Set wheels turning for high adventure
Inspired by danny MacAskill’s recent mountain biking feats when he was filmed riding the Cuillin ridge on skye? Then why not speed along the mountain bike trails at Highland Wildcat in Golspie, sutherland, or watch the best bikers in the world take on the downhill course at nevis range for the UCi Mountain Bike World Cup event in early June.
Or you can test your skills in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs national park where there’s an array of trails on offer. Check out the demanding and muddy Glenbranter Forest route in the Argyll Forest park or the strenuous but dramatic Glen Finglas Loop, starting at Brig o’Turk in the Queen elizabeth Forest park.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup is less than a month away, from June 4-7, and it’s gearing up to be an incredible event, jampacked with fierce competition, daredevil tricks – and quite possibly some mud too.
The inverness-shire town of Fort William stages the third gold event on the 4X proTour, one of the most important events in the mountain biking calendar. You’ll feel the sheer speed as the riders go past you and watch out for the extreme downhill races as riders navigate their way down the Aonach Mor slopes, over epic jumps, steep drops and rocky steps. And you can watch the drama unfold on wide screens while tucking into delicious food and drink.
While you are in the area, don’t forget to explore Lochaber, the outdoor capital of the UK and try the mountain bike trails at nevis range and Laggan Wolftrax.
For s omething gentler, si p on a ‘bicyclatte’ at the quirky Velocity Café in inverness or hop on your own two-wheeler and follow the south Loch ness Trail to the spectacular falls of Foyers.
Want to discover the Scottish islands by bike? experience life on the edge exploring the Outer Hebrides by bike and complete the 150-mile ride along the Hebridean Way, from Castlebay in Barra to the Butt of Lewis. This is one of the great cycling journeys in the world, packed with antiquities and taking you past dazzling white beaches, beside turquoise seas and through dramatic hills.
in Orkney, follow the West Mainland Cycle route and travel through time, tracing the history and culture of the islands’ neolithic settlers.
Experience some of Scotland’s leading mountain bike locations – the scottish Borders boast long, winding roads that are perfect for gentle rides – as well as expansive forests packed with challenging trails. For mountain bikers the 7stanes are world-class centres spanning l ocations across the Borders and neighbouring dumfries and Galloway. At each 7stanes centre you can see creative sculptures representing a local myth or legend.
Tackle the challenging trails at Glentress and innerleithen, near peebles, which have built a reputation for providing some of the UK’s best mountain biking. At Glentress, you can practise in t he skills area before heading out to tackle the trails, which suit all abilities. Adrenaline seekers will love the downhill and free rides at innerleithen, especially the thrilling XC route. newcastleton, in roxburghshire, is the UK’s first bike-friendly village, and is home to a fantastic 7stanes centre. Many of its routes are shorter than other centres, offering the perfect introduction to mountain biking for less experienced riders.
Gentle cycling can be found in many of the scottish Borders’ historic towns. The whole family will love the 250mile circular Borderloop, which can be taken in smaller sections to suit all abilities. The 55mile Four Abbeys Cycle route takes in the abbeys of dryburgh, Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose. dumfries and Galloway boasts five of the worldf amous 7stanes centres where you can race through scenic landscapes and challenge yourself with technical mountain bike features. Whatever your skill level, whether you want exciting tricks or gentle rides, you’ll find a marked trail at one of the centres.
A seaside setting awaits at dalbeattie on the solway coast, where you can test yourself on some of the red and black-graded trails. north of dumfries, Ae is set in beautiful forestry and to the south, Mabie has wonderful views across the solway Firth and the nith estuary. The two 7stanes centres in the Galloway Forest park, Glentrool and Kirroughtree, are both fantastic areas with different graded trails and tracks suitable for both seasoned cyclists and beginners.
www.7stanesmountainbiking.com
Falkirk
ACCessiBLe cycling trails are closer than you think and offer a variety of routes to explore. At Callendar estate, Falkirk, you will find a network of trails graded from easy to challenging. The Canada Trail marked as easy, takes you through the site of the Battle of Falkirk Muir (1746) while the Kilbean Trail will test your skills with tight bends and technical challenges. Alternatively why not use the Helix Cycling Map and take in the sights of the Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk Tunnel, Callendar House and the wonderful Kelpies?
www.callendarestate.co.uk/ things-to-do-in-falkirk/cycling-routes
Stirling
FOr cycling the whole family will love, Loch Ard near Aberfoyle is the place to go. Look out for darting deer and intriguing sculptures, such as the colourful star Wars squirrels. Or head to Loch Katrine where you can hire bikes and explore the lochside trails, take a relaxing cruise on the ss sir Walter scott and cycle back to the pier. Can you beat the ship back? www.visitscotland.com/see-do/activities/
cycling/