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Went out today for a ride round Abriachan not far from Drumnadrochit near Inverness. There was a deep hoar frost and the odd smooth ice patch to make riding extra interesting.
The trail builders have done some great work up there. Yes there are quite a few trees down after this winters gales but the red route was very interesting and very tech especially with ice. Amazing views too, plus a great family play area that I intend to take the kids to later.
The natural rock on the red and some wood features and roots kept me focussed. This area has loads of "unofficial trails" too (many of which are very challenging). Its well worth a visit. To get to the red trails you start riding out on the green and blue that are also fun with berms and tabletops.
I Spoke to a guy called Sam after who is involved with the trail building there. He mentioned that a Scottish National XC race had been held at Abriachan. Anyway if you are passing through its worth a visit. it does seem an overlooked trail area.
I often holiday up here as we have family in Drumnadrochit and drive to Golspie, or Moray Monster trails on the Black Isle. I have yet to ride Balblair near Golspie that I understand is also a great area
you've managed to make that sound very much like a plug
"or Moray Monster trails on the Black Isle"
Moray Monster isn't on the black isle, its south of elgin. Rode a bit dated I thought. Gully monster interesting, but not sure I'd return for it, at least not just yet. especially when there's the rest of Scotland to squeeze into a roadtrip. That bit out the way too
Learnie is on the black Isle, I've yet to ride it
Balbair has a very distinct style to it. IIRC it was designed by Rik Alsop? Who iirc also did Drumlanrig
Balbair is a funny one. A black yes, No individual section super technical, but the relentlessness of the technicality, especially on the ups mixing tough up brief down straight back into techy up requires good fitness, commitment and riding ability
The downs mixing fast flowy straight into technical rises and downs. Takes commitment, speed and responsive gear shifts to always be in the right gear to keep on going
The last section of black I thought a little lacking though
Carbisdale over the water, although tiny and 'only' a short blue with a little red tacked on I thought for what it is, perfectly formed
Golspie is still by a margin the best trail centre I've ever ridden, I've been to a lot of them. One of a few places I just had to do laps of, regardless of limited time and tiredness. Just a shame it seems to take ages to climb all the way up there (yes I did try straightline fireroading it all the way from the bottom 2nd time around). I suppose to get descents that good you have to use quite a lot of height.
I can see they've gone for making interesting and featureful blue/red/black climbs, but for the purposes of doing laps (one full lap still takes a decent effort) the climbs are arguably a little flat and windy
The very top section of black once smooth when first opened is now a little beat up and eroded. Still good, but doesn't flow quite like it should (and used to)
Theres so much (proper)* Scotland I need to go back to
*north of the central belt, the 7 stanes are great but they're not the same. I can make a weekend of the stanes, the north wants a ram-jammed week at the very least. And you'll still feel like you missed loads of the few choice picks you planned to ride. Next year ..
Hi James thanks for all the info above, I agree on Golspie being most fun UK Trail. ,Sorry didn't mean Moray Monster trails I was referring to Learnie Redrock on the Black Isle...thats the one I often ride.
Abriachan has some nice trails but like you say it's more 'if you're in the area' than 'make a special journey'.
I don't know what Sam's like on a bike but he's a running machine!
Sam seemed a really good guy and we had a long chat..(where did i get my nickname 🙂 ?.. He said he has run for Scotland in the past, and seems as fit as a fiddle!