WILD THINGS
Our Big-Ride guru Max Darkins has scoured Scotland to find 10 of the country’s best wild routes
1. Torridon
Why do the ride? Because you must. There should be no choice or excuses. It’s amazing in every way.
Route summary There are a variety of ways to attempt this ride, but our favourite is the ‘Lollipop’ route. Head south from Annat up a technical rocky climb and left past Loch an Eion, where the stunning landscape also holds a breathtaking rocky descent down Coire Lair. Saving the best for last,
ride over big smooth rocks and on down to Achnashellach railway station, before a road leg and climb back up the valley to Loch an Eion for the final, superb descent back to Annat, into the setting sun.
Location details Although pretty remote, this is a popular destination, due to its sheer beauty. For mountain bikers there really isn’t much better riding to be had in Scotland – natural or manmade – than this. This remote, rocky, technical route, with amazing views throughout, is surely one of, if not the, best rides in the UK.
Facilities Stay at the Torridon Inn (01445 791242, www.thetorridon.com) – or its sister hotel if you want luxury – which also does good food, or Torridon YHA for more budgetfriendly accommodation (01445 791284, www.syha.org.uk).
Maps Ordnance Survey Land ranger 24: Ra a say& Apple cross and Land ranger 25: Glen Car ron& Glen Affric.
Other riding nearby Ben Damph, Applecross, Fionn Loch.
2. applecross
Why do the ride? To experience a beautiful, remote and picturesque part of the country, travelling along some good trails that aren’t too technical but are great fun. It also rewards you with a brilliant pub on the coast.
Route summary The route can be ridden in a (clockwise) loop, although it’s all undulating coastal road for the return leg, so we prefer it as an out-and-back. It could also be split over two days if desired, by staying at the excellent Applecross Inn. The trail starts at Kenmore on the north coast and heads inland on a lovely rocky stone path across the wild and remote peninsula before dropping to Applecross Bay.
Location details The west coast of the Scottish Highlands has the most stunning scenery and some great trails, but they can be difficult to make into circular rides. Many were built with hunting and fishing in mind, so stop in the middle of nowhere. This trail is an old coffin road, used in times past by burial parties going to Clachan Church in Applecross Bay.
Facilities Applecross Inn (01520 744262, www.applecross.uk.com/inn).
Map OrdnanceSurveyLandranger24: Raasay&Applecross.
Other riding nearby Torridon, Ben Damph, Isle of Skye, Isle of Harris, Kintail.
3. BEN NEVIS
Why do the ride? For a big challenge, huge views and an epic MTB adventure out in the wilderness.
Route summary Takes you away from the busy manmade Nevis Range trails, out onto rough and rugged paths around Ben Nevis, clocking up over 70km and 2,000m of climbing in the wild. It offers amazing scenery and adventure, and guaranteed wet feet at the water crossings. Tackle in dry skies and when your legs are strong.
Location details Located at the western end of the Grampian mountains in the Lochaber area of Scotland, by the town of Fort William. There are world-class waymarked DH and XC trails for all abilities, but also some superb natural wilderness riding to be had.
Facilities Stay at Glen Nevis holiday park (01397 702191, www.glennevis.co.uk) or the Ben Nevis Inn & Bunkhouse (01397 701227, www. ben-nevis-inn.co.uk), both of which are just along the road – and the latter does good food too. If you need help with your bike, head to Nevis Cycles in Fort William (01397 705555, www.neviscycles.com).
Map OrdnanceSurveyLandranger41:BenNevis.
Other riding nearby Nevis Range MTB trails, Kinlochleven.
4. ROTHIEMURCHUS FOREST
Why do the ride? For a great introduction to the different riding available in the Cairngorms.
Route summary Zip through Rothiemurchus Forest along good tracks and enjoy the rooty singletrack around Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna. Then head east on good all-weather tracks, deeper into the forest, for an out-and-back along the rooty, rocky singletrack of Lairig Ghru. From Loch Morlich you can either head back to town along an off-road cycle path to finish, or explore the singletrack in the Queens Forest, by the Badaguish outdoor centre.
Location details The Cairngorms offer a huge variety of riding, from remote glens and old mountain roads to gentle forest tracks and twisty
singletrack. Rothiemurchus Forest has some great trails and there’s stacks more riding nearby.
Facilities Stay at the Aviemore Bunkhouse (www.aviemore-bunkhouse.com). Eat at Cobbs cafe at Loch Morlich (www.cobbs.info) or the famous Mountain Cafe back in Aviemore (http:// mountaincafe-aviemore.co.uk). Mikes Bikes in Aviemore and Rothiemurchus offer bike hire ( www.aviemorebikes.co.uk).
Maps Ordnance Survey Land ranger 36: Grant own& Aviemore and Land ranger 43: Brae mar& Blair At ho ll.
Other riding nearby Inshriach Forest, Glenlivet Estate MTB trails, Laggan Wolftrax.
5. ISLE OF ARRAN
Why do the ride? For great wilderness riding and a real sense of adventure.
Route summary Arran is known as ‘Scotland in miniature’ because it has everything from high peaks to rolling hills, farmland to beaches. Thanks to this and the work of the local riders there’s some amazing riding for all abilities. The 35km black route really explores the island with stiff climbs, tight, twisty natural singletrack and some good rooty trails to test skills.
Location details With its majestic mountains, deep glens, rivers and stunning beaches, hopping over to the island is a great adventure and escape. The trails start from Brodick, the largest village on the island, which has good facilities, but it isn’t a trail centre so you’ll need a map.
Facilities For accommodation and bike hire, try Arran Adventure (www.auchrannie.co.uk) Use the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service (www.calmac.co.uk) to get there.
Map Ordnance Survey Land ranger 69: Isle of Arran.
Other riding nearby If you fancy a bit of a navigational challenge there’s a permanent MTB orienteering route, with dibbers and maps available from the Arran Adventure Centre.
6. BALLATER
Why do the ride? Ballater has riding for everyone, on great trails, in some stunning countryside, and there are good facilities and other places of interest in the area too.
Route summary From an easy spin along the Deeside Way and around Loch Kinord to a mission into the mountains, you can do it all here. For a big day out, head south on 4x4 tracks and follow some superb singletrack down to the Shiel of Glentanar, at the foot of Mount Keen, before making your way back via Black Moss and the Deeside Way.
Location details Set on the eastern side of the Cairngorms National Park, near to Balmoral Castle, Ballater isn’t the easiest place to access, but it boasts some of the UK’s most stunning countryside.
Facilities Stay at the Deeside Inn (www. crerarhotels.com) or Habitat luxury bunkhouse (www.habitat-at-ballater.com). Cycle Highlands can help with spares/ repairs (www.cyclehighlands.com).
Map Ordnance Survey Land ranger 37: Strathdon & Alford.
Other riding nearby: Glenlivet Estate MTB trails.
7. FIONN LOCH
Why do the ride? For something new and away from the usual hotspots, but still offering superb mountain biking in a picturesque setting. It isn’t too remote or technically challenging, so can be enjoyed by everyone.
Route summary Setting off from the remote village of Poolewe, a gradual climb along a progressively rougher track soon transports you into the vast wilderness of the Scottish hills. After exiting the trees, a twisty, stony singletrack trail guides you to the edge of Fionn Loch. Riders wanting a bit more of a challenge can do an (anti-clockwise) loop around the back of Meall Mheinnidh, before then returning to Poolewe along the same long,
flowing singletrack trail, but now going downhill.
Location details The west coast of the Scottish Highlands isn’t exactly crowded, but this route is slightly off the more beaten tourist tracks, offering some fabulous scenery on great, quiet trails.
Facilities Stay at the Poolewe Hotel (www.pool ewehotel.co.uk) or Inverewe Gardens campsite (www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk). For refreshments try the Bridge Cottage Cafe (www.bridgecottagecafe.scot) in Poolewe.
Map Ordnance Survey Land ranger 19: G air loch& U ll a pool.
Other riding nearby Torridon, Ben Damph.
8. KINLOCHLEVEN
Why do the ride? It pretty much defines what MTBing is all about!
Route summary A very physical and technical ride, in a stunning part of Scotland. From Altnafeadh on the A82, a beast of a climb up the Devil’s Staircase awaits, before following the water pipe out to Blackwater Reservoir. From here it’s down the infamous Ciaran Path for a super-technical rocky descent to Kinlochleven. Then it’s ‘just’ a case of heading back up over the Old Military Road for the plummet back down the Devil’s Staircase.
Location details Set among some of Scotland’s finest mountains and the Glen Coe Valley, this is one of the most spectacular places in the country. It’s also home to the excellent Kinlochleven Enduro.
Facilities Stay at the Kings House Hotel (www. kingshousehotel.co.uk), or there’s more choice in Kinlochleven. Off Beat Bikes in Fort William (www.offbeatbikes.co.uk) can help with spares.
Map Ordnance Survey Explorer 384: Glen Coe&Gl en Et ive.
Other riding nearby Nevis Range MTB trails in Fort William, Tour of Ben Nevis.
9. ISLE OF HARRIS
Why do the ride? The Isle of Skye has got busier, but a ferry ride over to Harris will provide you with a memorable trip, with quieter (but still great) trails to ride and even more stunning scenery.
Route summary This route can be ridden in either direction, although we suggest anti-clockwise for a good, fun, steep descent to the coast. It’s not the longest of rides, but exploring the stunning coastal paths and superb singletrack, with a remote beach to cool off in along the way, is well worth it.
Location details The Outer Hebrides are about as remote and difficult to get to as possible, but they reward you with some of the most beautiful, remote and fun trails in the UK. Crofters’ paths used to be the main way for everyone to travel, but nowabandoned villages and new roads mean they’re now a fun way to get around by bike.
Facilities There’s nothing on the route but a shop, tea room and pub in Tarvert. Stay at the Isle of Harris Inn (01859 502566, www. harrishotel.com/harrisinn.asp), Harris Hotel (01859 502154, www.harrishotel.com) or Hotel Hebrides (01859 502364, www. hotel-hebrides.com). More info at www. visithebrides.com. The nearest bike shop is on Skye, the Skye Bike Shack (01470 532375, www.skyebikeshack.com).
Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 456: North Harris and Loch Sea forth or Land ranger 6: Orkney.
Other riding nearby Isle of Skye’s Sligachan, Boreraig and Quiraing routes.
10. KINTAIL
Why do the ride? For an epic adventure, away from the crowds, in a stunningly beautiful LordoftheRings location, with one of the finest descents ever to finish.
Route summary Heading up a deepsided valley between the Five Sisters of Kintail, the ride is imposing, but easygoing, until some hike-a-bike up the huge, jagged, rocky mountainside of Beinn Fhada. After passing the Camban bothy there’s another valley with energy-sapping water bars and some bog-trotting before the final pass, but the long, rocky, fun final descent makes it all worthwhile.
Location details Kintail is known for the Five Sisters, a chain of distinctive pointed summits. Located in the mountainous Northwest Highlands of Scotland, it offers some stunning landscapes and amazing riding, but be prepared for the numerous water bars, which make the going tough.
Facilities Stay at Kintail Lodge (01599 511275, www.kintaillodgehotel.co.uk) or Morvich campsite (01599 511354, www. caravanclub.co.uk).
Map Ordnance Survey Land ranger 33: Loch Alsh,GlenS hi el& Loch Hou rn.
Other riding nearby Isle of Skye, Applecross, Torridon.