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Heading off to Ullapool for a few days, staying a campsite with my van. Don't really know the area well, so was looking for some suggestions if I take the bike(s)?
1. MTB
I've got my full sus electric enduro style bike if there are any good big mountain rides around (I'm not super skillful - prefer fun and flowy with nice scenery too "technically challenging")?
2. Bikeraft
I've also got a packraft, and can take my CX tourer or rigid hardtail and take the boat on the bike, put the bike on the boat and vice versa. Is there anywhere good I could cycle out to and paddle/float down a river home. Or is there any short loch crossings or anything where it would be worth taking the bike over for some decent riding?
Would prefer not to have to drive as would like to stay set up at the campsite, but I could if necessary.
Got some SUP, kayaking and hill walking planned already. And beer drinking.
Oh yeah, 3 - what's the midge situation up there just now?
Oh yeah, 3 – what’s the midge situation up there just now?
The cleggs were worse last week. Other than that, usual service.
Ullapool area trails I'm not familiar with.
Without a drive, 1&2 are both probably best answers with a look up the gravel roads past the quarry to the East, Rihdorroch. These valleys go all the way to the East coast, remote Munros and have some beautiful lochs to paddle on (rivers all very low thanks to dry spell).
If you were feeling brave (and super experienced) you could paddle West over Loch Broom and cycle over to Dundoneld, or even paddle Little Loch Broom to Scoraig, but that would be mental(do it!).
3. Agree with matt^, midges are fine thanks to cold winter IMO.
I’ve just got back from riding the HT550 so if you backtrack from Ullapool over the hill trail down past the quarry and go up the valley. Keep going past the bothy on the double track (this is the old Ullapool Oykell Bridge road) until you get to the fork just before the school house bothy.turn right there to head back to the lock you passed earlier. Tight bit of singletrack in one small section but makes a good day loop and shows you 2 quiet valleys. And dry as hell. Enjoy. And yes Midges not too bad,but Clegg’s bad and appear to pierce any piece of clothing,
So, decided to follow @icedink 's suggestion.
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/5695687401
Crossing Loch Broom was easy (checking ferry times!)
Push up from shore was long!
Singletrack into Scoraig was amazing
Crossing Little Loch Broom was a bit choppier/windier.
Got my pal to pick me up at the end.
Noticed the Loch was getting slightly choppy in the afternoon. Didn't miss you by much - I was delivering the post around the area.
That's brilliant, and bold! Well done @my(guitar)hero. I'm delighted and relieved your obviously well versed in such trips.
I went to high school in Ullapool and my mind often wandered to the other side of the loch and that peninsula. That's a cool way to explore it.
How long in total did that trip take you? I think it's just gone on the "to-do" list.
How long in total did that trip take you?
From his strava link: 2hrs40mins moving time; 4hrs22mins overall.
Edit: something looked a bit odd on the profile - was the tide going out when you crossed Little Loch Broom? 😄
Aye, bit of wind/current on the little loch made for a more circular route across!
But aye, 3 hours or so paddling/pedalling and the other time packing/unpacking bike and boat, having my lunch and looking at stuff