishing on the Spey, with tuition available.
Off-road driving in 4x4s on the estate tracks.
Highland cattle experiences, feeding and meeting the fold.
Guided walks and ranger-led wildlife trips, including ranger walks looking for the pinewood specialists.
TreeZone, an aerial rope course in the pines.
And the farm shop and café at the centre, which is a good stop in its own right.
The Rothiemurchus estate covers the pinewood between Aviemore and the Cairngorms — one of the largest surviving fragments of the Caledonian forest, holding capercaillie, Scottish crossbill, crested tit, red squirrel and osprey. The tracks the treks use are the estate’s working roads.
Our Rothiemurchus page covers the estate itself, and Loch an Eilein covers its best-known corner.
Booking is required. The treks run to a timetable and small group sizes mean they fill, particularly in summer and school holidays.
Clothing: waterproofs and boots are supplied, but wear layers underneath — you are outdoors and moving.
Weather: treks run in most conditions. This is the Highlands and rain is not a cancellation.
Time: allow an hour and a half to two and a half hours depending on the trek booked.
Getting there: the Rothiemurchus Centre at Inverdruie is two kilometres from Aviemore on the Loch an Eilein road, walkable or cyclable from the town, with parking on site.
No. Full instruction is given and most people on these treks have never ridden one before.
Younger riders can usually go as passengers with an adult; minimum ages vary by trek, so check when booking.
Yes. Group sizes are small and treks fill, particularly in summer.
Treks go ahead in most weather. Waterproofs and wellingtons are provided.
Clay shooting, fishing, off-road driving, Highland cattle experiences, ranger-led wildlife walks and an aerial rope course, all booked at the Rothiemurchus Centre.