[Closed] Kenny Wilson - Mountainbike Scotland: Any Suggestions?

I'll second you on number 3 & 5.

I lost my copy in a custody battle so can't really offer any suggestions from memory 🙂

Given the book is about 5 years old id expect several changes to have happened. I think it is a great book...it is a good pointer but this is Scotland...I've yet to do the same route twice and the second was identical to the first...

This isn't a go at anyone, just my own observation, I've never found a guide to be 100% accurate.

Seems like your criticisms are that some routes aren't techy enough (2,6) and some are too techy (5). KW makes it clear that he's not setting out to describe all the most technical challenges and that much of the vibe is about taking in the mountains while you ride rather than having to concentrate on the track 100% of the time. From the back cover..

If you're in the mood for smooth, gentle trails there are plenty to fit the bill

However, it's not just about Mountain Biking. In the Highlands, travelling from point to point is always a pleasure

Perhaps it's just the wrong book for your requirements?

He is the Sprocket Man!

Seems like your criticisms are...

I thought that opening with the statement "this is not intended as a criticism" and later on saying "instead of being critical..." would be sufficient to let readers know that my OP was [u]not intended as a criticism.[/u]

But apparently not.

It's a good book, I like it but my own experience and that of others leads me to believe that there are variants on some routes and info on others that some might find useful.

So in a nutshell...

Not critical but constructive.

The routes of his that I have done involved a lot of walking

Any that haven't been mentioned already?

Spin - I read your introduction but you seemed to contradict them in your list. Sorry - must be my misunderstanding.

FWIW, I did the alternative route on the Loch na-h-Oidhche page and had a really bad experience. I contacted KW and he subsequently issued an update (basically suggesting not doing it) on the website. There may be other updates too?

I'm not suggesting that there is anything wrong with the routes just that there might be alternatives that some might prefer.

I wasn't aware of a website with updates. Will check it out.

Cheers

http://www.mountainbikescotland.com/guidebookupdates.html

A Volume 2 was in production at one point but has been much delayed.

TBH I think it's as much a fashion thing as anything.

If you're used to riding trail centres you're likely to be a bit disappointed by loops that include a lot of double track,road or carrying.

Definitely echo you on number 3. I've don't plenty of hike-a-bike (eg. the Lairig Ghru) and I'd probably rate that one as the worst of them all when considering the effort, the scenery and how easily the good bits can be ridden with an alternative route!

Fantastic book though.

Ah yes, MTB Scotland by Kenny 'nice walks with your bike'
Wilson 😀

It's not just Kenny Wilson. We did Glengarry Forest Circuit from the Phil McKane book Wild Trails and he neglected to mention that a large section of that ride, approx 7km, was pretty much unridable, the path was almost non existant. If you are doing these kinds of rides I think you have to use the book as a starting point, then do some research on the web, on forums and maybe google earth etc. But it's a bit annoying if you have spent fifteen quid on a book and then have to do a load of research as well. Thing is these books are almost redundant now because of the resources I have just mentioned and it must be increasingly hard to find routes that have not already been published somewhere else. There's certainly quite a bit of overlap between those two books although it probably doesn't matter too much when one of them is out of print. On the whole I have enjoyed Kenny Wilsons book but then I love to be out amongst the mountains and don't mind a fair bit of hike a bike, it's just tricky when you involve others that may not be that way inclined.

Steven - What you describe is one of the main reasons why the Vertebrate Graphics books are so popular, they really do lead you through it hand in hand. Some people like this approach and others don't.

Personally, sometimes I like to work out a route myself and take the chance but when I use a published guide I would rather it told me the whole story and guaranteed me (as much as possible) the kind of day I was after.

One thing is clear to me though: Kenny Wilsons guide was a labour of love.

Phil McKanes book is a Vertebrate Publishing/Graphics book. And certainly in the route I am talking about doesn't lead you through it hand in hand.

If I had the time then I'd love to just look at a map and go explore but I generally only have one or two weekends a year when I can go and do this so I'm a little reluctant to waste that time on something that might turn out to be unrideable.

Sorry, didn't realise that. The ones I have used are Yorkshire and the Lakes and they are impressively professional productions.

If I had the time then I'd love to just look at a map and go explore...

Absolutely. That's why you buy a guide.

I'm lucky enough to be a teacher and Inverness based so I have that luxury.

Think that the Glen Kinglass route also includes a whole heap of road... better as an oab Vic Bridge to Glen Etive...

The route out to Lochan Fada was brilliant but the descent of Gleann Branasdail was just nuts,,,,

Kennys book is great... its an adventure every time. I was told that he was a mountaineer fist and biker second so not averse to a short walk with a bike.... as we all know....

I think KW describes his maps as "just giving you an idea of how the route fits into the landscape" and certainly recommends that you take/use an OS map.

Kenny's book is great! 😀

I checked out the website and in fact most of the points I made are dealt with on it.

I can now confirm that the Bealach na Sgairne route is a cracker but I was glad it was dry on the couple of K of bog before the climb to the bealach.