more stats
1,457 ft
Distance
-312 ft
Descent
00:03:05
Avg time
-312 ft
Altitude change
846 ft
Altitude min
1,158 ft
Altitude max
1,158 ft
Altitude start
846 ft
Altitude end
-21.4%
Grade
-57.4%
Grade max
-3%
Grade min
1,440 ft
Distance down
00:03:05
Avg time

Black Grouse Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
  • Riding Area
    Drumtochty
    Laurencekirk
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Local Popularity
    80 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 85 in E-Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #80202 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #33250 in E-Biking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1

Start as per Spare Ribs or at the remains of Smart's Cairn with Rat Race.nnBoth start options lead on to an open clearing as the trail threads its way over a number of tricky root steps.nnAs the trail enters the thicker spruce forest, be wary of a large, polished, off camber root.nnThe trail traverses left for a short length before turning right and continuing down a long, straight, steep runnel, with some line choice.nnThis section ends at a terrace, where most riders continue straight down, via a small step to the fire road.

This trail is unsanctioned.

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 5 rides
  • 16 miles avg distance
All
  • 40 rides
  • Last: Jun 10, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Black Grouse Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 19, 2026 @ 6:28am (Europe/London)
May 18, 2026
A tree is progressively hanging over the start of the trail. Branches have been cut away to allow clear access to the trail.
May 17, 2026 @ 11:14am (Europe/London)
May 17, 2026
Fast and straight down - route 1.
May 10, 2025 @ 10:05am
May 10, 2025
Mar 17, 2025 @ 4:29pm
Mar 17, 2025
Ideal. Proper steep trail but running well.
Feb 8, 2025 @ 11:51pm
Feb 8, 2025
Another trees had come down across the start of the trail where it leaves the Spare Ribs access. Now removed.
more »
Status:
on May 19, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.86 (2 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • One Direction
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to black-grouse trailhead (56.889800, -2.505160)

        Photos

        10 more »
        47 |
        Jan 9, 2023 @ 10:54am
        Jan 9, 2023
        36 |
        Jan 9, 2023 @ 10:53am
        Jan 9, 2023
        14 |
        May 18, 2026 @ 10:29pm
        May 18, 2026
        41 |
        Feb 13, 2025 @ 11:07am
        Feb 13, 2025

        Videos

        2 more »
        Black Grouse
        0:31 | 91 | Mar 11, 2024 , Laurencekirk
        Black Grouse
        0:25 | | Mar 4, 2023 , Laurencekirk

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Black Grouse

        Where is Black Grouse located?
        Black Grouse is located in Drumtochty, Laurencekirk, United Kingdom. It is part of the Drumtochty trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 56.8898, -2.50516.
        How hard is Black Grouse?
        Black Grouse is rated as Red difficulty. The average grade is 21.4%.
        What is the elevation gain for Black Grouse?
        The trail has 95 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 258 m to 353 m.
        Is Black Grouse a point to point trail?
        Yes, Black Grouse is a point to point trail. The direction is One Direction. The trail type is singletrack.

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