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We’re looking at going camping up north in September to do some riding in the highlands somewhere, hopefully west coast sort of area.
I've picked up a couple of guide books but understandably given the size of the area there’s nowhere that seems to have a cluster of riding that would make an obvious base
We can’t really do anything that involves hike a bike and nothing super technical, so what does the hive mind suggest??
id guess around fort bill, or Avimore would be somewhere to look, I know there’s an out and back from applecross, and a decent loop in Torridon, I know how far apart these rides are..!
so over to you, Inspire me!
west coast sort of area.
... nowhere that seems to have a cluster of riding that would make an obvious base
Pretty much sums up the West Coast. There have been numerous threads on this recently. Some wild riding north of Ullapool, some around Gairloch/Poolewe a nice track at Applecross and the infamous Torridon lollipop. That's all pretty spread out so you could end up with a lot of driving. Torridon likely out anyway given your criteria.
FWIW, I'd start looking at Aviemore area. I can recommend various loops and routes depending on your definition of "technical" and desired duration.
Fort William is definitely an option, though you might again end up with a bit more driving than you'd want.
Scotroutes being err, Scottish, will have a better idea than me as a sassanach but I'd also suggest Aviemore or the Kingussie/Newtonmore area.
Pretty much any route in the Highlands will involve some portages if not full blown hike-a-bike. There aren't that many routes through the mountains when you consider the size of the place, stalking tracks stop short of estate boundaries and rarely join up with the next estate's tracks. There's the occasional military road and old drover's routes (which can vary from 4x4 track to there being nothing on the ground).
There's a reasonable set of tracks that can be linked up in the Ardverikie - Ben Alder - Loch Rannoch - Loch Lyon - Loch Garry area. Used in parts by routes like the Highland Trail and Badger Divide.
Why not look at the Strava Global Heatmap? Admittedly it's mostly road but: https://www.strava.com/heatmap#7.36/-3.89364/57.01045/hot/ride
AS a guide if on the OS its marked as double track its probably ridable. If its marked as singletrack it could be anything from a lovely path to nothing on the ground!
I use geograph to check what routes are like on the ground. Most of my riding in recent years has been on estate rods and the like and there are good routes but the ones I know tend to be multiday.
Avimore area is a good bet. done some nice easy day rides in the area
Why not look at the Strava Global Heatmap? Admittedly it’s mostly road but: https://www.strava.com/heatmap#7.36/-3.89364/57.01045/hot/ride
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I wouldn't trust that. I know some of the tracks that show up on it (like Torridon).
What Scotroutes says, go to Aviemore. Lots to do, usually better weather, less driving.
Pretty much any route in the Highlands will involve some portages if not full blown hike-a-bike
There's a cool route from Aviemore with absolutely minimal hike a bike. I'll see if I can find the link
I can think of loads of cool routes from Aviemore with no HaB 🙂
Ah here if is.... probably best to do the ride first and then read the thread afterwards.👹
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/chalamain-gap-family-cycle-good-or-bad/
https://www.trailforks.com/region/scotland/routes/
Its worth having a nosey at the routes section on Trailforks
cheers all, good advice!
Back issues rule out to much (any) carrying
will look more at Aviemore and have a think about what's possible around the area!
If you want a hand, let me know what sort of thing you are after (tech/distance). There's tons of stuff.
A couple of tasters
Aviemore is the obvious choice for lots of different routes without having to travel to anywhere else.
MartynS
We can’t really do anything that involves hike a bike and nothing super technical,
Scotroutes is best for advice on this, so Aviemore.
If you want a hand, let me know what sort of thing you are after (tech/distance). There’s tons of stuff.
Thank you scotroutes. I’ll take you up on that when we’ve got a better idea where we're going to base ourselves!
RIP the Inshriach tea and cake rooms. You will be HEAVILY missed 🙁
RIP the Inshriach tea and cake rooms. You will be HEAVILY missed 🙁
"Inshriach" cake is now available in the new cafe at The Old Post Office in Kincraig., along with a lovely selection of other food.
Mixed Platter anyone?
