Wild Highland Trail

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)