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.

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Introduction
Getting there and around
Accommodation
Equipment
Food and drink
Rest and recovery
Using this guide
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

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

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

June 2022

Route 4 map amend

October 2020

Route 4 (In the shadow of Ben Nevis)

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