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    Mountain Biking

    Wild Highland Trail

    6 reviews

    Next Trip: 5th - 11th Aug 2023 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From £2,095 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Paul Easto
    View Paul's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Mountain Biking
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £523.75 £523.75

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 130kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Join Wilderness Scotland for this pioneering route across the Highlands, taking you through some of the most magnificent scenery in Europe. Starting on Scotland’s west coast we’ll follow trails through the iconic mountain regions of Glencoe, the Monadhliath and the Cairngorms. En route, we will stay overnight in one of the most special places in the Highlands, perched on an amazing loch deep in the wilderness. Your guides will share some of the country’s classic trails and some lesser-known gems not found in any mountain bike guidebook.

    The awesome scenery will be matched by amazing hospitality off the bike. From wild and remote picnic lunches prepared by your guides to dining in Scotland’s most remote restaurant, you’ll be sure to take home truly incredible memories of this most spectacular journey by bike.

    Trip Highlights

    • Traverse the wild Highlands across the country from west to east.
    • Ride through the iconic mountain regions of Glencoe and the Cairngorms.
    • Overnight in a remote mountain hut, deep in the wilderness.
    • Complete your trip with an epic descent into one of Scotland's finest glens.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 - Fort William to Kinlochleven

    Meet your Wilderness Scotland guides in either Aviemore or Fort William. Once we’re gathered we’ll discuss the day’s ride and ensure we’re all set for the journey. We’ll warm up on some singletrack at Nevis Range trail centre, before striking into the hills and climbing through the forest on the West Highland Way. From the high point, we’ll take an amazing singletrack descent into Kinlochleven where spectacular mountains dominate the scene. Relax into your cosy highland accommodation after your first day on the bike. (L, D)

    Ride Details: 30 km/19 miles | 475 m/1,560 ft elevation gain

    Day 2 - The Wild West Highlands

    Today is an absolute classic taking us through the magnificent landscapes of the West Highlands. We’ll need to pack a change of clothes into our bike bags or rucksacks today as we’ll leave our luggage behind for the evening as we head into the wilds. We’ll get the legs moving on a road climb, but soon transition on to rocky double-track, which delivers more elevation as we journey into remote terrain. The sense of wilderness is real as we find a way across a river and then turn east on some challenging singletrack with some sections of hike-a-bike – wet feet are almost guaranteed! A final climb on a good trail leads further into the wild country. Just when you’re wondering where the day will end, our overnight accommodation appears – quite literally in the middle of nowhere. We’ll dine at the UK’s most remote restaurant, and then we’ll sleep in the wilds at our remote mountain hut perched on the loch shore. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 42 km/26 miles | 920 m/3,020 ft elevation gain

    Day 3 - The Ardverikie Forest and Monadhliath

    In any weather, waking up at the hut is a special experience. Take in the morning mountain air and, for the brave, perhaps a wild swim in the loch. After breakfast, we’ll continue riding east climbing above the loch and then heading out on estate roads for a coffee and kit drop at the van. A gravel carpet provides quick progress before we climb again into the Ardverikie Forest, threading a route through the hills before descending to Loch Laggan. We’ll recharge here and take stock of our options. If the weather is dry we’ll climb again to enjoy a wild route in the Monadhliath mountains. If not, it’s a short cruise along a quiet road to our overnight accommodation in Newtonmore where we will stay for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 70 km/44 miles | 775 m/2,550 ft elevation gain

    Day 4 - Speyside Singletrack

    A change in pace today allows us to spend time exploring some of the lesser-known singletrack trails of Speyside. These trails are hidden gems, and you’re much more likely to see the varied wildlife of the Cairngorms than other mountain bikers. Your guides will enjoy sharing one of the best local descents before stopping for lunch in the tiny village of Kincraig. From here there’s some lovely riding to the town of Aviemore where you can check in for some retail therapy or enjoy a refreshing pint in one of the cheery pubs. Enjoy a relaxed late afternoon and evening with a shuttle back for dinner in Newtonmore. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 41 km/25 miles | 441 m/1,450 ft elevation gain

    Day 5 - Through the Cairngorms

    Quite possibly one of our favourite rides anywhere in Scotland. Wild, remote and spectacular – today is what mountain bikes were built for. Our first objective is the beautiful Glen Feshie and as we follow the river south the landscape becomes increasingly wild. The upper reaches of the Glen are how the Highlands would have been thousands of years ago – a truly amazing place to ride. Leaving Glen Feshie behind, the trail becomes rougher and we’ll need a few short sections of hike-a-bike to make progress. It’s hard not to be inspired by the scenery though as we cross a great watershed and then descend on fast rocky trails. Entry to the forest signals our arrival in the Highland village of Braemar where we will stay for the night. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 59 km/37 miles | 574 m/1,880 ft elevation gain

    Day 6 - The Cairngorms National Park

    Our final day takes in one of the most beautiful corners of the UK’s largest National Park. Heading out of Braemar, we ride through the ancient Balmoral Estate, best known as the Scottish home of the Royal Family. We head to Ballater and climb past some beautiful waterfalls favoured by Queen Victoria. The climb after lunch is a tough one, reaching 650m in height but what awaits us at the top is a truly great descent and an epic way to finish the trip. The trail begins fast on the open hillside before diving into several rocky and challenging switchbacks. Once you’ve cleared these, it’s time to wind through the heather before flowing into the pine trees. A river crossing and final drop follow to reach the valley floor, from where it is a short distance to celebratory drinks at our final hotel. (B, L, D)

    Ride Details: 40 km/25 miles | 842 m/2,760 ft elevation gain

    Day 7 - Highland Perthshire

    Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and maybe a short stroll in the beautiful glen this morning before we depart and transfer back to Perth. (B)

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    Mountain Biking
    Wild Highland Trail

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    Trip Dates for 2023AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    5th Aug - 11th Aug 20234 places leftCONFIRMED£2,095Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

    On two of the nights during this trip, we stay in bunkhouse accommodation in remote locations, one of which is exclusive use for us, while the other is cosy and quaint with twin rooms. Please note that single rooms may not be available those nights.

    Single Rooms

    For solo travellers, accommodation is based on sharing a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. A limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available on a first come first served basis, subject to a single supplement of £400. Please enquire for availability.

    Meals Read More

    All meals are included throughout the trip. Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/restaurant. Included dinners are two courses as standard. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route.

    On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in locally owned guest houses, small hotels and bunkhouses
    • All meals throughout the trip as stated in itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • All transport throughout the trip, starting in Aviemore or Fort William and finishing in Perth
    • Tour and tasting of a whisky distillery
    • The services of qualified and experienced mountain bike guides and assistant guide/support driver throughout your trip
    • A support vehicle & trailer throughout
    • All group safety and bike maintenance equipment
    Trip Grading Read More

    Red Graded 7-9

    Our red graded trips are designed for regular mountain bikers with a high level of both fitness and riding skill. You can expect up to 8 hours of riding each day through a wide variety of terrain. Although unlikely, there is the potential for longer days under certain conditions. Distances covered will be in the range of 50km-70km daily and will include significant ascent and descent. You may need to plan some pre-trip preparation to build your stamina to cope with being in the saddle for consecutive days. On this particular trip, there are also times in which hike-a-biking is necessary (carrying or pushing your bike over difficult terrain).

    Trail conditions will vary from smooth paths to rocky land-rover tracks and engaging single-track. The single-track will often be technical and require confident bike skills. The hardest trips in this grade are an exciting challenge with rock gardens, drop-offs and steep ascents and descents.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    Your Guide will meet you either at Aviemore railway station at 8:30am or Fort William railway station at 11:00am on Day 1 of your trip.

    You will be returned to Perth railway station at 11:00am on the final day of your trip.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Chris Page

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Chris a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Red Graded Mountain Biking Holidays 7-9

    Our red graded trips are designed for regular mountain bikers with a high level of both fitness and riding skill. You can expect up to 8 hours of riding each day through a wide variety of terrain. Although unlikely, there is the potential for longer days under certain conditions. Distances covered will be in the range of 50km-70km each day and this will normally include significant ascent and descent. You may need to plan some pre-trip preparation to build your stamina to cope with being in the saddle for consecutive days.

    Trail conditions will vary from easy trails to rocky land-rover tracks and technical single-track. The single-track will often be technical requiring a good skill set. The hardest trips in this grade will challenge even the most skilled rider with rock gardens, drop offs and steep ascents and descents.

    Compare mountain biking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.83 out of 5 based on 6 reviews of Mountain Biking – Wild Highland Trail

    5
    1
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    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    PB

    Patrick Bruegger

    Reviewed on 23/08/2022

    Age: 40 - 50
    Country: Switzerland
    Trip Date: 30/07/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    BM

    Bob McGennis

    Reviewed on 24/05/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 14/05/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    This was a bucket list adventure that I had been planning for over 3 years. My first try was cancelled by the pandemic. So I had a lot of time to think about and otherwise set my expectations for the this trip. The entire WS experience on this trip exceeded those expectations, from the sometimes challenging terrain to the interaction with our guide and support staff, to the fun meals and social interaction. I was not disappointed.

    JB

    John Boyle

    Reviewed on 30/09/2021

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United Kingdom
    Trip Date: 18/09/2021
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    This is an amazing trip which reaches places that are not easy to get to by other means. The terrain we crossed, and the trails we used were varied, but always interesting. A great mixture of all the different off-road cycling experiences which the Scottish Highlands have to offer.

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