BORERAIG, ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND

Distance 22.3km (13.9 miles) Climbing 540m Time 2hrs to 3hrs 30mins

Route summary: A lovely ride out into the moorland to reach a quiet and remote coastline, offering some fun and technical riding to the far coast. Here a derelict croft, empty beaches and waterfalls await, allowing for a mid-ride dip before continuing along the beautiful but challenging coastal path.

Start/finish: The car park in town (postcode: IV49 9AB, grid ref: NG 643/235) or roadside parking on the B8083 (grid ref: NG 636/228).

LOCATION DETAILS:

Jagged mountain peaks, glistening sea and remote, rocky trails make the Isle of Skye a stunning location for MTBers. Early spring or late summer are good times to ride here, when the weather has a chance of being fine and there are fewer midges and tourists.

GETTING THERE:

The Isle of Skye is way up on the west coast of Scotland, accessed via the A87 near Fort William. Go over the Skye bridge and follow the A87 to Broadford, where you can start from. Or turn left on the B8083 to some layby parking on the right, opposite the gate to the path off-road. Alternatively, you can park at the far end of the route, by the beach (grid ref: NG 583/193) and ride the road section first.

ACCOMMODATION/FACILITIES:

There are B&Bs and holiday lodges in Broadford, plus Broadford Hotel (01471 822204, www.broadfordhotel.co. uk), Broadford YHA (01471 822442, www. hostellingscotland.org.uk) and Camping Skye (01471 550420, www.campingskye.com). While there are no refreshments on the route, Broadford has a great cafe (01471 822616, www. cafesia.co.uk), shops, a chippy, etc. There are no bike shops nearby but www.skyemtbadventures. co.uk offer hire bikes and guiding.

MAPS & BOOKS:

OS Landranger 32: South Skye & Cullin Hills. Scotland Mountain Biking: Wild Trails by Phil McKane (Vertebrate Publishing).