Glen Brittle Forest, Isle of Skye

Distance 21.1km (13.1 miles) Climbing 670m (2,198ft) Time 1hr to 2hrs

Route summary A great introductory ride with easy, rapid road riding and simple navigation, but some stunning scenery Start/ inish Forestry Commission Fairy Pools car park (grid ref NG 423/258, postcode IV47 8SG)

1

Head up the track from the car park. Keep ahead at a junction, ignoring the sharp right turn, to continue around the base of the hill on your right (Beinn a’Bhraghad). Stay on this track, around the side of the hill, keeping your height and then bearing right over Bealach Brittle.

2

Descend, keeping ahead/right, then left at a fork, to follow the yellow marker down towards Loch Eynort. Keep ahead, parallel to the coastline, past the house at Grula, then fork right to climb up a forest track. Follow this round a sharp right turn, then go sharp left as it zig-zags up the hill. Look out for the waterfalls here. 3

After the second sharp right, take a sharp left at the junction shortly afterwards and follow this track through the forest. Go sharp right at a junction and descend out of the forest, down towards a road.

4

Continue along the track until you return to the other track you came up at the start. Go left on this, back to the car park, to finish.

5

Optional extension: Join the trail opposite the car park entrance for a nice out-and-back ride to the beautiful and swimmable Fairy Pools waterfalls.

LOCATION DETAILS

The Isle of Skye, connected to Scotland’s north-west coast by bridge, is known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. With some nice, easy riding in dramatic surroundings, this route is ideal for inexperienced riders.

GETTING THERE

From the Skye Bridge take the A87 north to Sligachan and turn left onto the A863 towards Dunvegan. After about 5 miles (8km) turn left onto the B8009 for Glenbrittle. Before you reach Carbost, turn sharply left again onto a singletrack road which winds over the hill to Glenbrittle. Continue for 4.5 miles (7km) until you see the Fairy Pools car park on your right.

MAPS & BOOKS

Ordnance Survey Landranger 32: South Skye and Cuillin Hills.

FACILITIES

There’s nothing on the route, but the Old Inn & Waterfront Bunkhouse at Carbost, back on the B8009, is nice and o ers accommodation (01478 640205, www.theoldinnskye.co.uk). For spares, repairs and bike hire visit Skye Bike Shack (01470 532375/07826 842160, www.skyebikeshack.com). For more information and options, check out www.isleofskye.com.