| Route |
Contributor |
Last Updated |
Where |
Distance |
Tags |
|
WMB 122 Western Lakes Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 01:27 |
|
6.7km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Steep
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Difficult
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
|
| Start/Finish The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere, NY 175 169
Total distance 6.9km
(4.25 miles)
Total ascent 185m (600 feet)
Time 1-2 hours
Maps OS Explorer OL4: The English Lakes, North-western area: Keswick, Cockermouth & Wigton 1:25k, Harvey’s British Mountain Map Lake District 1:40k
Summary
Very little ascent so suitable for all weathers, though trail surfaces are rocky and slippery in places.
From Buttermere village, take bridleway that leaves the road at the Bridge Hotel and crosses the valley floor, passing through gates. At bridge over river, pass through a gate and take short section of stone staircase ahead. Do not climb the staircase for more than a few metres – this will take you up the fell to Red Stile and beyond – instead bear left onto wide, rough bridleway.
Follow path as it undulates through trees, crossing small watercourse and wet, rocky sections. Keep to the main and most obvious path where minor paths leave to left and right, starting to descend towards forest’s edge.
At end of the trees, pass through gate and descend a short distance on same track to join an undesignated lakeshore path with improved surface. Follow this path to the foot of Scarth Gap bridleway, bearing left and descending to a gate in wall.
Cross valley floor to Gatesgarth if returning to Buttermere along the road. Turn left as the bridleway exits onto the road and follow minor lakeside road to Buttermere.
If extending the ride, return along lake shore to a bridge at the lake’s edge, then continue towards Scale Force. The bridleway remains mostly level, only climbing when it reaches the foot of the falls, at which point retrace your steps back to Buttermere along the rocky bridleway. |
|
WMB 123 White Peak Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 17th 2011, 03:51 |
|
6.7km |
|
| Start/Finish Miller’s Dale Station/car park, OS grid ref SK 138 732
Total distance 11.8km
(7.33 miles)
Total ascent 525m (1721ft)
Time 1 hour +
Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50k: Buxton & Matlock 119. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:25k Peak District National Park (GPS).
Summary Easy rail trail riding and scenic farm tracks. One steep and technical climb.
From Miller’s Dale Station, join the Monsal Trail and head east on the old railway path (towards Bakewell).
Pass through the Litton and Cressbrook tunnels. Continue on the rail trail to Headstone Viaduct, crossing the descent from Putwell Hill as it passes below the rail trail.
The bridleway climb which takes you to rejoin the byway leaves the Monsal Trail on the right-hand side before the viaduct; pass through the gate and climb a narrow path. Rejoin the rocky main track and continue ascending, passing through a gate at the top before the track levels out. Continue to Brushfield.
At Brushfield bear right at cottages onto byway that climbs gently below woods before emerging between fields. Follow this path as it undulates over Bull Tor towards Priestcliffe. At Priestcliffe,
turn right at the junction immediately in front of the cottages and follow byway
as it heads north west
towards Miller’s Dale and begins to descend.
At junction with Long Lane turn right and descend steeply. Track becomes broken Tarmac and then minor lane before emerging onto the B6049. Turn right and descend final Tarmac stretch to Miller’s Dale village; turn left on the road (signed Wormhill) and climb steeply under bridges to return to Miller’s Dale car park. |
|
WMB 121 Blaenavon Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 01:28 |
|
6.8km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish Cwmtillery Lakes, Abertillery SO217061
Total distance 6.8km
(4.2 miles)
Total ascent 355m (1164ft)
Time 0.5-1.5 hours
Maps OS Landranger 1:50000 sheet 161: The Black Mountains
Route summary Short but sometimes steep and technical loop taking you up to, across and down from moorland above Abertillery.
From the car park at Cwmtillery Lakes, turn left and follow the narrow lane up through the houses. Take the sharp hairpin left to climb more steeply, reaching cattle grid and open hillsides. Opposite small farm buildings take the steep, loose track switching back right (224070).
Climb steeply, pushing if (when) necessary to trail crossroads at the top. Take the right turn, climbing with the fence to your left over ground that’s either hard and fast or soft and slow depending on the season. Descend as the trail swings left through a loose, sandy corner. Watch out for a narrower trail turning back on yourself to the right.
Follow the trail to the right, heading west down the slope towards Abertillery with a small patch of woodland to your left. Look for the stone wall running across the hillside – you’re aiming for the singletrack running just upslope of this, heading right.
Descend on occasionally tricky singletrack, watching out for concealed steps, ruts and tightening turns. The trail steepens as it descends, heading into a fold in the hillside with a small drop towards the bottom.
Continue on the trail, climbing briefly on grass before joining final section of singletrack. Descend to rejoin vehicle track above Abertillery, turn left and descend back to Cwmtillery Lakes and car park. Watch out in winter, as this track can be icy. |
|
WMB 119 Snowdon Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 01:32 |
|
8.2km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish Rhyd Ddu station car park, GR571525
Total distance 8.3km
(5.2 miles)
Total ascent 269m (882 ft)
Time 1-2 hours
Maps Outdoor Leisure (1:25,000) 17
Route summary An open loop across the southern flank of Snowdon followed by a climb into Beddgelert Forest and a fast descent to finish.
Start at Rhyd Ddu station car park. Ride to northern end and cross railway at a level crossing. Climb for 1.4km on well-surfaced track curving right, then swinging left and getting steeper and looser. Continue on track as it bears right to a gate just below large rock outcrops.
Pass through a gate to a junction with Rhyd Ddu path to the left (signed Snowdon) and bridleway to the right. Take right turn and descend across sometimes boggy grassland with potentially slippery bridges. At the edge of a patch of woodland drop to a farmyard.
Go through yard and down a track to the road. Turn left after 500m then right into Beddgelert Forest. Cross railway and climb on forest road, following bridleway markers – keep right at posts 45 and 44, bear left at 43. After 2km arrive at junction of trails at GR557513.
Turn right onto singletrack to climb through trees, which may be boggy higher up. Emerge onto open ground. Descend on grassy bridleway, marked by cairns higher up but becoming more distinct lower down.
At trail junctions go straight on to reach minor road. Turn right, drop down to main road in Rhyd Ddu village. Turn right again, then look for bridleway sign to the left that returns to the station car park. Don’t worry if you miss it, you’ll be at the main car park entrance shortly. |
|
WMB127 Drumlanrig Easy (Blue) Route |
Matt_Skinner |
Sep 7th 2011, 03:21 |
|
8.5km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Smooth
- Basic
- Offroad
|
|
Start/Finish Rik’s Bike Shed, Drumlanrig Castle
Total distance 8.5km
(5.3 miles)
Total ascent 201m
Time 1-2 hours
Maps OS Landranger sheet 78, Nithsdale & Annandale/Drumlanrig MTB leaflet map. Or Garmin Discoverer 1:50K – Scotland (GPS)
Summary A short non-technical route with optional red graded sections.
From the car park for Rik’s Bike Shed, take the forest track west following the Drumlanrig MTB route signs for the blue route. You’ll follow these for the whole route. Follow the track up the hill, by Beech and Coldstream Lochs. Take the singletrack left of Hillhead Loch before rejoining the track and climbing again.
After the stretch of straight track follow the blue sign right, then right again, cutting through fire roads. You are at the high
point of the loop, so it is largely descending down to the river from here. As the track follows Boghouse Burn, keep an eye
on the left for a wide singletrack turning.
Turn left down the blue signposted singletrack, following it through some
fun berms and fast descents. Cross the track and continue descending to cross the minor road and drop down the track into Carse Wood.
At the bottom of the track take the hard right to turn back on yourself and follow the riverside track all the way down, keeping to the blue signposts. This eventually spits you out onto the red Tarmac of the castle driveway, where you turn right and follow it all the way back to the start, admiring the castle as you approach it.
|
|
WMB 84 Cairngorms, Scotland, Intermediate (Red) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jun 10th 2008, 04:07 |
|
8.9km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| 9km (6 miles), 231m (758 feet), 1-2 hours ride time.
A hardpacked trail at first which holds up well in all conditions. The climb turns to doubletrack that's still solid and well drained, but at the top the singletrack gets muddy after rain or snow. We chose one of several possible descents down Creag Dhubh - check Trailmaps or just explore on the ground for other ways down this summit.
Start/finish: Car park in Inshriach Forest, Inverdruie (grid ref: NH 836 024). |
|
WMB 121 Blaenavon Intermediate (Red) Route |
Matt_Skinner |
Mar 11th 2011, 04:53 |
|
8.9km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Intermediate
- Rough
- Rural
|
| Start/Finish Keeper’s Pond car park, SO254107
Total distance 9km (5.6 miles)
Total ascent 365m (1200ft)
Time 1.5–3 hours
Maps OS Landranger 1:50000 sheet 161: The Black Mountains
Route summary A circuit of the Blorenge, taking in a tricky descent, industrial archaeology, a challenging climb and an impressive view.
From Keeper’s Pond car park, follow the path around the pond, cross the bridge and continue on narrower trail with occasional rock sections contouring the Blorenge heading roughly north-east.
After 1.75km look for marker stone at a trail fork (265120). The trail straight ahead isn’t marked on the map – take the bridleway that descends to the left. The gradient eases and the trail smooths into fast, flowing singletrack dropping down to the old narrow gauge railway track bed (269127). The bridleway follows the track bed to the right, with a short climb past the old railway tunnel. The trail narrows and steepens to singletrack descent with rock outcrops.
Singletrack joins a wider, grassy trail. Pass through a gate and tackle short climb into the Punchbowl. Follow trail along the edge of the pond wall and take the trail on the right along the tree line. It’s a steep and loose climb, even steeper after the right turn. Once you’ve reached the gate the steepness is over. Follow the more moderate trail to join the road at 278112.
As an optional extra, follow the road westwards for about 400m and take the track that switches back to the right. It’s not a public right of way, but the hang-gliding club that owns the top of the mountain doesn’t mind. It climbs for about 1km to a small brick building and views over the Usk Valley to the Sugarloaf, Skirrid and Black Mountains plus Abergavenny. Descend back the way you came.
Once back to the road, carry on west, climbing to radio masts. Continue for 1km to a T-junction, turn right and Keeper’s Pond car park is 200m away. |
|
WMB 91 Brecon Beacons Intermediate (Red) Route |
Matt_Skinner |
Dec 17th 2008, 11:02 |
|
9km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/finish: Keepers Pond (grid ref 2504 1007)
Total Distance: 11km
Total Ascent: 457m (1,500ft)
Total Time: 1.5-3 hours
A short route around the 561m Blorenge. Not suitable for the unskilled rider but a great blast taking in some proper off-piste riding. |
|
WMB131 Malvern Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Dec 21st 2011, 11:23 |
|
9.3km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
|
| Start/Finish Coombe Hill car park, OS grid reference
SO 852062
Total distance 9.4km
(5.8 miles)
Total ascent 443m (1450 feet)
Total time 1-1.5 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 190: Malvern Hills and Bredon Hill. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K – Southern England & Wales (GPS)
Summary Very short but still a fair amount of climbing and descending. A decent outing for a beginner or a fast blast for the more experienced.
Leave the car park and go south on the road for 100m. Head straight up the steep grassy slope to the end of the ridge and straight over the other side down the zig-zags. Follow the bench-cut trail along the eastern flank of the hills to the quarry.
Carry on past the quarry on obvious track then descend the steep zig-zags to the road. Turn left and follow road for 1km to Holy Well. Join bridleway, then double back left. At next junction switch back right and keep climbing to ridge – other trails join to right and left, keep heading up hill.
Once on the ridge, head north over Perseverance Hill and descend to Wyche Cutting. At the road turn right to pass through the cutting itself, and then right onto obvious wide track heading south on the eastern flank of the hills.
At fork bear left and descend on the trail you climbed earlier. At next fork bear right to continue traverse – if you descend to the road you’ve missed it. Climb steadily until final zig-zags take you on to the ridge at Black Hill.
Turn left and descend along the ridge to return to your start point. |
|
WMB 120 Tweed Valley Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 01:29 |
|
9.9km |
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish Innerleithen 7Stanes car park, OS ref NT335357
Total distance 10km
(6.25 miles)
Time 2.5 hours, with tea stop
Maps Ordnance Survey Landranger 73: Peebles, Glentress & Selkirk
Route summary Easy riverbank cruise, followed by long climb with options of varying technicality to descend.
Park in Innerleithen or at 7Stanes car park alongside River Tweed on Traquair Road. Follow road away from Traquair, parallel with river, for approx 1.3km until you see disused railway bridge over the river on your left with a well-surfaced path.
Cross river, bearing left to navigate stile/gate and then passing under the bridge you’ve crossed to continue to follow the river downstream on rough, grassy path along northern bank. Follow the river down to Walkerburn.
Shortly before Walkerburn, the path deviates from the river to pass between high hedges. Exit onto Tarmac in semi-residential area. At T-junction, turn left and cross the A72. If you need a cuppa the Caberston Coffee Shop is across the road. Otherwise, turn right to skirt the edge of the village on minor road, crossing the Tweed and turning right to Traquair.
Take next fire road turning on left and begin to climb as track doubles back, then ascends more gently with valley views to your right. At junction go straight ahead to join the Innerleithen red/XC route and continue climbing to Caddon Bank.
To tackle Caddon Bank, bear right on the red route then enjoy the descent to the car park. For the easier trail, carry on ascending the fire road to the next junction, take care as you cross downhill trails. At junction turn right and freewheel back to the car park. |
|
WMB132 Cannock Chase Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jan 30th 2012, 12:35 |
|
10.2km |
|
| Start/Finish Birches Valley Forest Centre, OS grid ref SK 020171u000aTotal distance 10.4km (6.5 miles)u000aTotal ascent 190m (620ft)u000aTotal Time 1-2 hoursu000aMaps OS Explorer (1:25000) u000a244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS).u000aSummary Straightforward riding on forest tracks, with reasonable climbs and a singletrack finish once you’re warmed up.u000au000a Start at Birches Valley Forest Centre. Head south on Fairoak Trail (starts near Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre) on well-surfaced trail through forest. After 650m reach junction and turn right, following Fairoak Trail marker posts. Carry on along wide track with Fairoak Pools to your right. After 1.2km turn left at junction. Go straight over first crossroads and turn right at the next (or straight u000aon to Marquis Drive if you u000aneed cake from the visitor u000acentre café).u000a At Birches Valley Road, turn left then cross just before crossroads to pick up Sherbrook Trail (blue marker posts) through forest. Turn right then left at trail junction. Go straight over Penkridge Bank Road onto heathland. Turn left at next trail junction.u000au000a Look out for orientation post S2 at edge of woods. Go straight over at crossroads with trail at edge of forest and turn right at second crossroads to join trail running parallel to edge of woods. Descend across heathland, ignoring crossroads and turnings for 1.3km. At crossroads turn right then straight over and back into the forest. Climb Pepper Slade, carrying straight on for 1.2km.u000au000a At trail crossroads turn right and climb to join road on the outside of a bend. Cross road and take trail bearing left to continue to follow Sherbrook Trail marker posts. Turn right at T-junction and go left at next fork.u000au000a At orientation post D4 join Follow The Dog trail. Singletrack descends through forest, occasionally crossing fire roads. After 2km, arrive back at Birches Valley Forest Centre.u000aTotal distance 15.4km (9.6 miles)u000aTotal ascent 280m (920ft)u000aTotal Time 1.5-2.5 hoursu000aMaps OS Explorer (1:25000) 244: Cannock Chase & Chasewater. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Northern England & Midlands (GPS).u000aSummary A mix of bridleways and purpose-built singletrack in a short but easily-extended loop.u000au000a Start at Birches Valley Forest Centre and set off along Follow u000aThe Dog – entrance to trails is directly opposite Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre. Descend gently on well-surfaced singletrack for 1.8km, occasionally crossing fire roads – check the marker u000aposts for direction. Make the most of it, the next 1km is uphill.u000au000a After a short switchback descent and similarly-becornered climb, spin gently along fire road parallel to Marquis Drive Forest Centre. If you u000aneed refreshment, turn left at first crossroads to reach road and cross u000ato the centre. Otherwise carry u000aon parallel to Marquis Drive to u000areach road at orientation u000apost S1.u000au000a Turn left then immediately right onto bridleway, using Sherbrook Trail marker posts for reference. 700m after second u000aroad crossing, go straight on over double crossroads, ignoring Sherbrook Trail posts going right. Climb on bridleway across heathland to Camp Road, with Springslade Lodge opposite. u000au000a Turn right and right again to head north along ridge on bridleway, initially through trees but then in the open with impressive views to the right. Keep right at fork. At road and car park bear right to carry on along bridleway, then left at crossroads. After 500m turn right to descend across valley to u000afire road. u000a Go straight across crossroads to edge of forest, joining waymarked Sherbrook Trail. Then straight on again to climb Pepper Slade, once again following Sherbrook Trail marker posts. At trail junction turn right, climbing gently to road. Cross over road and carry on towards caravan park.u000au000a At orientation post D4 rejoin Follow The Dog and enjoy the 2km descent back to Birches Valley. |
|
WMB 86 North Pennine Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jul 7th 2008, 05:27 |
|
10.4km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| 10km (6.2 miles), 236m (774ft) of climbing, 1-2 hours ride time.
A superb all-weather blast that takes in some of the highlights of the Nent Valley, without hitting the moorland trails. |
|
WMB 88 Peak District (Blue) Beginner Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Nov 25th 2008, 02:11 |
|
10.9km |
|
| Start/Finish: Car park in Hayfield centre, SK 037870
Total Distance: 11km (7miles)
Height gain: 380 metres (1247feet)
Time: 1-2hours
Map required: OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield (1:50,000)
Route Summary: A beautiful circuit south of Hayfield, taking in some of the best scenery and less technical trails within easy reach of the village |
|
WMB 82 Quantocks Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Mar 12th 2008, 10:41 |
|
11.4km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Smooth
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| 11.4km (7 miles), 179m (590ft) of climbing, 1-1.5 hours ride time.
This is a short loop on mostly easygoing - but occassionally rocky - trails, with not too much climbing. It's pretty much immune to the vagaries of weather, but you may not want to hang around too long on the exposed ridge if it's nippy.
Start/finish: Triscombe Stone car park (grid ref 163 359). |
|
WMB 85 Exmoor Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jun 10th 2008, 04:15 |
|
12.4km |
- MTB
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Scenic
|
| 13km (8 miles), 533m (1749ft) of climbing, 1.5-2.5 hours riding time.
The first half of this route involves a climb, first on a quiet backlane and then a forest track. After a fast descent, some woodland trails and a brief push through a technical passage, it's a great descent back into Dunster.
Start/Finish: Dunster Yarn Market (grid ref: 991 438) |
|
WMB 84 Cairngorms, Scotland Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jun 10th 2008, 04:08 |
|
12.4km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| 12km (8 miles), 187m (614 feet) of climbing, 2 hours ride time.
The hardpacked trails and well drained tracks through the forest make this route ideal in all conditions except thick snow.
Start/finish: car park next to Bothy Bikes, Inverdruie, Aviemore, (grid ref: NH 901 110). |
|
WMB 126 Isle of Skye Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jul 27th 2011, 03:01 |
|
12.7km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
|
|
Start/Finish Broadford
car park
Total distance 25.8km
(16 miles)
Time 2-3 hours
Maps OS Landranger sheet 33, South Skye and Cuillin Hills. Or Garmin National Parks 1:25K Isle of Skye (GPS).
Summary An easy gravel
path ride up the flanks of Strath Suardal followed by a stony track around some spectacular coastline to the ruins at Suisnish. Simply reverse the route to return
to Broadford.
Our Easy route starts
in the car park situated right next to the petrol station in Broadford. Head up the B8083 towards Torrin and Elgol, keeping an eye on the left for a kissing gate after
you have been riding for around 1km. Take this onto
the wide gravelly singletrack. Follow this track for just short of 3km.
Here you will see a small grassy trail that heads directly down the hill to your right. Take this path across
the field and eventually down to the road by the ruined church of Cill Chriosd. Turn
left on the road, passing by
the church on your right
(which is well worth a stop)
and continue past Loch
Cill Chriosd.
Around 1.5km after
the end of the loch take the minor road up to the left signed as a footpath to Suisnish. Follow the track through a gate and then
out onto the coastline.
There are views to your
right of the Cuillins, slightly marred at this point by a marble quarry.
At the end of the track you can stop at the abandoned house at Suisnish. This is an amazing spot to take a lunch break shaded under
the trees and overlooking
the sea.
Turn round here and retrace your steps
to Broadford.
|
|
WMB 125 South Downs Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jul 12th 2011, 11:16 |
|
12.9km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
|
Start/Finish GR 087120, Chantry Hill (or start in Storrington itself)
Total distance 13km (8 miles)
Total ascent 275m (900 feet)
Time 1-2 hours
Maps OS Explorer 1:25k121 Arundel and Pulborough. Or Garmin National Trails 1:25k The South Downs Way (GPS)
Summary Characterful, straightforward and short loop with opportunities to extend.
Start at end of Chantry Lane at the top of Chantry Hill, south of Storrington. If you’re confident, head back down Chantry Lane for 150m and take bridleway on the left. Climb on singletrack to top of Kithurst Hill, then descend on more singletrack for just over 1km to join South Downs Way at the car park. For an easy intro, head west from the car park (right as you reach top of Chantry Lane) along the signed SDW. When you reach the next car park, you’re on the route.
Follow the SDW west along the ridge to Downs Farm. Double back left to climb parallel to SDW, passing a bridleway joining from left and continuing to T-junction.
At T-junction turn right then left onto singletrack descent heading south through trees. Descend for 1.5km to trail junction. Cross straight over and climb to trail junction on Wepham Down.
Turn left onto obvious track, descend to pass Lee Farm then swing left and climb along ridge back to Chantry Hill. If you get back to Chantry and want more, head west on SDW to the next car park then do the opening stretch over Kithurst Hill in reverse.
An easy extension is to go straight over at the Wepham Down junction, carry on down New Down to join the Monarch’s Way, then east across Wepham Wood and Angmering Park to Michelgrove. At Michelgrove leave the Monarch’s Way and continue north to join standard route just east of Lee Farm. |
|
WMB 126 Isle of Skye Classic Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Jul 27th 2011, 03:00 |
|
13km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Difficult
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish: Sligachan Hotel
Total distance: 26km (16.2 miles)
Total Time: 4-6 hours
Maps: OS Landranger sheet 33, South Skye and Cuillin Hills. Or Garmin National Parks 1:25K Isle of Skye (GPS).
Summary: Short on paper, this ride is
still a strenuous challenge in the best of weather. If you enjoy technical riding, you will love it.
Starting at the Sligachan Hotel – don’t park in its car park – cross over the arched bridge and turn immediately right through the gate and onto the well signposted trail. Climb up the initial stone pitched rise and take in the views before setting off in earnest.
Approximately 8km along the trail there is a small cairn to mark a junction in the trail. Right turn to Loch Curuisk if you are on foot, but our route stays left/straight on for Camasunary.
On the shores of Loch na Creitheach you will see another trail junction, with the left turn climbing steeply over
a hill. Ignore this, staying right along
the lochside.
At the end of Loch na Creitheach the path splits (not on the map) with one going right round the beach at the loch head and up the hill. Take either here – or vary them on the way out and back – as they both end up in the same place.
Drop down the gradual slope to the sea and turn right after the occupied, but isolated, farmhouse. Scoot along the beach to the bothy – a great place to sit and have lunch – before deciding whether to tackle the whole circuit or just return the way you came. We recommend the straight return as the circuit turns into a bit of a slog with little in the way of good riding once you hit the road at Kilmarie.
|
|
WMB 93 Glasgow Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Feb 4th 2009, 09:53 |
|
13km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Urban
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish: Milngavie town centre (grid ref. 553 745)
Total Distance: 13.2km (8.2miles)
Height Gain: 236m (775feet)
Total Time: 1 - 1.5hrs
Maps requried: OS Landranger 64, Glasgow, Motherwell & Airdrie (1:50,000)
An easy roll along well-surfaced traks with only one real climb to contend with. One for bad weather as it's well sheltered virtually all the way around. |
|
WMB 133 Ballater Easy (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Mar 20th 2012, 05:13 |
|
13km |
|
| Start/Finish Cyclehighlands, Ballater town centre, NO 369958
Total distance 13.1km (8.1 miles)
Time 1-2 hours
Maps Sheet 44, Ballater & Glen Clova. Or Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50K Scotland (GPS)
Summary A fast and easy spin out the Deeside Way railway line followed by a picturesque bridge crossing and more challenging ride on the other river bank – good singletrack and woodland trails undulate their way back in.
From Cyclehighlands, turn left, then right at the end of the road. At the end of that road, turn left and take the next right into the old railway station square. At the end of the station buildings on your left look for a signpost showing the Deeside Way. Follow this between the buildings and down onto the railway path. Follow this right
out of town.
Stay on the line until you pass a cottage on your left. At the riverbank, you’ll see an ornate iron footbridge. This is the Cambus o’May footbridge, negotiate the gates to cross it. At the far end turn hard right onto the singletrack along the riverbank. Follow this along to where it swings away from the bank and turns to double track.
At this point turn right onto the purpose built ‘multiuser’ trail. This continues to pass through the forest, before the surfacing stops but the trail continues on more grassy surface. Follow this through some gates and an open grassy field – the trail goes a little indistinct in places, but just head across the field and pass through the tall gate. The route goes back to double track shortly after.
The track spits you out onto
the B976, so turn right and
follow it for around 2km before
turning right over the old bridge
back into Ballater. Follow the main road through the shops, turning left just after passing the Co-Op on your left. You will see Cyclehighlands
ahead of you. |
|
WMB 100 Fort William Easy (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 02:07 |
|
13km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Smooth
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rough
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish: Braveheart car park, GR NN121736
Total distance: 13.2km (8.2 miles)
Height gain: 260m (850 feet)
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Maps required: OS Landranger OL41, Ben Nevis, Fort William and Glen Coe
Route summary: A sheltered and easy climb up Glen Nevis on fire roads, followed by a short singletrack downhill, scenic road pedal and fast singletrack back along the River Nevis to the Braveheart car park.
Starting in the well-signposted Braveheart car park on the Glen Nevis road, leave the car park and instead of turning left to descend to the road, turn right up the fire road and through the gate.
Keep left when the track forks at GR NN121722 — the West Highland Way forks right at this point. Carry on climbing steadily up the undulating track for another 4.3km at which point you take the right-hand fork, climbing more steeply for a short time.
Where the track takes
a sharp switchback
right turn, look on the left for an easy-to-miss trail in the undergrowth heading steeply down the hillside. It’s quite technical for a short stretch here, so go easy if you aren’t confident — take a look first. Follow this trail down to the road, where you turn left onto the tarmac.
Just before the excellent Café Beag on your left (an ideal opportunity for a quick top up) turn right over the footbridge. At the other side, turn sharply left onto the singletrack running along the riverside. Follow this for nearly 2km, until you reach another footbridge crossing back over the river. Arrive at the Nevis car park, then turn right on the road and keep an eye out on your left for the singletrack path paralleling the road back to the Braveheart car park. |
|
WMB 90 Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Oct 28th 2008, 05:03 |
|
13.8km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
|
| Start/Finish: Nirvana Cycles, Westcott village green (grid ref TQ 141 486)
Total distance: 10 miles
Height gain: 354m (1161ft)
Time: 1-2 hours
Map required: OS Landranger 187: Dorking & Reigate
A ride suitable for beginners yet with enough to entertain more experienced riders, including some great singletrack and descents. |
|
WMB 100 Fort William Intermediate (Red) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 02:09 |
|
13.9km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Smooth
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish: The North Face car park, GR NN145764
Total distance: 14km (8.7 miles)
Height gain: 619m (2023 feet)
Time: 2-3 hours
Maps required: OS Landranger OL41, Ben Nevis, Fort William and Glen Coe.
Route summary: One for the climbers in your group — takes you up to the high crags of Ben Nevis for a real mountain feel. Lots of technical singletrack in a spectacular location.
Leave the North Face car park on the track heading southeast, crossing the river. Follow this for a short time before taking the narrow track on the right, climbing steeply.
At the next crossroads take a left on the ‘puggy line’ (light railway) track. Follow this for 450m then take a sharp right onto more singletrack. This switchbacks up to meet another track, where you turn left.
Follow it to a T-junction, where you turn right. This takes you all the way to the mountaineer’s footpath.
Follow the excellent singletrack southeast into the corrie ahead.
The trail pops over frequent water bars here, so practise your rear wheel hops! Keep climbing up the trail up to the foot of the crags. Just short of the CIC Hut the trail deteriorates so you might want to turn round here.
Alternatively push your bike up for lunch by the hut. (It’s a private Scottish Mountaineering Club hut and will be locked.) Turn back and reap the rewards as you descend down to the track.
Carry on past the original track you arrived on and take the next left. Follow the track left as it contours round the hill heading south-west, then take a right onto the track descending steeply down the hillside.
When you reach the track junction at the bottom by the pylons, turn right and you’re back on the ‘puggy line’ — after 1.5km you’ll see the singletrack you climbed up on your left. Follow this back to the car park and a well-earned cuppa. |
|
WMB 94 Yorkshire Dales Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Feb 26th 2009, 07:44 |
|
14km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Steep
- Basic
- Offroad
- Rough
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/finish: National Park Centre car park near south edge of Malham village (SD 900 627)
Total distance: 15km (9 miles)
Height gain: 347m (1138ft)
Time: 1.5-3hours
You'll know when you've been riding after tackling the sever road climb but the trails are hardpack and grass, and none too taxing. |
|
WMB 88 Peak District (Red) Intermediate Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Nov 25th 2008, 02:12 |
|
14.2km |
- MTB
- Steep
- Intermediate
- Offroad
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish: Car park in Hayfield centre, SK 037870
Total distance: 14.5km (9miles)
Height gain: 525 metres (1722 feet)
Time: 2-3 hours
Map required: OS Landranger 110: Sheffield & Huddersfield (1:50,000)
Route summary: A figure of eight with big climbs that takes in some of the best trails both north and south of Hayfield |
|
WMB 117 Howgills Beginner (Blue) Route |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 01:26 |
|
14.4km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point Cross Keys pub at SD 697 969)
Total distance 14.7km/9 miles
Time 1.5 to 3 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000.
Route summary Tarmac warm-up followed by low-level singletrack return along valley.
From Sedbergh, follow the one-way system through Main Street onto A683. At junction with A684, stay on A683 (signed Kirkby Stephen) and follow road north-east. It’s a wide road but vehicles can be fast so make sure you’re visible, ideally equipped with lights if weather is poor.
After 7km, you will reach the Cross Keys pub (an alternative start point). Next to the pub is a bus stop and path down to the river – walk down the steps and across the river on footbridge to pick up bridleway as it descends from Narthwaite. Turn left, keeping the river on your left, and pass below Cautley Spout, bearing left at junction to cross smaller river on footbridge, following path between walls to gate.
Continue along bridleway as it heads south-west down the valley, contouring and maintaining reasonable height as you cross streams and pass through gates. Maintain direction as you cross open section of pasture below Cautley – look for gate in fence opposite to guide you back to singletrack as it continues around the fell and becomes a walled lane between hedges.
Emerge at Fawcett Bank and stick with bridleway as it becomes doubletrack. Pass through farm at Thursgill then join minor road to descend back to valley floor.
Turn right at junction with A683 and return to Sedbergh via road you exited on. Follow the one way system to return to the start point. |
|
WMB 117 Howgills Blue (Beginner) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
May 13th 2011, 01:34 |
|
14.4km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Offroad
- Rural
- Scenic
|
| Start/Finish Main Street, Sedbergh. SD 657 920 (alternative start point Cross Keys pub at SD 697 969)
Total distance 14.7km/9 miles
Time 1.5 to 3 hours
Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19: Howgill Fells and Upper Eden Valley 1:25,000.
Route summary Tarmac warm-up followed by low-level singletrack return along valley.
From Sedbergh, follow the one-way system through Main Street onto A683. At junction with A684, stay on A683 (signed Kirkby Stephen) and follow road north-east. It’s a wide road but vehicles can be fast so make sure you’re visible, ideally equipped with lights if weather is poor.
After 7km, you will reach the Cross Keys pub (an alternative start point). Next to the pub is a bus stop and path down to the river – walk down the steps and across the river on footbridge to pick up bridleway as it descends from Narthwaite. Turn left, keeping the river on your left, and pass below Cautley Spout, bearing left at junction to cross smaller river on footbridge, following path between walls to gate.
Continue along bridleway as it heads south-west down the valley, contouring and maintaining reasonable height as you cross streams and pass through gates. Maintain direction as you cross open section of pasture below Cautley – look for gate in fence opposite to guide you back to singletrack as it continues around the fell and becomes a walled lane between hedges.
Emerge at Fawcett Bank and stick with bridleway as it becomes doubletrack. Pass through farm at Thursgill then join minor road to descend back to valley floor.
Turn right at junction with A683 and return to Sedbergh via road you exited on. Follow the one way system to return to the start point. |
|
WMB 116 Edinburgh Beginner (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Nov 5th 2010, 11:18 |
|
14.5km |
|
| Start/Finish Flotterstone Inn Ranger Centre.
Total distance 14.6km (9.1m)
Time 1-2 hours
Maps OS Explorer 1:25,000 sheet 344, Pentland Hills, Penicuik & West Linton
Route summary An easy start followed by some peaty and narrow singletrack contouring Black Hill to test your skills. Finish with a pleasant roll back along a Tarmac road.
Directions
Our start point is in the Ranger car park just by the Flotterstone Inn. Head up the Tarmac climb towards Glencorse Reservoir. Ride past both Glencorse and then Loganlea Reservoirs until you reach The Howe cottage.
Staying on the right-hand side of the glen, continue on what has now become a wide singletrack trail, splashing through the Logan Burn several times as you continue on up the side of this narrow glen.
Just as the glen twists left, you’ll see a white gravel singletrack climbing diagonally and quite steeply off on your right. Be prepared to push up this, or continue for another 100m to where the next trail cuts up right to join it. Follow this up the hill, staying to the right of the drystone wall. Next, follow the peaty trail as it undulates along the wall, cutting in and out of peaty banks on the hillside.
Just as you reach the small building on your left, the trail descends past the hut. You want to go straight on, dropping through a shallow ditch and continuing around Black Hill on grassy trail. This climbs up over the hillside gradually and then drops on narrow singletrack between Bell’s Hill and Black Hill. Follow the trail to Logan Cottage.
Rejoin the Tarmac you climbed up on, turn left down the hill and retrace your steps to the car park. An option is to follow signs on the right, further down, for the filter beds. This loop cuts out some road for the finish. |
|
WMB129 Inverness Easy (Blue) Ride |
Matt_Skinner |
Nov 17th 2011, 11:15 |
|
14.7km |
- Recreational
- MTB
- Basic
- Offroad
- Urban
- Rural
|
|
Start/Finish Bellfield Park, Inverness city centre
Total distance 14.7km
(9.1 miles)
Time 1-2 hours
Maps OS Landranger sheet 26, Inverness & Loch Ness
Summary Easy spin down the banks of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. Ideal for beginners and families.
From Bellfield Park cross the road to the River Ness and turn left onto the path along the riverbank. Follow the trail as it crosses several small bridges over The Islands before crossing the main bridge to the other bank. Turn left here and follow the trail, then the road as it skirts round Bught Park.
Just before reaching the main Caledonian Canal swing bridge turn
sharp left, staying on the east bank of the canal to pedal down the easy canalside
trail. This carries you out of town with great views over
the canal and River Ness to your left.
At Dochgarroch turn right over the canal lock and make use of the tearoom just out by the main road. At this point you are going to turn back down the opposite bank of the canal, returning the
way you came.
At the Caledonian
Canal swing bridge, turn right over the bridge then immediately right back onto the road round Bught Park, back to the finish the way
you came out through
The Islands.
|
