Heading up north next week with bikes and walking boots. Does anybody have any recommendations for must-do XC routes around Applecross, Torridon, Achmelvich, and Ullapool? We’ve got a big Applcross loop and the Torridon Loop from Phil McKane’s book (Scotland Mountain Biking: The Wild Trails) pencilled in, but pointers to other routes would be gratefully considered. Climbing is fine if rideable, but we’d rather avoid any significant hike-a-bike.
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A couple of years ago Gerry, Scotty, Euan and myself did Route 39 from Kenny Wilson’s book, or at least part of it combined with some of the singletrack near Coire Lair. The downhill was pretty epic. Looks like the same route as in Phil McKane’s book but we turned off at Point 11 and followed the track towards Beinn Liath Mhor. I remember some hikey bikey. Photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neologic/sets/72157622460406019/
That looks pretty amazing, definitely looking forward to giving it a crack. What prompted you to head up towards Bienn Liath Mhor. I can see the trail on the map, wondering whether you had some inside information :~)
“What prompted you to head up towards Bienn Liath Mhor”
Scotty Walker!!! I think he’d ridden up here with a guide before and he suggested the route. The hikey bikey was short but sharp up Bealach Ean. Worth the effort for the ride back to Achnashellach!
Hi,
I am jealous! We’ve still not managed to get up to Torrison this year.
I’m afraid I don’t have any XC routes for you but…. When we stayed at Achmelvich, did a ride from campsite to Stoar Lighthouse- very pretty.
If you are thinking of climbing Suilven, suggest you take bikes and ride in. It’s a 7 mile slog on track before you even get to the hill. Made the descent to the pub in Lochinver very quick after the climb up the hill.
Further north, rode out to Cape Wrath. You got to time it right as you need to take a little boat from the mainland. On the return journey the boat was packed with tourists who had to sit amongst our bikes. It was a bit bleak crossing the MOD land, but the end point was brilliant! Most north westerly point on Scottish mainland.
Enjoy!! and I hope it stays dry for you.
Sam
All useful to know, thanks; it’s supposed to be a holiday, and I’m pencilling in a hangover after my birthday, so we’ll need some… less epic stuff to do :~) Suilven is on the list, but every fibre in me screams at the thought of leaving the Five hidden in the heather while we climb the hill :~)
The route Graham referred to was a good xc, although a bit of a slog at the start. I would suggest doing it in the direction we did, i.e. clockwise looking North. It got very remote at the top and would be pretty daunting if the weather turns bad.
Also, we did a bit of the Kinlochewe Forrest/Lochan Fada Loop (the next day). Starting at Incheril/Kinlockewe Hotel. We did the climb to the loch but the ground was too boggy to complete the circuit.
A few years back, Alison and I explored some of the landrover tracks from Dundonnel (Corrie Hallie) to Shenavall Bothy, and separately the landrover tracks from Poolewe. The ultimate aim would be to somehow link these up but that would require a couple more reckies and good weather. The Bridge café in Poolewe does crackin’ Baked Potatoes.
Also, we explored some of the trails around Shieldaig and that was good, although not extensive. PS, we never spotted JK from Jamiroquai who has a croft around Badochro.
It might be worth looking at staying at the lighthouse at Rubha Reidh/Outdoor Centre. We stayed at the Gairloch/Strath campsite and it was good. Strath stores was good for breakfast rolls, and the Myrtle Bank just around the corner does huge portions at descent prices (given the remote location).