Wildcat Wildcard

The unique trail centre at far-flung Golspie is exhilarating and challenging for riders of all levels

HOW much faff is it acceptable to do in the car park? There was a group of around 10 of us at the Golspie Wildcat trailhead, and despite it being a mixed ability group in no great hurry, I was still the last one ready.

Thinking it would take people ages to sort themselves out, I tried to squeeze in a cheeky brake bleed. Folk were itching to go as I coaxed out the last air bubbles and hastily tightened everything back up.

I knew Carmen wasn’t impressed. Her husband is a Formula 1 mechanic; their bikes wouldn’t have left home without everything in perfect working order. Living in a flat makes jobs a pain, though; it was less stressful somewhere already dirty.

It’s brilliant how much less tweaking and tuning bikes have needed over the years and how idiot-proof they now are. I’m also very grateful for the proliferation of jet washes. Low pressure hot washes not only bring a bike up like new, but a clean bike goes wrong a lot less often. You can even get the worst muck off your legs.

I can’t imagine many people come to ride Golspie just in passing. Bringing a bike to this side of the Highlands requires you to carry on past a number of tempting left turns into mighty mountains. Instead you’ll find yourself behind caravans and campers heading for Dornoch, or lorries and buses going to the very end of the mainland.

But Golspie’s unique selling points are far more than being the northernmost UK trail centre. When it opened, it sported the longest trail centre descent in the UK at 7km (4.3 miles). I’m not aware of anyone topping this, despite the building since of big downhill bike parks in Wales.

It also has one of the longest technical sections of climbing in the UK, the Lactic Ladder. It’s oh-so-possible by eye, but the repeated digs needed to clear the rocky steps soon tell on the legs.

I could see the snaking line of riders meander up the early climb. Less confident riders benefited from watching others show them the way over obstacles, and skilled riders can offer tips on set-up and technique. This is what trail centres do so well; provide a place for people to develop their skills and build confidence.

Golspie’s design stacks trails – everyone

“In moments like this our sport sense” makes

Recouping strength at the top of Lactic Ladder

Distance: 13.5km (8.3 miles)Ascent: 430m (1410ft)Maps: Fully waymarked routes of blue, red and black grades.Parking: Large car park at the trailhead, just up Fountain Road. Contribute to trail maintenance through the donation box. Or large public car park near the Coffee Bothy.