Forum menu
I'm off to Lochinver for a week shortly, and hoping for some tips on which bike to take. (road vs emtb)
One problem I have is the mutt. If the trails are very sheepy, that's -1.
I'm also a relative beginner with a hardtail, leaning towards XC. Is there any nice rolling stuff or is it all bunny hopping from rock to rock?
Lochinver = rocky mountains covered in sheep and deer.
Low tech trails in the area could include an out and back to Glendhu, nearby the track over to Lochmore lodge was partially upgraded maybe 15 years ago, making a triangle you could close using road. Also an in and out to Sandwood. However even where sheep have been gathered there are woolly escapees and deer about - you are asking for more than is possible.
Thanks that's really useful.
If you take a road bike beware the wee road along the north coast of the peninsular - it has some of the steepest climbs I have ever seen.
The road down to Achiltibue is really nice - worth doing the wee loop as well. ~The view of the summer isles is stunning and so are the beaches. I have seen otters along the coast there a couple of times.
There's surprisingly little good technical single track in the far North West.
There’s surprisingly little good technical single track in the far North West.
Where would be the closest easyish (red) trails? Is there anything Glentressy about?
Torridon is 2.3 hrs away so just out of reach for a day trip.
You are heading to the north west highlands - there is nothing like that about.
Even stuff like Torridon tho well known is a completely different thing. I would take your road bike and explore with that. Riding down towards Actiltiebue and the dead end Roads to Reiff are really good
Where would be the closest easyish (red) trails? Is there anything Glentressy about?
Yes, near Glentress.
Even the 'North' trail centres major on rocks.
As Tj points out, you're in the rocky, boggy, sheep and deer filled North of Scotland. The riding is adventurous, road and off road. You're a long way from most places, time wise and distance wise. There are lovely estate roads and forest tracks - but the riding is predominantly rocky, boggy old hill paths.
Do not miss the lochinver larder - a cafe that is unprepossessing from the outside but sells the worlds best pies!
First, the controversial stuff;
The pies from the Lochinver Larder are over-rated. They're nice, above average, good selection etc, but ludicrously overpriced.
Trails; as others have noted, you're not really in the best place for what you seek. There is an interesting MTB loop from Achfary to Gobernuisgach Lodge and back via Glen Golly and the Bealach Horn that will feel as remote as anything you've ever experienced. There's nothing particularly technical (other than negotiating peat hags) but it needs a bit of commitment and self-sufficiency. I'd certainly not want the added responsibility of looking after a dog.
Driving to Kinlochbervie and doing the Sandwood Bay trail will be easy (though there might be sheep). Stunning place.
I believe there is a rideable loop from Clachtoll, Loch na h-Uidhe Doimhne and Stoer but I've not been on it so I'm reticent to make any recommendation.
For a waymarked trail centre, both Golspie and Balblair would be an option instead of heading to Torridon.
From Ullapool, you could head up Glen Achall (expect sheep) as far as you want before returning the same way.
From Poolewe, you have the track to Carnmore. Possibly one of the most fantastic places in the UK.
Other than that, take your road bike. A loop round the wee mad road of Inverpolly is never wasted.
Sacrilege! Burn the heretic!
He's right about the pies.
Blasphemy!
If you want a good pie go to Frasers at Craigentinny TJ. They've never been tainted by Michael Winner.
If Ullapool is within range, go over to Stornoway as a foot passenger with bike and dog and then ride the trails in the Castle Grounds? It's quite a trip for a limited selection of trails, but itdoes offer a selection of man-made trails built for fun and it's all rideable with a dog.