Scotland is a paradise for mountain bikers who’re searching for distant, pure, technical trails. Its rugged landscapes, wildlife, tradition, whisky, and infinite trails make Scotland one of many high 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 gives an unbeatable vary of trails. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at these three iconic locations and why we predict 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 biggest nationwide park within the UK, overlaying over 4,528 sq. kilometres. This huge expanse is an epic playground mountain bike vacation spot, with every little thing from historical pine forests to excessive mountain plateaus. For mountain bikers, it’s a dream come true with trails that go well with all talents, from learners to seasoned execs. With descents beginning at 1309m on the high of Ben Macdui the chances are infinite right here!
These are a few of the best-known trails within the park. The Glenlivet trails supply about 20 kilometres of using, with choices starting from blue (straightforward) to crimson and black (harder) routes. The Pink Path, particularly, is about 22 kilometres lengthy and is filled with thrilling options like swooping descents and technical sections. It’s the proper stability 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 most likely the most effective 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 gaggle of 15 who spent hours lapping the crimson path from high to backside with big smiles all the best way!
Positioned in Aviemore and simply accessible from the city itself these trails are correctly Scottish! When 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 supply beautiful views of the encompassing mountains. It’s about 50 kilometres of blended terrain, so you possibly can count on every little thing from clean, flowing paths to extra rugged, pure trails. We use this vacation spot for a ½ day approach up and bike tinkering experience earlier than we set of on a lot greater days throughout the native space. It’s a very good space to experience a post-ride beer isn’t distant!
The winner for us nevertheless is Ballater and Heartbreak Ridge. Heartbreak Ridge in Ballater is a must-ride for mountain bikers trying to expertise the most effective of Scotland’s pure trails. The mix 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 gives an genuine Scottish mountain biking expertise that can depart you with lasting reminiscences 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 Achieve: Round 1,500 toes (457 meters)
Path Kind: Loop with technical sections
This path has a few of the highest rock slabs and technical however flowing using in Scotland, you possibly can let of the brakes and ship it! Simply make sure 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 need a mild experience by way of 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 be dwelling to 5 of the UK’s six highest mountains, so the surroundings is at all times spectacular, irrespective of the place you experience.
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, When 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 encompassing mountains towering above. It’s a tricky experience, however the sense of accomplishment whenever you attain the underside is unbeatable.
The Applecross Coffin Street mountain bike path is a novel and difficult route situated on the Applecross Peninsula within the distant and rugged area of Wester Ross, within the Scottish Highlands. This path gives riders a mixture of historic intrigue, beautiful surroundings, and technical using, 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 Achieve: Round 1,500 toes (457 meters)
Path Kind: Level-to-point with historic significance
The Applecross Coffin Street, often known as 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 Street is a path that provides 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 overwhelmed path. The paths listed below are distant, difficult, and extremely rewarding. When you’re searching for 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 gives some actually 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 shortly went viral, amassing thousands and thousands of views on YouTube and placing the Isle of Skye on the map for journey seekers and nature lovers worldwide.
The Quiraing, When you’re after one thing actually 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 encompassing cliffs and the ocean. It’s a difficult experience, 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 experience. Beginning at Sligachan, you’ll cross the island to the distant village of Elgol. The path consists of 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 experience, head to Glenbrittle Forest. The paths listed below are much less intense, making them good for a scenic, laid-back experience. The forest tracks are clean, and also you’ll get some pretty views of the Cuillins as you experience. It’s about 15 kilometres of easy-going enjoyable, best for a household experience or a calming day trip on the bike.
Skye is all in regards to the views. The paths right here aren’t simply in regards to the experience; they’re about experiencing one of the lovely locations on this planet from the saddle of your bike. The island’s rugged terrain gives loads of challenges, however the reward is a few of the most spectacular surroundings you’ll ever see.
Scotland’s various landscapes make it probably the greatest 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 gives one thing distinctive, from the huge path networks of the Cairngorms to the beautiful views on Skye and the rugged, distant great thing about Torridon.
So, if you happen to’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 high of your record. Pack your gear, put together for some difficult rides, and prepare to discover the most effective of Scotland’s mountain biking locations. Whether or not you’re a seasoned professional or simply beginning out, these trails will depart you with reminiscences (and possibly just a few battle scars) that you just’ll treasure eternally.
Eager to search out out extra? Head over to our pals at Atlas Experience Co and get your subsequent journey booked up!
