laggan wolftrax

This small but perfectly-formed centre is best suited to more advanced riders. Tucked away in the far west of the Cairngorms, it has more than 20 miles of well-built trails, with an out-in-the-wilds feel, fantastic views and plenty of rock features. A multi-use family trail is due to open by summer 2020. There are also plans to build a blue trail, and crowdfunding is in place for a pump track. If you like your riding rough, steep, rooty and rocky, seek out the locals-built trails on the Black Craig, over the road.

essential info

FACILITIES Bike shop, bike hire, cafe, toilets showers, parking (£3 all day) NEARBY BIKE SHOP Wee Bike Hub (on site), 01528 544751, www.weebikehub.co.uk MORE INFORMATION www.forestryandland.gov.scot/ visit/laggan-wolftrax 01528 544366 www.facebook.com/ wolftraxcentre (latest trail info) GETTING THERE The trail centre is just off the A86 between Spean Bridge and Newtonmore, around two miles west of Laggan village. Nearest postcode: PH20 1BU

the trails GREEN TRAIL 3.5/4.5km

A gentle climb and fun singletrack return.

LOWER RED TRAIL 6.9km

Fast, flowing and technical, with plenty of rock features, including the black-graded slab known as ‘Air’s Rock’ (with chicken run). This red route finishes with a flourish by descending the last 550m of the bike park track.

UPPER RED TRAIL 6.5km

After a big climb, there’s more techy singletrack and rock features.

BLACK TRAIL

A forest road climb earns you a gnarly 3.7km singletrack descent that’ll keep you on your toes, with big drop-o s, stone steps, boulder fields and rock slabs (with no chicken runs). Test your skills, and nerve, on the Devil’s Chessboard – a 40m rock staircase.

BIKE PARK

Splitting o from the same fireroad as the red and black trails, this 1.5km singletrack downhill is filled with big berms and tabletops. There’s plenty of opportunity for airtime, but novices can enjoy it just as much by rolling it.