Scotland is a paradise for mountain bikers who’re in search of distant, pure, technical trails. Its rugged landscapes, wildlife, tradition, whisky, and limitless trails make Scotland one of many prime MTB Vacation locations on this planet. From the huge Cairngorms Nationwide Park to the beautiful Isle of Skye and the distant wilderness of Torridon, Scotland presents an unbeatable vary of trails. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at these three iconic locations and why we expect they’re so particular and embrace them on quite a lot of our excursions!
The Coronary heart of the Highlands, the Cairngorms Nationwide Park, is the most important nationwide park within the UK, masking over 4,528 sq. kilometres. This large expanse is an epic playground mountain bike vacation spot, with all the things from historical pine forests to excessive mountain plateaus. For mountain bikers, it’s a dream come true with trails that go well with all skills, from rookies to seasoned professionals. With descents beginning at 1309m on the prime of Ben Macdui the chances are limitless right here!
These are a few of the best-known trails within the park. The Glenlivet trails provide about 20 kilometres of driving, with choices starting from blue (straightforward) to purple and black (harder) routes. The Purple Path, specifically, is about 22 kilometres lengthy and is full of thrilling options like swooping descents and technical sections. It’s the right steadiness of enjoyable and problem, making it a favorite amongst riders. There’s a nice cafe, a pump observe, and an enormous wild soar line.
Orange Trails – The Orange and Keiran’s Line are in all probability one of the best free-ride trails in Scotland and with jumps and gaps are for skilled riders solely.
There’s something right here for each rider, we just lately took a bunch of 15 who spent hours lapping the purple path from prime to backside with enormous smiles all the best way!
Positioned in Aviemore and simply accessible from the city itself these trails are correctly Scottish! Should you’re into combining biking with a little bit of Scottish historical past, Rothiemurchus is a must-visit. The paths right here take you thru historical Caledonian pine forests and provide beautiful views of the encircling mountains. It’s about 50 kilometres of blended terrain, so you’ll be able to count on all the things from easy, flowing paths to extra rugged, pure trails. We use this vacation spot for a ½ day method up and bike tinkering journey earlier than we set of on a lot greater days throughout the native space. It’s a excellent space to journey a post-ride beer is rarely far-off!
The winner for us nevertheless is Ballater and Heartbreak Ridge. Heartbreak Ridge in Ballater is a must-ride for mountain bikers trying to expertise one of the best of Scotland’s pure trails. The mixture of difficult climbs, technical descents, and beautiful Highland surroundings makes it a standout path within the Cairngorms. Whether or not you’re a neighborhood rider or a customer to the realm, Heartbreak Ridge presents an genuine Scottish mountain biking expertise that can go away you with lasting recollections and maybe just a few tales of the challenges confronted alongside the best way.
Location: Ballater, Cairngorms Nationwide Park, Scotland
Size: Roughly 8 miles (12.9 kilometers)
Issue: Intermediate to Superior
Elevation Acquire: Round 1,500 ft (457 meters)
Path Kind: Loop with technical sections
This path has a few of the perfect rock slabs and technical however flowing driving in Scotland, you’ll be able to let of the brakes and ship it! Simply remember to have checked out just a few sections first, by no means hit something too quick blind!
The Cairngorms is all about selection. Whether or not you desire a light journey via lovely forests or a difficult climb with epic views, you’ll discover it right here. Plus, with over 100 kilometers of devoted mountain bike trails, there’s loads of floor to cowl. The park can also be dwelling to 5 of the UK’s six highest mountains, so the surroundings is at all times spectacular, regardless of the place you journey.
This place is WILD! Positioned within the Northwest Highlands, is certainly one of Scotland’s most distant and rugged areas. It’s well-known for its towering mountains and deep glens. The paths listed below are a few of the most difficult in Scotland, however they’re additionally a few of the most rewarding.
The Torridon Loop is the massive one – a 32-kilometre loop that’s legendary amongst mountain bikers. It’s not for the faint-hearted, with technical rocky sections, steep climbs, and quick descents. The loop takes you deep into the wilds of Torridon, providing unbelievable views of the mountains and lochs alongside the best way. The Achnashellach descent is a spotlight, with its mixture of rocky steps, technical sections and wild rivers.
Beinn Damh, Should you’re up for a problem, the Beinn Damh route is a should. It’s about 16 kilometres lengthy, with a tricky climb adopted by a technical descent. The views from the highest are breathtaking, with Loch Torridon stretching out under and the peaks of the encircling mountains towering above. It’s a tricky journey, however the sense of accomplishment once you attain the underside is unbeatable.
The Applecross Coffin Highway mountain bike path is a novel and difficult route positioned on the Applecross Peninsula within the distant and rugged area of Wester Ross, within the Scottish Highlands. This path presents riders a mixture of historic intrigue, beautiful surroundings, and technical driving, making it a memorable expertise for individuals who take it on.
Location: Applecross Peninsula, Wester Ross, Scotland
Size: Roughly 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Issue: Intermediate to Superior
Elevation Acquire: Round 1,500 ft (457 meters)
Path Kind: Level-to-point with historic significance
The Applecross Coffin Highway, also called the “Coffin Route,” is steeped in historical past. The path earned its identify as a result of it was as soon as utilized by native communities to hold coffins from the distant settlements on the Applecross Peninsula to the burial floor at Clachan Church.
The Coffin Highway is a path that gives a mixture of robust climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands and shoreline. It’s a route that rewards riders with a deep sense of accomplishment and a connection to the realm’s wealthy historical past.
Torridon is all about getting off the crushed path. The paths listed below are distant, difficult, and extremely rewarding. Should you’re in search of journey and solitude, Torridon delivers in spades. Plus, the realm is dwelling to a few of Scotland’s most spectacular surroundings, with towering mountains and crystal-clear lochs at each flip.
That is certainly one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. It’s a spot of jaw-dropping magnificence, the place rugged mountains rise dramatically from the ocean. For mountain bikers, Skye presents some really distinctive trails that mix technical challenges with beautiful surroundings.
Everyone knows which mountain biker put the IOS on the map, sure, Danny MacAsskill and this movie “The Ridge.” Launched in October 2014, “The Ridge” showcased MacAskill’s exceptional expertise as he navigated the rugged landscapes of Skye, performing jaw-dropping stunts alongside the best way. The video rapidly went viral, amassing tens of millions of views on YouTube and placing the Isle of Skye on the map for journey seekers and nature lovers worldwide.
The Quiraing, Should you’re after one thing really epic, the Quiraing is the path for you. This route is about 10 kilometres lengthy and takes you thru a few of the most dramatic surroundings on the island. The path is a mixture of rocky paths, grassy slopes, and slender singletracks, all with unbelievable views of the encircling cliffs and the ocean. It’s a difficult journey, notably the steep sections, however the expertise is price each pedal stroke.
Sligachan to Elgol, This 30-kilometer route is for individuals who love an extended, robust journey. Beginning at Sligachan, you’ll cross the island to the distant village of Elgol. The path contains rocky ascents, thrilling descents, and spectacular views of the Cuillin mountains. The ultimate part, descending into Elgol with views over Loch Scavaig, is unforgettable.
Glenbrittle Forest, For a extra relaxed journey, head to Glenbrittle Forest. The paths listed below are much less intense, making them good for a scenic, laid-back journey. The forest tracks are easy, and also you’ll get some pretty views of the Cuillins as you journey. It’s about 15 kilometres of easy-going enjoyable, supreme for a household journey or a relaxing day trip on the bike.
Skye is all in regards to the views. The paths right here aren’t simply in regards to the journey; they’re about experiencing one of the lovely locations on this planet from the saddle of your bike. The island’s rugged terrain offers loads of challenges, however the reward is a few of the most spectacular surroundings you’ll ever see.
Scotland’s numerous landscapes make it top-of-the-line locations on this planet for mountain biking. Whether or not you’re tackling the difficult climbs of the Cairngorms, exploring the dramatic surroundings of Skye, or venturing into the wilds of Torridon, you’re in for an unforgettable journey. Every vacation spot presents one thing distinctive, from the huge path networks of the Cairngorms to the beautiful views on Skye and the rugged, distant fantastic thing about Torridon.
So, in the event you’re trying to mix your love of mountain biking with a few of the most lovely pure landscapes on earth, Scotland ought to be on the prime of your checklist. Pack your gear, put together for some difficult rides, and prepare to discover one of the best of Scotland’s mountain biking locations. Whether or not you’re a seasoned professional or simply beginning out, these trails will go away you with recollections (and perhaps just a few battle scars) that you simply’ll treasure perpetually.
Eager to search out out extra? Head over to our associates at Atlas Experience Co and get your subsequent journey booked up!
