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Magnificent sevenThe world’s best mountain bike destination - no, we didn’t just make that up! This has been the view of the International Mountain Bike Association for the past two years. In their view, Scotland is the “global superstar” offering an incredible range of trails throughout the country.
Based at fantastic accommodation in two different locations in the Highlands, the itinerary combines a selection of classic rides with some little known gems. The emphasis is on wild back-country trails that will take you well away from the crowds and into some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. In recognition of the thriving centre scene in the Highlands we have also included a foray to the far north at Golspie - which boasts the longest singletrack descent in Britain. An excellent week of riding giving you the very best of Scotland! ItineraryWe meet in Inverness in the morning and head north via the Dornoch Firth to Scotland’s newest addition to the mountain biking scene at Golspie. The trails at Golspie opened last year and are a good choice for an exciting, yet not too strenuous first day. Once we have unpacked and prepared the bikes we can head out for a full ride. The black route at Golspie includes both the longest singletrack climb and descent in the UK. Distance covered = 30km+ We head deep into the wilderness today with a great ride through the magnificent mountains of Torridon. This little known route connects Glen Carron to Glen Torridon. The riding is made up of superb singletrack (technical at times) and double track with one of the highlights being the amazing views of the Torridon mountains - Beinn Alligin, Liathiach and Beinn Eighe - from the high point of the trail above Loch Torridon. Following lunch at Loch Torridon we follow a good Land Rover trail alongside Loch Damh before heading east back to our starting point. Overnight in Balmacara. Distance covered = 45km Arguably the highlight of the trip. When we rode this trail with MBR Magazine they named it the Best Trail in Britain. That is certainly something we agree with and while your expectations will be high, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. Set among the amazing Black Cuillin mountains of Skye, this awesome trail serves up an incredible rock-strewn 16km of singletrack which splits the island. In our view, there is no other natural trail like it in Britain. Distance covered = 55km After the exertions of yesterday, we can enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading south to Laggan Wolftrax to sample some of the man-made mountain biking nirvana that has been created in this corner of the Highlands. There are three different trails here ranging from smooth, flowing singletrack to seriously technical rock-sections. Distance covered = 30km+ In our view, this route is up there with the very best in Scotland offering a taste of the hugely varied mountain biking on offer. We begin in Aviemore and head east through the ancient pine forest to Glenmore. Passing the beautiful Lochan Uaine, we tackle the classic rocky climb over the Ryvoan Pass and then continue into the Abernethy Nature Reserve. The views of the northern Cairngorms are usually superb along this section of the trail. Fantastic singletrack takes us through the Braes of Abernethy before turning north to the charming village of Nethy Bridge. Distance covered = 55km+ Today we head west for a big ride in the West Highlands. This is an absolute classic and a real challenge whatever your level. We leave the vehicle at Spean Bridge and climb on a good Land Rover track into the Grey Corries. Passing a couple of bothies (mountain huts) en route, the scenery and the trail become increasingly wild. There is a real feeling of remote wilderness as the route continues into the Mamore forest before descending some epic singletrack into Kinlochleven. Distance covered = 72km+ A classic day of Scottish singletrack to end the week. Today’s ride is in the shadow of the western Cairngorms and follows a series of brilliant singletrack and Land Rover trails through native woodland and across open hillsides. It’s a great way to end the week with impressive views in big mountain country and a high chance of various wildlife encounters. We will aim to finish riding mid-afternoon before transferring back north to Inverness, arriving around 17:00. Distance covered = 40km+
Download pdf of full itinerary Skill LevelPredominantly red, but with some very challenging sections AccomodationSix nights in excellent guest house accommodation MealsBreakfast and lunch included each day Dates of Holiday19th - 25th July 2008 Full
Contact us if you require alternative dates Price£725 pp 
Skills List
Green grade
Green grade trails are suitable for: beginners or novice cyclists.
Blue gradeBlue grade trails are suitable for: intermediate mountain bikers with basic off-road riding skills. • Bike required: Front suspension mountain bike. • Skills needed: basic off-road riding skills to cope with uneven surfaces and small obstacles. • Trail and surface types: as above, plus specially constructed singletrack trails. Trail surface might include small obstacles of root and rock. • Gradients and technical trail features: most gradients are moderate but might include short steep sections. Technical features such as roots and rock might be present. • Suggested fitness level: a good standard of fitness can help as some trails have short climbs. 
Red gradeRed grade trails are suitable for: proficient mountain bikers with good off-roading skills. • Bike required: suitable for better off-road quality mountain bikes. • Skills needed: good off-roading skills and techniques to cope with technical trail features. • Trail and surface types: as above but steeper and tougher, mostly singletrack with technical sections. Expect variable surface types. • Gradients or technical trail features: a wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers and water crossings. • Suggested fitness level: a higher level of fitness and stamina is required to deal with technical features and longer distances. 
Black gradeBlack grade trails are suitable for: expert mountain bike users, used to physically demanding routes. • Bike required: a good quality full suspension mountain bike is recommended. • Skills needed: advanced level off-roading skills and technical ability. • Trail and surface types: as above, but with an expectation of greater challenge and continuous difficulty. • Gradients or technical trail features: expect large, committing and unavoidable obstacles and technical features. Sections will be challenging and variable. Might also feature 'downhill' style sections. • Suggested fitness level: suitable for very active people used to prolonged exercise. Kit List
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