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 easy trails 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 descend the old military road 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: 30km/19 miles | 475m/1,560ft 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 get moving on some easy trails before beginning our climb into the hills. Here rocky double-track delivers some elevation as we journey into more remote terrain. The sense of wilderness is real as we find a way across a river and then turn east on some challenging single-track. 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. As if by magic, your guides will be on hand with your overnight bag and a reservation for dinner! Dine at the UK’s most remote restaurant where local game and fish feature on the menu and perhaps enjoy a dram at our mountain hut, perched on the loch shore. (B, L, D)

Ride Details: 42km/26 miles | 920m/3,020ft 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 descending on some fun and bouncy single-track. 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: 70km/44 miles | 775m/2,550ft 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 rarely ridden 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: 41km/25 miles | 441m/1,450ft 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: 59km/37 miles | 574m/1,880ft 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 Ballochbuie Forest where wild stags roam free and are frequently seen down by the river or in the trees. Our first major climb of the day takes us over the shoulder of the majestic mountain of Lochnagar. The reward for the effort is a fast and rocky descent down to the shores of Loch Muick in the heart of the mountains where we’ll enjoy lunch. Keep an eye out for the Royal Family as we climb again, high above the shores of the loch. What awaits 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 follows to reach the valley floor from where it is a short distance to celebratory drinks at our final hotel. (B, L, D)

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