TRAILCREW LAGGAN WOLFTRAK, SCOTLAND

A rough-and-ready trail centre in the Cairngorms with fun riding and views to die for

- Rachel Bennet 

As we drive along the A9 towards Dalwhinnie and then fork off to Laggan Wolftrax, my mind drifts back to the good old days. This trail centre nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, between the MTB hotspot of Fort William and the outdoor haven of Aviemore, was the first riding spot I hit up at the beginning of my biking journey and will always hold a special place in my heart. It's been over three years since I rode here, though, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it's changed.

The crew go north

Today I'm accompanied by legendary photographer Steve Behr and MBUK's deputy art editor, Julia. We've also roped in Privateer-sponsored Scottish shredder Joe Connell, who in turn has rustled up a couple of mates, Andy and Greg. to join the fun, so we have a proper wee crew. The sun is shining and the midges aren't out in force (yet), so we've been blessed with great conditions, despite the ominous clouds loitering up the valley, and what the weather forecast has told us.

The climb at Laggan is, in my opinion (Julia may disagree!), fairly mellow - mostly on fireroad, with a singletrack kick at the end to keep things interesting. Joe's scuttled off somewhere, but told us he'd meet us at the top, so we get to pedalling. After plenty of recent XC riding, the pace is easy for me, which brings the chance to chat to the others - a novelty, because I'm usually too focused on breathing to form sentences!