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West Highlands Wild Camping

A three day self-sufficient mountain bike tour of Ben Nevis and the Mamore Mountains. A stunning expedition in the shadows of Scotland’s highest mountain.

Trip Summary

Total distance: 76 km / 47 miles (Average 25 km / 16 miles per day)

Cost? £145

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

Wilderness Skills mountain biking courseDay 1: The Witches Trails to Lairigmor (31km)

Our start point for this trip is Leanachan forest near Fort William, home of the Witches Trails and the venue for the 2007 Mountain Bike World Championships. For those who have never ridden with a mountain bike trailer before, the wide forest roads allow you to learn the techniques before we go for a lap of the World Championships cross country course. Once we’ve compared how slow we are compared to the pros, (well they didn’t have to pull trailers did they!) we take the cycle track towards Glen Nevis. We climb through Nevis Forest at the foot of Britain’s tallest peak to our first camp site at Lairgmor, a former sheiling on the old military road which forms this part of the West Highland Way.

Day 2: Larigmor to The Larig Leacach (25km)

This is a stunning day out in the Western Highlands. We follow the West Highland Way for a few kilometres towards Kinlochleven before branching off northeast towards the twin lochs of Loch Eilde Mor and Loch Elide Beag. The giants of the Mamores stand on our left side on this good track as we descend to Luibelt. Here we cross the Abhainn Rath and are faced with our main challenge of the day, a stiff climb to the col between Meall a Buirich and Meall Mor. Every tough climb deserves a good descent and the singletrack drop to the bothy in the Larig Leacach and our second overnight stop doesn’t disappoint. Depending on the size of the group we may stay in this remote bothy overnight, or pitch the tents a short distance away.

Day 3: The Larig Leacach to The Witches Trails (20km)

There’s no better start to a day than a long fast Highland downhill, and that’s exactly what’s on the menu just after breakfast on the last day of our mountain bike adventure.  The drop of around 400m in the first kilometres of today’s ride brings us back into Leanachan Forest where rolling forest roads take us back to our start point. Those with energy left can take in another lap of the world championships course (maybe without the trailers this time), while the thoughts of tea and cake at Nevis Range’s Snowgoose Restaurant might be too much of an enticement for others.

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