Northern Scotland
The Northern part of Scotland is marked by the Highland Boundary Fault – a geological rock fracture – which traverses the Scottish mainland from Helensburgh to Stonehaven. The faultline is the boundary between the more rugged highlands to the north and the start of the lowlands to the south. This is a region of the UK that is prone to a severe battering by weather systems rolling in from the North Atlantic which make this region a magnet for the kind of riders who like the extremes. But it’s not all about buttoning up against the elements; here you’ll find the only gondola uplift for bikes in the UK at Fort William, and there’s plenty of short, airborne fun to be had at Balnain too. But what you will not be short of at any of these locations are spectacular views and inspiring geography.
-
Aonach Mor
Legend has it that the Witch of Leanachan (“lee-nach-an”) fled to the hills of Aonach Mor in the 1800s. Keeping her spooky spirit alive, the world-famous Witch’s Trails continue to bewitch mountain bikers. There are 45km of trail to tackle.
-
Highland Wildcat Trail, Golspie
The Highland Wildcat trial at Golspie is a long, long way away from me, but I would quite happily do the 20hr round trip again to ride it again.
-
Moray
The Moray Monster Trails are a result of collaboration between Forestry Enterprise (Moray), Moray Mountain Bike Club and others and are a linked network covering 30km of trails, graded from green to black, including a freeride section.
-
Pitlochry
Chipps explores the trails of Scotland with the help of the train…
-
The Cairngorms
Andy Mac and friends head to the Cairngorm National Park, tackling roots, rocks and rivers whilst alarming the locals.
