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Mountain Biking in West and North West Scotland

This guidebook describes 25 mountain biking routes in West 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.

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
ISBN
9781852847463
Availability
Published
Published
16 Jun 2016
Reprinted
28 Nov 2023
Edition
First
Pages
224
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.10cm
Weight
240g
Overview

This guidebook to mountain biking routes in West 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.

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By Sean Benz

From an early age the bike has been integral for mini adventures around Sean’s native Liverpool where a modified bike was used to weave and race through the narrow alleyways of the local allotments. With Scottish roots, countless holidays were spent north of the border, which eventually led to Scotland becoming home. Sean’s mountain bike adventures have extended to Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia, although one place remains dear, and that’s Scotland and its Highlands and Islands. From mountain bike races, adventure races, outdoor education and guided mountain bike trips as a qualified Scottish Mountain Bike Leader, he has built an extensive knowledge base of the Highlands and Islands.

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