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Bored to death, fed up with everything and haven't ridden my bike in a long time... 1 proper ride in the last year... so here I am dreaming of the summer holiday, which has already been booked for a couple of months now.
We're off to Scotland for 12 days... somewhere close to Loch Rannoch to be precise, just west of the Cairngorms. Very remote, I think something like half an hour to nearest shops. Will be taking the bike. Can't wait 🙂
Any advice for the area will be great. I love to mtb and climb mountains (hike or scramble, not actually "climb" climb) but will be with my wife and 5 small kids so may not be able to escape often. They are not massive walkers but will do some.
Will we be eaten to death by midges?
An absolute must, being so close, is a 1 day escape to Fort William. I have a hardtail and my riding ability = red routes and I can't jump very well. Would love to try the WC DH but am I dreaming? Will I die? I assume a FF helmet is required, which I don't currently own. Maybe a skills training day before then.
Dunno how we're getting there yet. Probably driving (from Manchester). Possibly everyone else on the train and me driving with a car full of stuff. Is it feasible to drive that distance solo with the bike on the roof and not have it nicked at rest stops en route?
I can't think of anything else right now so I will stop spouting my brain contents and just post this... then maybe do some work 🙄 ahem
Pretty sure the midges won't bother you in winter.
Fort bill d.h track is going to be unpleasant at best on a hardtail, unless you enjoy having your fillings shaken out. I enjoy riding it - on a d.h bike, or at least a 160mm enduro bike. Not saying it can't be done on a hardtail - a mate did it on an Azonic ds1 bitd. If you really want to see what it's like go take a look, just go steady in the rocks - some of the larger ones are more like drop offs and they aren't rollable. Worst case you'll be walking down some of it. Most of the larger jumps are rollable, or have chicken lines around them.
Pretty sure the midges won’t bother you in winter.
This is in August.
For a Rannoch based MTB holiday look at some days using the train. For example - Rannoch to Bridge of Orchy by train. West Highland way south for 4 miles or so then up a good track through Auch Glen to Loch Lyon. Good track along Loch Lyon to the dam. Further down the glen at Bridege of Balgie there is a pass with, I believe a good track back to Loch Rannoch. I haven't done the pass from Balgie but someone here will have.
PS In summer booking the bike is advisable. Doable online or at any main station.
Another train option is park at Blair Atholl train to KIngussie then ride back via the Gaick Pass or a longer day via Glen Feshie and Glen Tilt (with some hike a bike in the middle.)
Rannoch is nice. The drive from pitlochry along loch tummel is nice. Bungee jumping along the road.
The midges may sook everylast drop of fluid out of you. If the do, Just make sure to get someone to reanimate your desicated remains to let STW know how you got on.
Fort William is not near Loch Rannoch by road. Doable but Strathspey/Aviemore is nearer and Dunkeld nearer still.
As said above a good location for cross country rides - right in the middle of it all. Ben Alder, Loch Garry, Tracks on hills either side of Loch Tummel, Pass through to Lyon, The Black Wood........
https://www.purpleturtle.co.uk/product/purple-turtle-midge-suit/ - or similar.
I used one of these last year when stood at Glencoe Ski Centre for 24hrs (checkpoint on a race).
Pray for a breeze - and stock up on smidge.
Otherwise - it's a great part of the world, just keep moving..
Loch Rannoch to FW is a lovely train ride...
is there much choice for cheap accommodation near rannoch? I havent got there yet, last time I tried was in a bivvy bag and the rain and midges made me turn back
.... the railway is great but the bike could be an issue. It is also a good ride.
Walk up Schiehallion by the track that starts at Tempar, easy to follow in good weather and so much better than the usual tourist way up , good bike run around the base of the mountain , Keltneyburn and dropping out at Fortingall then up Glenlyon to Bridge of Balgie and back over to Loch Rannoch
Maybe selfish tough days out if you have others to think about
So many great bits without having to head much further especially if driving to Fort William back up the A9, I'd recommend Laggan not just as far
Loch Rannoch to Fort William is a long long way round by road - deceptively close on a map cross country.
There's some ace hills to also consider - with and without bike.
I saw it's a long way to FW, round about 2 1/2 hours, but with an early start or even an overnight stay it should be ok. Just want to try the uplift there really and unlikely to get another chance!
There looks to be plenty in the area to keep us occupied though. Just a bit concerned about the midges seeing as a couple of us are sensitive to mosquito bites etc and have been known to get blisters. Thankfully I seem to taste bad and rarely get bitten by anything. Will definitely stock up on smidge!
Just look on Strava and use the heatmap, you'll see plenty of well ridden off-road trails. I think your issue will picking routes out of the vast choices. But be prepared for some longer rides if you want to do a loop. Better get on the turbo now in preparation. Have fun!
Bored to death, fed up with everything and haven’t ridden my bike in a long time… <br /><br />
….five small kids
you’ve been busy, too busy. I’m not surprised you don’t get to ride your bike much!
When we went we had a great time with loads on nice riding. It's a really good base with lots of options.
Hope you have a great time.
Fort William has the red DH too so if the main course is too much the other is a blast
Lots of lovely rides, take a train from rannoch to corrour, ride back by via Ben alder bothy. Big but classic day out. Maybe an overnight in the bothy?
Laggan wolftrax doable for an evening session or longer if time suits
Midges yes but not 24/7, avoid still mornings and evenings for sure. Windless days are problematic but you probably won't get many!
Dunno how we’re getting there yet. Probably driving (from Manchester). Possibly everyone else on the train and me driving with a car full of stuff. Is it feasible to drive that distance solo with the bike on the roof and not have it nicked at rest stops en route?
Yes.
I regularly do Warrington to Dunblane non stop.
'safer' toilet stop would be places like Tebay services, Abingdon services and then go local at Ballinluig petrol station. Nothing is perfectly safe though.
Don't underestimate how far the last little bit out of Pitlochry or Aberfeldy is for the journey.
Where in the valley are you staying?
Family ideas:
- LOADS of walks, family friendly rides and picnics to be had along the valley. Particularly around Loch Rannoch South Shore and Blackwood of Rannoch.
- soldiers leap and the bungee bridge are an ace walk.
- Aberfeldy watermill cafe and bookshop, walk up the Birds of Aberfeldy. Even better falls and walks a couple of miles away at Acharn.
- Glassie Farm isn't far for good rides, same with Pitlochry natural trails.
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Where in the valley are you staying?
Near Bridge of Gaur
Bridge of Gaur
Blimey. You don't do things by half!
Get the local OS map. You will need it as a lot of walks and places are not marked as it's a very quiet spot.
How old are the kids? Do they all ride?
We wanted remote 😁
Oldest will be just 10 then, youngest 1. The top 3 ride (4 if you count balance bike) but are not used to long rides or much off-road, sadly. Hadn't really thought of taking all the bikes tbh, but rethinking it now!
Drive up to the House of Bruar to stock up on tweed suits to make sure you fit in with the locals...
Bridge of Gaur that is where the old solicitor/church elder lived or lives who got away with chucking all the tacks on the road as the etape was upsetting their routine one Sunday in the year, Grossett was his name as his sister was my solicitor back in the 80's