The Devil's Staircase

Big views and an outstanding descent are the reward for this quiet winter ride from Kinlochleven

- Alex Corlett

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.