Discover Tarland

Tarland offers a range of things to explore, from mountain biking trails and a cycling and walking route to archaeological sites, historic buildings and recurring events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Tarland, you can plan your trip around the activities and attractions that interest you.

Mountain Biking Trails and Routes

Tarland Trails is a network of purpose-built mountain biking trails on the slopes of Pittenderich and in Drummy Woods. The trails in Drummy Woods are suitable for beginners through to intermediate riders. There are also three mountain biking skill trail runs and a pump track there. The Pittenderich trails include wide turns, berms and jumps; technically challenging riding is also part of what’s on offer there. The trail descriptions therefore differ in the requirements and features they mention. Individual trail routes and features may change.

The Tarland Trails car parks in Drummy Woods and at Pittenderich are open 24 hours a day. As access arrangements may change, it’s advisable to check the latest information before setting off. Another way to explore the area on foot or by bike is the established Tarland Way: the route is 10 kilometres long and runs between Tarland and Aboyne. Check local conditions for this route before travelling.

The Tarland Show Hill Race is a separate event. The route starts at the showground, follows a marked course to the summit cairn on Pittenderich, and returns along the same route. It is intended for experienced mountain bikers with at least an intermediate level of ability. As event arrangements may change, check the latest information before taking part.

Archaeology and Historic Buildings

Near Tarland is the Tomnaverie Stone Circle, a recumbent stone circle built and used during the Bronze Age. The well-preserved monument, with its upright stones, is of national importance. From inside this circle near Tarland, the arrangement of the recumbent stones frames Lochnagar. Here, archaeological significance meets a traditional connection to the landscape.

In the village, Tarland Old Parish Church tells a different story of architecture: the church, dating from 1762, has no roof. Its churchyard stands on elevated, terraced ground above the main square. A bell tower with a so-called “birdcage belfry” has survived. The date, the roofless church and the churchyard’s location offer several distinct architectural points of interest.

Tarland Old Mill is also part of the village’s historic fabric. It formerly served as a village threshing mill with a kiln and was originally powered by water from the Whitely Burn. Its roofline is an important feature of Tarland’s historic streetscape. Together, its former function and the continuing significance of its roofline tell different aspects of the mill’s history.

Events Throughout the Year

The annual open show of the Cromar and District Horticultural and Industrial Society takes place at MacRobert Hall in Tarland on the second Saturday in August. Competition classes include baking, preserves, honey, wine and rural crafts. The Tarland Show is also held every year on the second Saturday in August. Check the date for the specific year and the latest event details before travelling, as dates and content 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. Here too, it’s worth checking the specific dates and programme before travelling, as annual event details may change.

Discover more destinations: Stonehaven, Peterculter, Inverallochy, Rosehearty, Peterhead, Westhill, Marykirk, Banchory.

For the broader travel overview: Aberdeenshire.