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Cairngorms Wild Camping Expedition

A fantastic self-sufficient mountain bike adventure. Four days of epic riding in the Cairngorm mountains. 

Trip Summary

Total distance: 105 km / 65 miles (Average 26km / 16 miles per day)

Cost? £185

View Dates and Book Now?

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

View Cairngorms Wild Camping Photos on Flickr

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

Itinerary

Cairngorms TourDay 1: Blair Atholl to Falls of Tarf (20km)

After the drive from Glasgow, the long winding track which follows the River Tilt acts as a superb introduction to riding in this beautiful part of Scotland. If you’ve never ridden a fully laden bike before this good quality path allows you to learn the techniques before we hit the singletrack at the head of Glen Tilt. We soon cross the Bedford Bridge at the spectacular Falls of Tarf and arrive at our first wilderness campsite. Tents pitched, it’s time to get the stoves roaring for a well deserved evening meal.

Day 2: Falls of Tarf to Glen Feshie (28km)

A tough day awaits us after breaking camp. Soon after passing the ruins of Bynack Lodge we meet the Geldie Burn which we follow on a good track. The feeling of remoteness increases as we head further west, with nothing but the huge rolling Cairngorm hills for company. We branch off the main track onto a lesser trail which involves a good amount of pushing as we aim for Glen Feshie. A metal footbridge over a huge waterfall means we can get back in the saddle and enjoy the fantastic singletrack descent down the glen to our second overnight stop.

Day 3: Glen Feshie to Sronphadruig Lodge (29km)

After crossing the River Feshie we double back on yesterday’s route for a few kilometres before turning off towards Glen Tromie and the Gaick Pass. Tired legs will suffer on the steep uphill drag which stretches out on the slopes of Carn Dearg. The gradient soon turns downhill and we cross the Allt Bhran and head due south towards the Gaick Pass. Shortly after passing Gaick Lodge, we ride some fantastic singletrack through the deep trench of Loch an Duin to our final campsite at the ruins of Sronphadruig Lodge.

Day 4: Sronphadruig Lodge to Blair Atholl (26km)

A seemingly endless gradual climb on a good track takes us back towards signs of civilisation. A fast descent through the woods pops us out on the busy A9 at the foot of the Drumochter Pass. After crossing the main road ten kilometres of minor road allow us to wind down and reflect on a superb trip as we make our way back to Blair Atholl.

Carrying Luggage

At Scottish Mountain Bike Guides we use bike trailers for expedition riding. Trailers allow you to carry large loads without unbalancing your bike with panniers, or damaging your back with a rucksack.

They can fit through any gap your pedals will go through, bounce over just about any obstacle and even add a bit of rear wheel traction on slippery climbs. In addition they are very easy to get used to. Just remember to brake a little earlier and after a few minutes you will probably have forgotten it’s even there. We guarantee you’ll be checking over your shoulder to see if it’s still attached.

We have several bike trailers available for hire. Click here to hire trailers and other expedition equipment.

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 distances may seem short at an average of only 26km per day, but the fact that the trip is self-sufficient means that the extra loads carried do greatly increase the energy expended each day. 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 moderately difficult trail obstacles such as narrow singletrack, rocks and roots. Experience of riding with a bike trailer is useful, but not essential. There 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 the wilderness environment and also on other trail users. Small groups also mean that you can expect one to one attention from your guide if you wish work on any aspect of your riding.

What do I need to bring?

A team orientated attitude!

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