Big views and an outstanding descent are the reward for this quiet winter ride from Kinlochleven
A FAR cry from the mud and roots of east coast trails, Kinlochleven is all about the hard stuff – rock, and lots of it. Although winter seems like an odd time to ride some of Scotland’s wildest trails, it’s one of the few locations where regular rain makes little difference. It’s hard and grippy whatever the weather.
Plus while nearby Nevis Range’s car park is busy with bikers, even in the depths of winter, it’ll probably be just you unpacking the car as the day begins.
A whole network of challenging routes drop down from the wild country that surrounds the village, including the infamous Ciaran Path from up the Blackwater Reservoir.
There’s loads of good winter riding, but I’ve not always had good luck getting up here. I’ve been stuck at the snow gates just past Tyndrum a number of times, and even when I’ve made it as far as the Kingshouse Hotel, a wee glimpse of snow up high has twice put me off this ride up and over the Devil’s Staircase.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2017 de The Scots Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2017 de The Scots Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The Bliss Of A Bothy
After a strenuous walk, a mountain shelter can offer all you need
The Long Way Round
When you can only just see the stepping stones under a river in spate, it's time to re-think the route, as two Highland adventurers found out
The New Oyster Cult
A community is helping to restore the once rich biodiversity of Loch Craignish, one species at a time
A Poet's Sanctuary
Hidden on a hilltop, writer Dominic Cooper is inspired by the wild, stormy winters of the Ardnamurchan peninsula
A Rural Housing Crisis
Across Scotland, locals are being priced out and crowded out - but communities are now working hard to address the issue
A Historic Centre
Glasgow's Mercat Cross may not be as old as it appears but it's still seen many changes, along with an ebb and flow in prosperity
A Bird With A Brain
Jim's encounters with the raven in several northern countries have only increased his respect for its intellect and ingenuity
The Warrior King
On the 750th anniversary of his birth, Robert The Bruce's legacy as cultural keystone and historical enigma continues to fascinate
All Going Swimmingly
From Tutti Frutti to Shetland, Monarch Of The Glen to Granite Harbour, Dawn Steele's heart will always be in Scotland - and the sea
Following The Coos
The latest charity art trail aims to a-moos-e and delight visitors to Perth and Kinross this summer