Mountain Biking in West and North West Scotland

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This guidebook describes 25 mountain biking routes in North and North West Scotland, an area including Fort William, Rannoch Moor, Glen Spean, Invergarry, Loch Sunart, Strathfarrar, Kinlochewe, Sutherland, the Outer Hebrides and the mountains of Torridon and Skye. The routes range from 20 to 73km, graded blue, red or black for difficulty.

Cicerone says

This guidebook to mountain biking routes in North and North West Scotland describes 25 MTB routes north of the Great Glen, Covering a large geographical area, including Fort William, Rannoch Moor, Glen Spean, Ben Nevis, Sutherland, Torridon and Skye, the routes give a real flavour of the variety of different bike riding available. The routes range from 19.5km to 73.25km, graded moderate to very hard. Many are long and committing, so good preparation and fitness are essential, and in some cases a willingness to “hike and bike”.

Each route has a clear and detailed route description along with 1:50,000 OS mapping and a height profile. All routes have key information, including distance on and off-road, ascent, grade, time and the nearest pub and cafe. There is also advice on equipment, planning and preparation, and maintenance, before you hit the trails.

Scotland is rightly regarded as one of the world’s top mountain bike destinations, with magnificent riding and stunning scenery. From the self-proclaimed Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, to the majesty of the Outdoor Hebrides, this guide you will access some of the wildest and remote parts of Scotland, offering scintillating single track, challenging descents, incredible mountain vistas and many rewarding days in the saddle.

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Best cycled May-September, Scotland’s mountain biking trails can be wet, slippery and challenging year-round
• Centres: Shieldaig, Kinnlochewe, Dingwall, Portree (Skye), Tarbet (Harris), Fort William, Spean Bridge, Invergarry
• Difficulty: Graded blue (moderate) to black (very hard), there are rides to suit most abilities: some may be shortened if required
• Must See: Tour of Ben Nevis, Loch Lochy, Three Cols of Torridon, Tour of Ben Damph, the Harris Hills

Specifications

• Weight: 268g
• Published: 16 Jun 2016
• Edition: First
• Number of pages: 224
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.3cm

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
Trail centres
Getting there and around
Accommodation
Equipment
Food and drink
Rest and recovery
Using this guide
Abbreviations and symbols used in the route descriptions
Planning and preparation
Rider responsibility
The West
Route 1 West Highland XC
Route 2 Ballachulish Blast
Route 3 Tour of Ben Nevis
Route 4 In the Shadow of Ben Nevis
Route 5 Cow Hill
Route 6 Fersit and Strathossian
Route 7 Ardverikie Adventure
Route 8 On the Wild Side of Loch Lochy
Route 9 Loch Lundie
Route 10 Morvern Mini
Route 11 Morvern Monster
The North West
Route 12 Orrin Reservoir
Route 13 Strathfarrar Fling
Route 14 Wild in Strathconon
Route 15 Glenuaig Grind
Route 16 Slioch Singletrack
Route 17 The Three Cols of Torridon
Route 18 Tour of Ben Damph
Route 19 Slattadale Rockride
Route 20 Long Road to Ullapool
Route 21 Northern Exposure
The Islands
Route 22 Through the Cuillin
Route 23 The Cleared Villages
Route 24 High in the Harris Hills
Route 25 The Postman’s Track

Appendix A Bike shops
Appendix B Accident and emergency units
Appendix C Gaelic language
Appendix D Accommodation
Appendix E Tourist information centres