Tarland combines purpose-built mountain bike trails with historic buildings in the village and the Bronze Age Tomnaverie Stone Circle nearby. A cycling and walking route between Tarland and Aboyne, along with recurring events in August and late September, adds to the range of options. You can tailor your stay to cycling trails, local history, archaeological heritage or a particular event date.
Mountain Bike Trails and Routes
Tarland Trails is a network of purpose-built mountain bike trails on the slopes of Pittenderich and in Drummy Woods. The trails in Drummy Woods are suitable for beginners through to intermediate riders. The Pittenderich trails include sweeping bends, berms, jumps and technically challenging riding. Drummy Woods also has three mountain bike skill trail runs and a pump track. Individual trail features may change.
The Tarland Trails car parks at Drummy Woods and Pittenderich are open 24 hours a day. As access arrangements may change, check them before you travel.
Another cycling and walking option is the 10 km Tarland Way between Tarland and Aboyne. Check local conditions before setting out. In the Tarland Show Hill Race, the route starts at the showground, follows a marked course to the summit cairn on Pittenderich, then returns along the same route. The route is intended for experienced mountain bikers with at least an intermediate level of ability. Event arrangements and participation requirements may change; check the details for the relevant date.
Stone Circle and Historic Buildings
Nearby is Tomnaverie Stone Circle, a well-preserved recumbent stone circle and a monument of national importance. It was built and used during the Bronze Age. From inside the circle, the recumbent stones frame Lochnagar. The site’s archaeological significance is thus connected to a specific landscape setting.
Tarland Old Parish Church is a roofless church dating to 1762. Its churchyard stands on elevated, terraced ground above the village’s main square. The church also retains a bell tower with a so-called birdcage belfry. The church, the churchyard’s setting and the surviving tower reveal different aspects of the historic building.
Tarland Old Mill offers another historical perspective. Formerly a village threshing mill with a kiln, it was originally powered by water from the Whitely Burn. Its roofline is an important feature of Tarland’s historic streetscape. Its former function and power source set this story apart from the religious architecture of the Old Parish Church.
Events Throughout the Year
The Tarland Show takes place every year on the second Saturday in August. Check the exact date for the relevant year before planning your trip around it.
The Cromar and District Horticultural and Industrial Society holds its annual Open Show at MacRobert Hall in Tarland, also on the second Saturday in August. Classes include baking, preserves, honey, wine and rural crafts. The annual programme may change.
Tarland’s Food and Music Festival takes place annually in late September at various venues in Tarland. The programme includes a morning market as well as a range of lunch and dinner options. This programme may also change; check the festival dates when choosing your travel dates.
Walking and Views
The Corrachree circular walk has a spur leading up to Knockargety Hill. There you’ll find an Iron Age fort and a good viewpoint. The spur gives the circular walk a historic and scenic destination.
Discover more destinations: Balmedie, Fordyce, Peterculter, Chapel Of Garioch, Westhill, Portsoy, Tarves, Alford
For the regional travel overview: Aberdeenshire.
