 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Mrs DM is thinking about a visit to her dad on Islay this summer. I've never been riding north of the border so a sneaky plan is forming in my head thinly veiled as an offer to drive her up to the ferry at Kennacraig. Any recommendations on where to base myself for 3 or 4 days riding? Quite fancy some trail centre stuff but would like a bit of natural riding too, any route recommendations?
It's pish.
It rains all the time.
They hate the English.
Everything is deep fried.
Midges.
Don't do it.
Yeah, i know. But the Mrs is adamant on going and won't drive herself so I'm willing to put meself through the misery for her.
[url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/the-1-minute-midge-challenge ]Whats not to like?[/url]
😆
OK, if you're prepared to sacrifice yourself for your Mrs.
Scotland is much bigger than you're probably aware. The weather map lies.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
You're best finding somewhere to stay and ride around that area.
The Borders would be a good bet. Glentress, Innerleithen and some good natural riding.
Torridon is miles away but has a couple of really, really good rides. If you're prepared to spend a lot of time travelling then it can be recommended. No trail centres though so all self-guided and you need to know what you're doing with a map.
Fort William has Nevis Range and you can get to Laggan. Lots of natural stuff in the area. It's probably the nearest from Kennacraig. The town itself is a bit of a dump though.
Aviemore/Cairngorms has tons of natural riding, access to Laggan and Glenlivet if you want trail centres. The town itself is slightly less of a dump than Fort William but is normally pretty lively.
[quote=scotroutes ]
Scotland is much bigger than you're probably aware. The weather map lies.
nice stealth edit onion 🙄
pish.
He's not wrong
It rains all the time.
Pish from the sky, non stop
They hate the English.
Shouldn't let the barstads in if you ask me
Everything is deep fried.
Well, to be fair, the variety of deep fried confectionary is more extensive
Midges.
Yes, those barstads.
Nice quiet roads for cycling around Islay and Jura. And plenty of distilleries.
Or its not far to Arran.
I love Islay. Bruicladdich is possibly my favourite tipple and I have cased out some riding on past visits. Let's just say anything more than a couple of days in the father in law's company is too much for most folk!
I've passed the turning for Fort Bill on previous drives up there but the stars have never aligned.
If you are coming as far as Kennacraig you would be as well to jump on the ferry and explore Islay and Jura. There are a few landrover tracks that make for a nice hour or 2 riding. Nothing too technical or challenging. If you don't get on to Islay head own to Campbeltown to the hill behind the town where the locals have made a load of trails or have a spin around the Firetower Trail at Cairnbaan.
I would hit Fort Bill and either Kirroughtree and Mabie or if you're keen, Torridon. All brilliant riding depending where you want to base yourself.
Why not hit islay and tour the distilleries by bike ?? Could make some interesting riding on the way home !!!!
If you're going to Kennacraig it's a short hop over to Arran where there is good offroad biking and it's generally a cool place.
I go to Islay every year, love the place although I can't explain why. Islay and Jura are great for exploring on a CX / gnarrmac type bike if that's your thing.
Is Carol in proportion?
Leave Carol out of this.
probably not your cup of tea but localish
we did the ardnoe one (forestry tracks) and loved the views[a lot is in trees tho) (suggest dropping down and doing the W bit of the Crinan canal [heading W]- it is a bimble but possibly the most scenic bimble in the UK - bun stop in Crinan basin)
Arran seconded - forestry tracks Lamlash/Whiting Bay/Kilmory [drop down to Kildonan from W.bay is not on maps but is there], or real trails Lamlash/Brodick/Clauchlands area
PS re Jura, Arran, take long socks/shorts/shirts/gloves and head midge net - honest
Some suggested Arran routes here http://www.arranbikeclub.com/routes
Nobeer is the resident Arran expert, mention Arran a few times and he'll appear.
You rang?......
Nobeer is the resident Arran expert, mention Arran a few times and he'll appear.
....is the plot for the shittest horror movie ever.
When though, as which month makes a big impact on whether the midges are just there or a PITA.
It's pish, It rains all the time.
SWMBO is a proper Highland Wifie with family in Caithness and Aberdeenshire, quite liked the bits I've visited and there was some sun between the episodes of fog and rain.
They hate the English.
Most had a good experience, there were pubs the missus would avoid when I was there, especially in Fraserburgh. Trying to claim Yorkshire isn't England and is almost as good as Scottish doesn't work.
Everything is deep fried.
You can get a whole black pudding, deep fried and battered in the chippy, not slices, the whole damn sausage. Amazed, I may not live long if I move there.
Midges.
Never understood the midges thing until visiting Camster in Caithness, I think I managed to lose half a stone in blood.
Don't do it.
It may be inevitable if SWMBO gets her way, planned a move to Inverness or Moray Coast depending on jobs\houses. It was a future plan but already have half an eye on job moves and house moves.