The only time I would avoid is spring time. Apart from that there are two times to do it. The right time and when you've got the time.

Dunkeld, plenty of easy options around there.

Was thinking of taking the BW to Boot and then road back to GL. I've got green lines, does it make a difference :wink:

Just been reading that. I think I got as far as where the path tuns north. Had great fun descending although probably shouldn't have tried it on my tod. Had to walk one bit which had no path to speak off and just rsembled a red stone river bed but other than that i rode most of it. Generally stayed on the rocky stuff too.

If you have a full bouncer remember to take into acccount any changes caused by sag.

I'm guessing he means it improves you skills and so makes you a better/faster rider whatever the bike.

No, no joking. :D

I wouldn't get the train to Achnashellach, its midgie hell there. And all there is there is a platform so no shelter or anything else.

Some more from the same trip

We did the route in Kenny Wilsons book and its one of the best if not the best I've done. Its a long day out but is mostly rideable, although the first climb needs a bit of pushing and or carrying. We stayed at Lochcarron and cycled to Coulags from there which is a nice easy warm up. The descent to Annat and the one to Achnashellach are incredible.

The photos don't do it justice really. There is another loop starting at Torridon which is the most southerly point and goes in a clockwise direction. Its also on the book. Shorter but a lot of carrying.

I replaced a light alloy hardtail with my 456 and I love it for long days out. Extra comfort is worth the extra weight. Don't have a full suss but guess your legs will need to get used to the lack of suspension doing their job for them. You just need to go faster so that you fly over the rough stuff. :lol:

There is a path to the south west which I haven't done for a while and I can't remember how it starts. I think it starts near a gate where the LRT turns right just before the top. It is steep and not for the novice quite rutted near the top and fast and grassy near the bottom where it brings you out at the fishing hut at Loganlea(?) reservoir.

Especially those that call us Scotch!!! You Engurlish!!!

Thanks for the advice, my neighbour is going to have a go at it so I’ll wait and see how he gets on. He used to work in the workshops of the local mines and used to do this sort of thing all the time. I think he’s looking forward to the challenge

Bolts are quite small M5 at a guess. Neighbour who is a retired engineer reckons it’ll be very risky to do. Unfurtunately there is none of the bolts showing.

Have done in the past. Can be a problem if its wet as you are parking on a football/rugby field.

Pottery Bunkhouse near Laggan has a hot tub and loads of riding in the area man made and natural. Never stayed at it but it is recommended. Maybe not quite what you are looking for but 2 out of 3. Alternatively try Marthrown at Mabie. Some cool alternatives to camping and some excellent man made stuff in that area, Mabie, Dalbeattie, Drumlanrig etc.

+1 for Torridon. Fingers crossed for a wee breeze and loads of sun to keep the midgies away.

Cheers everybody, loads to think about now. Not sure I’ll have the bike but worth knowing about the cheeky riding.

I’ll third an Alpkit. Can take time to find stuff in it but its very light and I’ve always found it comfy.

Most houses are probably for sale now either as a fixed price or offers in the region of. Try the BSPC or ESPC property guides.

I use a Felco for work and play. Try
http://www.performance-felco.co.uk
I got some spares from them recently.

Good effort.

I had a nasty burn resultind from scalding water and whatever you do don’t let it get dirty. If it gets infected you are looking at a possible operation, at least thats what I was advised.

Up Puke hill then down Phantoms Cleugh. Then up the road to Loganlea and round black hill, which is superb the now. Then round Harlaw, Clubbiedean and Torduff reservoirs back to Bonaly. Not very original but good fun. Good company too.

While that descent isn’t narrow, there isn’t really room for two bikes to pass safely. Even if there was he should have shouted a warning first so we at least had an idea which side he was passing on. I did shout after he passed me but that was as much a warning to the others in our group, but I did make my feelings clear. And unfortunately I couldn’t chase after him with the little one on the back. This isn’t a complaint about Glentress as I’ve had loads of good experiences there and this is probably the only bad one. I’m not particularly sociable but I’ve had many a good chat with strangers and always offer help and advice when folks want or need it. Glentress covers a lot of bases, good for beginners and experienced riders, but if you are one of the latter then you need to appreciate that there are going to be lots of the former and they have every bit as much right to be there as anybody, especially as its a great place for kids to learn.

Sorry Sanny but ther was no excuse for this guys behaviuor. He didn’t say a word to say that he was approaching, just tried to barge right past. If he had said something then we would have moved past as soon it was safe to do so.
Looking at things from his perspective it seems we were highly inconsiderate being present on a blue graded trail and we deserved to be treated with complete contempt and shoved off the trail if need be. There’s absolutely no place for beginners or slower riders on such a trail and if they want to ride anywhere, get off to the black where I’m not going to be blatting about with my full facer and body armour. Maybe he was working on a points system where you get more for taking out kids and folks with toddlers on the back.
On our way up the new singletrack climb we moved over several times, not that our five year old has to, he cycles past a lot of guys on all mountain or whatever you call those bikes, anyway if somebody was going faster we let them past. It is however much easier to do this on a climb.

Justridingalong do some I think, I’m sure I got some from them on ebay.

Just emailed you a few details. Off to bed soon before the youngest wakes up.

How about I pick you up there and that gives us more riding time off road. I’ll be driving from home anyway. And I’ll give you a lift back too.

How does ten at bonaly sound

Hi SC, I’m going out tomorrow if you are interested, nothing too taxing. Maybe 4 hours but with bail out options if needed.

I’m the same. Will email you on monday night if I’m going to be free. Whats the usual time/meeting place.

I’d be up for that gamo, tues and weds are generally good for me. Do you use the MTBSCOTLAND yahoo group?

If I’m riding past the golf course at warp factor 5 then you’d only have to blink and you’d miss me:D especially just before the wee bridge.

I live in Newtongrange, been here for a couple of years. Will be going out for a quick blast tomorrow night while our wee lad is at Beavers/Cubs.

Round and round the woods, there’s loads of stuff. Newbattle golf course is a clue/good starting point.

You don’t park a Rocky Mountain outside the gym in Nitten do you?

we have a yahoo group, search for Pentlandpedalers. Somebody is usually out a couple of times a week, always relaxed and sociable. My mate probably has the best trail knowledge of the Pents, he’s always off exploring sheep tracks. I think he’s looking for trails…… We also got to Glentress etc and ride round Newtongrange/Dalkieth/Newbattle. The Glentress Trailfairies are a good way of meeting folkds to ride with and the trailbuilding is usualyy followed by a ride.

Do one of Mabie, Dalbeattie or Drumlanrig on the way, or stay overnight near here and do more than one. Then go over to Peebles or Innerliethen and spend a couple of days over there. Then go back and do some more of the first three if you haven’t done all of them. Try MB7 if you want to use a company. They had a hand in the Bikefax book for Southern Scotland, which has a good selection of all the riding in that area, natural and man made.