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Northern Highlands and Skye

Stunning scenery in Wester Ross and Skye, combined with rocky natural trails. A fantastic mountain bike trip.

Trip Summary

Total distance: 210km / 130 miles (Average 30km / 19 miles per day)

Cost? £395 with bunkhouse accommodation

B&B Upgrade from £90 per person (based on two sharing)

View Dates and Book Now?

We can run this trip on any date for groups of 3 or more. Contact us with your requirements.

Itinerary

The Northern Highlands and Skye Mountain Bike HolidayDay 1: Kinlochewe Forest (22km)

After the spectacular drive north from Glasgow we finally get to stretch our legs on a fantastic loop from Kinlochewe. A long riverside climb out of the village is rewarded with fantastic scenery and a real sense of remoteness. After Lochan Fada a spectacular descent down the steep-sided Gleann Bianasdail drops us onto more riverside singletrack back to our starting point. This ride is a teriffic start to the week, you’ll be itching to get back on your bike tomorrow!

Day 2: The Coulin Pass and Ben Damph (45km)

If yesterdays ride wetted your appetite, you’ll not be disappointed today. Our route takes us over two passes in the Coulin and Ben Damph Forests, and along the majestic Glen Torridon. We start on singletrack which follows the shores of Loch Clair and Loch Coulin, before gradually making our way to the summit of the Coulin Pass. A fantastic steepening descent drops us into Achnashellach. At Coulags the second climb takes us to the high point of our route, where our climbing efforts are soon rewarded with the highlight of the day - an amazing descent on fast flowing trails to Annat. Just make sure you bunnyhop those waterbars!

Day 3: Gairloch Loop (27km)

Some fantastic views and fantastic singletrack today. We start south of Gairloch and follow a mixture of tarmac and tracks into the town. On a clear day the views stretch to the Western Isles, and we may catch a glimpse of our destination for later in the week, the Isle of Skye lying around 20 miles west of Gairloch. After descending past Loch Tollaidh, the highlight of the ride begins. Climbing steeply in the first couple of kilometres, a fabulous singletrack trail drops to Loch Maree and keeps going all the way back to our starting point. The scenery of Letterewe Forest across Loch Maree, and the islands scattered around the loch itself are spectacular. A wonderful day on the bike.

Day 4: Liathach Loop (22km)

The mountain of Liathach is legendary among Scottish mountaineers and Munro baggers. The circumnavigation of the peak by Coire Mhic Nobuil and Coire Dubh Mor is definitely worthy of the status Legendary Mountain Bike Ride. Starting on the minor road through Torridon village, we soon branch off and begin climbing into Coire Mhic Nobuil. The track becomes steeper and rockier the higher we climb until eventually there’s no option but to get off and push. It’s worth it though, as the descent of Coire Dubh Mor drops 300m over ditches, through streams, and round switchback turns back to the road in Glen Torridon.

Day 5: Sligachan Circuit (48km)

A real classic Skye loop today between the Red and Black Cullins. Starting on the coast, we make our way up Glen Sligachan on a technical rock strewn singletrack. As we ride deeper into the glen, the path becomes smoother and we pass beautiful lochs on the way to Camasunary bothy on the shores of Loch Scavaig. After lunch we take on the only significant climb of the day to the pass of Am Mam. A few kilometres of minor road take us along the shores of Loch Slapin, where we ride more fantastic singletrack through Strath Mor to Luib. From Luib we finish the ride on minor roads following the coast back to Sligachan. A classic days mountain biking.

Day 6: Idrigill Point (42km)

We head to the western side of Skye today and the Durinish peninsula for some fabulous remote cliff top riding. There are spectacular vistas out to the Western Isles, as well as wildlife rich cliff scenery. We may spot sea eagles among the caves, towers and arches. We start at Dunvegan, and ride along a single track road to Ramisaig. Here the off road riding starts and its grassy tracks all the way to Idrigill Point, where the twin rock stacks of MacLeod’s Maidens rise out of the sea. At the point, we head north still on the cliff edges high above Loch Bracadale. Soon we enter woods and follow a single track trail back to Orbost, where a few kilometres of minor road bring us back to our starting point.

Day 7: The Quiraing (12km)

This is a short loop on our final day, but it’s very sweet. The Quiraing circuit has what’s been described as the best stretch of singletrack in Britain, a fast flowing, brakes-off charge past lochans and over rocks. This is a stunning end to an amazing trip.

Accommodation

We use two different self catering bunkhouses on this trip. For the first three nights, our base in Torridon is the Kinlochewe bunkhouse, part of Kinlochewe Hotel. The comfortable bunkhouse is ideally suited to mountain bikers with a drying room, well equipped kitchen and bike store, not to mention the fact that the hotel’s Ben Eighe bar carries a range of over 50 malt whiskies! On the Isle of Skye, staying at the Sligachan Hotel bunkhouse means we can commence our first Skye ride from the front door. It is a cosy old cottage with wood fires in the lounge. The hotel’s facilities are close at hand, and its location, with views of the Cuillin mountain range, is stunning. If you prefer, you can upgrade to bed and breakfast accommodation, using good quality local providers.

How difficult is this trip?

This trip is rated as “challenging” as it involves long days in the saddle in remote and often challenging off road terrain. The average daily distance may seem low at around 30km per day, but the difficult terrain and almost 6000 vertical metres of climbing over the week mean you will need to be in good physical condition. To complete the trip comfortably you should be riding regularly and confident that you can complete long rides with 4 – 6 hours in the saddle. You should also be confident at handing difficult trail obstacles such as narrow singletrack, very rocky terrain and roots. The are some sections of this trip where extended pushing is required.

How many people will be on the trip?

Trips are limited to a maximum of six participants, to maintain a good atmosphere within the group and also to minimise impact on other trail users. Small groups also mean that our guides will have plenty of time to help you work on those bike skills out on the trails.

What do I need to bring?

Click here for detailed kit list

What’s not included?

Any other questions?

Please call us on 01475 740 414 or email info@ScottishMountainBikeGuides.com to discuss any aspect of this trip.

Click here for dates and booking