Riding the Weather: Mountain Biking in Deeside

Billy Connolly once said there’s “no such thing as bad weather in Scotland, just the wrong clothing.”

Spend enough time outdoors here, and you quickly realise how true that is.

Scotland — and the east side in particular — brings something different with every season. The hills around Braemar don’t switch off as the year turns; they simply change character. I ride in the hills in most conditions throughout the year, but safety always comes first — for myself and for the people I’m riding with. As the seasons shift, that often means coming down off the mountains and spending more time in the lower hills and forests.

It also means watching the high peaks as winter loosens its grip. The Munros and the surrounding high ground — can still be holding snow well into the spring and summer and knowing when to admire them from a distance is part of riding responsibly in this landscape.

What I’ve found, time and again, is that no matter the weather you set out in, you’ll almost always see something special during the day. It might be an unexpected rainbow, a sudden break in the cloud that lets the sun pour through, or simply the changing colours of the trees as the year rolls on. Those moments bring a real sense of warmth to the soul — and they’re a big part of why riding here is so rewarding.

Spring & Summer: When Scotland Delivers

When the weather is kind, there are few places that compare. Spring brings longer days, quieter trails, and a feeling of the land coming back to life. Summer can deliver big days in the hills, flowing trails, and wide-open views that stretch for miles.

These are the days many people picture when they think of riding in Scotland — and when it all comes together, it really is special.

There is a small caveat about our summers, you sometimes still get four seasons in one day and unfortunately sometimes summer seems like days rather than weeks, but when the sun shines there is no place like it.

Late Summer to Early Winter: The Sweet Spot

My favourite time to ride is August through to mid-December.

The crowds thin, the pace of the landscape slows, and the light becomes something else entirely. After the clocks change in October, days shorten, but the quality of light improves — long sunsets, glowing hillsides, and dramatic skies.

On colder, still days, you’ll often see temperature inversions, where cloud settles in the valleys while the hilltops sit clear in the sunshine. Riding above a sea of cloud is one of those experiences that stays with you long after the ride is over.

Winter Riding: Mid-December to April

Like much of the northern hemisphere, winter in Scotland can feel bleak at times. Daylight is limited, with dark mornings and early nights. The weather can be wild, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and as temperatures drop, snow.

Around Braemar, the higher hills and often Deeside itself is are often snow-covered through the winter months, but particularly at altitude. These conditions demand respect. Careful planning, honest self-assessment, and regular forecast checks are essential if you’re travelling or heading into the hills. Winter riding can be hugely rewarding, but it’s also the season where knowing when not to ride high is just as important as knowing where to go.

Dressing for Change

Scotland is famous for offering four seasons in one day, especially in the hills. You might set off in calm or mild conditions at valley level, only to encounter colder temperatures, wind, or rain as you gain height.

Good clothing doesn’t mean heavy clothing — it means adaptable clothing. Layers you can add or remove, proper wind and rain protection, and gloves for cold descents all make a huge difference to how enjoyable the day feels.

Checking the Forecast

Before any ride in the hills, checking the weather is essential.

Two reliable sources I recommend:

• MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) — clear, mountain-specific, great for 24/48 specifics. Search on Cairngorms NP and Monadhlaith

• Mountaineering Scotland

• BBC Weather — a useful general overview, particularly for valley-level conditions.

• The Met office

Used together, they give a solid picture of what the day is likely to bring.

Every Ride Is Different

No two days are ever the same in Deeside — and that’s part of the magic. Whether it’s blue skies, driving rain, low cloud, or golden evening light, every ride feels like an experience rather than just a route.

Dress appropriately. Plan carefully. Respect the hills. More often than not, Scotland will reward you with something unforgettable.