http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Cairngorms - MTB en Tue, 19 May 2026 15:11:19 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692&page=2#post-252934 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 09:51:01 +0000 DaveC 252934@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done! Truly an Audacious ride! </p> <p>I rode the reverse Kingussie to Fort Augustus as part of an Aviemore to Fort William (actually half way to Lochleven) a few years ago. I remember thinking that I'd chosen the right direction! Ride-able to the foot of the switchbacks, then an adrenaline fuelled drop nearly boiling my hydraulic fluid on the ride down to Ft Augustus.</p> <p>I defo need to ride that again, as part of a 3 day ride from Aviemore to Edinburgh via Ft Augustus, Ft Bill, Lochleven, WHW, Lix Toll, Calander, Stirling, Dunfermline, Edinburgh. I doubt I have enough holidays this year though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692&page=2#post-252927 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:04:52 +0000 I were right about that saddle 252927@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah, fond memories, thanks. I should have said, but there is a way of avoiding the two Feshie wadings; a path high up on the right hand bank. Handy for next time, though it now has a sketchy rock gully traverse.</p> <p>The 'Wade road' you rode is probably not the Wade road, despite being scheduled as such. (@unhurt may well protest this heresy.) The old road follows the Tarf in its gorge before cutting up to Laggan-a-Bhainne. I think you followed a later Caulfield era realignment, but hey-ho.</p> <p>Remarkably terrifying descents and unrideable climbs are surely what we should all be looking for. I really enjoyed reading your post. My waterproof map case is itching. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692&page=2#post-252920 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 22:39:29 +0000 dessert rat 252920@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>as requested by IWRATS:</p> <p>Day 1 -&gt; Fort Augustus<br /> Distance: 52k<br /> B&amp;B rating: Hostel, 6/10.<br /> Rideability: EasyPeasy<br /> Glasgow Queen St to Fort William (0821-1208). Out the station, quick picture, turn left and off. Easy going, cycle-paths, empty tarmac and fire-roads to South Lagan. Sadly the pub on the boat was closed, so quick coffee and off again. The track from there much improved, as they’ve lifted the track from Invergarry and replaced with a lovely hardcore – I recall it was boggy single track previously. Memory after that a little vague as it's just following the water, so dead flat and easy cycling. We averaged about 18kph. Think I shall take Mrs &amp; Mini McR one day soon.<br /> Comment: Fort Augustus is everything that’s wrong with Scottish tourism – blatant, unnecessary price gouging. Beer almost 1 pound dearer than the same pint in Kingussie or Montrose.</p> <p>Day 2 -&gt; Kingussie<br /> Distance: 58k.<br /> B&amp;B rating: Top notch, 10/10. Even let us use the washing machine.<br /> Rideability: highly variable<br /> Recommended for: people who like to push.<br /> Day starts with a bang. Tiny bit of tarmac then it's off up General’s Wade’s excuse for a road (Corrieyairack Pass), more of a rockslide that’s stopped than a road. Continues for 10k, varying steepness 5-15%, surface loose. Hike-a-bike territory. The down is extremely sketchy and loose, a HT 29 the way to go, although the regular culverts every 50m or 100m were too big to bunny hop. Definitely an adrenaline fuelled decent. After that it was 5k on a very loose bumpy track until tarmac the rest of the way – uneventful.</p> <p>Day 3 -&gt; Ballater<br /> Distance: 95k<br /> B&amp;B rating: 4/10.<br /> Rideability: Arduous<br /> Recommended for: fish<br /> Struggling to remember the first part, so was probably not too bad although one small crossing has taken out a fair section of the nice new path, plus a few kms of clinging to the side of the valley, it was quite a small path. However, once you get to the Feshie it gets kinda serious. Two crossings in a couple of hundred meters. The way to go is def put bike over shoulders and gently march through. It was quite high (mid-thigh), was mid-calf last time, but there are sections downstream which look much wider, so probably shallower. Probably. Once you get past that, it's serious hike-a-bike for several hours due to the peat/mud/water. Totally un-rideable. Eventually it becomes less horrific and you can even ride short sections ie 10m until the next bog. At some point, I've blocked it out, it becomes ridable and it's a tired trundle into Ballater. A hard day.</p> <p>Day 4 -&gt; Montrose<br /> Distance: 85k<br /> B&amp;B rating: n/a as was home.<br /> Rideability: ludicrous in parts<br /> Recommended for: goats<br /> Tarmac out of Ballater soon turns into farm track climbs, rather tough and a lot of it. Near the top it's more hike-a-bike as the track resembles a dry river bed. The decent to the bottom of Mount Kean is firstly extremely sketchy, then tremendously fast and adrenaline filled. Slog along the bottom a few km to Mount Kean, which is bonkers. Pushing from the very bottom which just gets harder. No option to go round, just got to go up about two thirds of it. It's proper scrambling. Massive rocks, unridable in either direction. Once you’re up it's fine for maybe 3k, then a couple of kms of nice path then a remarkably terrifying decent to the Queens Well. It's ridable, I was very tired and pushed it as much as I dared, really loose, big rocks. Once down, it's fire roads to the tarmac and a push on to the sea.</p> <p>Already planning to do it again. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692&page=2#post-252814 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:48:40 +0000 dessert rat 252814@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ IWRATS - ok. bust now, this week it shall be so. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692&page=2#post-252805 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:05:13 +0000 cb 252805@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A couple of weeks back, I crossed the high point of the Lairig an Laoigh en route between Stob Coire Etchachan and Beinn a' Chaorainn.</p> <p>On my way down one side of the pass I spotted a couple of cyclists (bike packers) approaching the highest point from the north.</p> <p>I have to say, on the map it's a bit of path that I would have reckoned on being able to make some kind of reasonable progress by bike, even on the way up. But these guys were pushing, and making slow progress too.</p> <p>Perhaps they were knackered, it was a very hot day after all. It did leave me thinking that a bike looked more of a hindrance than a help.</p> <p>Mind you, the next day when I got back to Derry Lodge I was most pleased to be able to recover my bike and whizz back down to Linn of Dee. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252803 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:51:31 +0000 I were right about that saddle 252803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>THE ENTIRETY OF CCE ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION DEMANDS A WRITE-UP OF AT LEAST THREE PARAGRAPHS FOR THIS ADVENTURE. Please. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252748 Mon, 12 Jun 2017 20:13:55 +0000 I were right about that saddle 252748@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done. Only the Hill of Morphine to go? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252747 Mon, 12 Jun 2017 20:10:36 +0000 dessert rat 252747@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Mount kean isn't any smaller. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252654 Sun, 11 Jun 2017 23:38:29 +0000 I were right about that saddle 252654@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Would it not be easier to go by the Lairig Ghru?</em></p> <p>It's not really cyclable. There's a boulder field and miles of morass. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252651 Sun, 11 Jun 2017 22:59:25 +0000 Cyclingmollie 252651@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Would it not be easier to go by the Lairig Ghru? Might be a bit of pushing involved but drier underfoot. I've cycled up Feshie and even the road was flooded. I've cycled up to the Chalamain Gap (half way up the Lairig) and that seemed a lot more enjoyable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252648 Sun, 11 Jun 2017 21:15:24 +0000 I were right about that saddle 252648@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's the spirit.</p> <p>Frankly relieved about the Feshie. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252644 Sun, 11 Jun 2017 20:11:50 +0000 dessert rat 252644@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Day 3 more arduousier. </p> <p>Feishie was mid-thigh, then a 3hr slogathon/hike-a-bike due to mud. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-252579 Sat, 10 Jun 2017 17:26:09 +0000 dessert rat 252579@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, proving arduous. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248763 Thu, 04 May 2017 16:08:16 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248763@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Trick for fords - beach shoes. Take your proper shoes and socks off and slip on a pair of lightweight beach shoes.</p> <p>My last year's ride had about as much underwater as overwater riding and that turned out to be an excellent solution to the continual faff of foot drying. Rode all the way up Glen Auch wearing them and lost count of how many times I crossed the Allt Kinglass.</p> <p>All bearings well packed with grease prior to departure and seem to have survived. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248739 Thu, 04 May 2017 14:06:35 +0000 minus six 248739@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>fording in spate with the bike</p> <p>temptation is always to use the bike's weight to form a tripod, but destroys yr hubs and bottom bracket, innit</p> <p>or make multiple crossings with gear and bike held high</p> <p>no easy answers </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248723 Thu, 04 May 2017 13:27:12 +0000 steveo 248723@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Sorry, I was actually trolling you there. Shame on me.</em></p> <p>grrrrr :D </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248722 Thu, 04 May 2017 13:16:45 +0000 dessert rat 248722@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>i recall last time we forded the Feshie, immediately stopped for lunch, dried feet etc... got back on the bike, 15m round the corner had to ford it again. Just plough over that time. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248717 Thu, 04 May 2017 13:13:31 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248717@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>We are B&amp;Bing it</em></p> <p>Wise choice for a four day outing I'd have thought. Makes the actual cycling a bit more spirited. Hope you get the weather and the Feshie cooperates! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248715 Thu, 04 May 2017 13:07:50 +0000 dessert rat 248715@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>will be travelling light (a lot lighter than last time anyway!). Reckon I can get away with seatpost mounted pannier rack, with one pannier and camelbak for water.</p> <p>We are B&amp;Bing it, so thankfully don't need to lug tent etc... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248711 Thu, 04 May 2017 12:58:01 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248711@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Four days will be arduous indeed. What kit will you be packing? </p> <p>Hard tail 29er is the way forward. Though mine is now beyond retro and into scrapheap challenge territory. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248706 Thu, 04 May 2017 12:50:06 +0000 dessert rat 248706@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ IWRATS - not sure if that's its name. We just made it up last time, almost as we went.</p> <p>We did it in 5 days about 10 years ago, over Mount Keen then, around this time - was pretty miserable going up as I recall.</p> <p>Over 4 days this time, hence day 3 @ 85k, with some hike-a-bike and a mystery section in the middle will require an early start.</p> <p>Have acquired a HT 29er, as the bike I did it on last time (full sus 26) despite looking immaculate and a bit like Trigger's broom, will soon qualify as genuine retro. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248704 Thu, 04 May 2017 12:41:09 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248704@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@steveo</p> <p>Sorry, I was actually trolling you there. Shame on me.</p> <p>@Iain McR</p> <p>That's the Phil McKane classic? Caley Canal, Corrieyairrick, Feshie, Geldie, Deesideway, Glen Tanar, Mounth Road over Mount Keen? I've done that with the exception of the last bit as my mate was knackered. Happy to share what I learned if required. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248697 Thu, 04 May 2017 11:44:42 +0000 dessert rat 248697@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/UeEWsQ"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4166/34285263852_b9f49bc597.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248690 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:57:41 +0000 DaveC 248690@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sounds fun!! I did a short trip with only a 35ltr rucksack containing tent, rollmat, sleeping bag and stove n food a few years back and would like to do something similar. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248688 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:48:14 +0000 steveo 248688@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This chap who is neither me or my mate describes it far better than I. TBF the weather was glourious when we <strike>rode</strike> pushed it and we found the only dry ground for 5km under a big old tree to bivvy on for the night.</p> <p><a href="http://www.rsf.org.uk/57-uk-routes-archive/198-scotland-the-lairig-pass-lairig-an-laoigh.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.rsf.org.uk/57-uk-routes-archive/198-scotland-the-lairig-pass-lairig-an-laoigh.html</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248686 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:36:47 +0000 steveo 248686@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I've only walked it, but it can be cycled.</em></p> <p>Don't belive him, that was the most miserable day on a bike I've had. Ryvoan was fine but approaching the pass the it became less and less ridable, the Fords were a total pita and spent hours pushing a heavy loaded mtb. Coming out and down glen derry its drainage ditches every few meters and some are badly done so I was carrying over them.</p> <p>I could have staked out for the ravens the guy who suggested this was fully rideable.</p> <p>My day wasn't helped by my brakes being contaminted by oil and they barely worked and squeeled. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248683 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:28:25 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248683@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I aint going if its not arduous.</em></p> <p>I like the cut of your jib. Ryvoan and Lairig an Laoigh over the Fords of Avon would up the brutality factor. I've only walked it, but it can be cycled. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248681 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:14:47 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 248681@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Enjoy Iain! I've never found the paths across the watershed too bad, but that was walking.</p> <p>As others have said, the Feshie and the state of its crossings are a constant moveable feast these days. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248672 Thu, 04 May 2017 09:55:50 +0000 dessert rat 248672@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ Murun B - yes.</p> <p>@ Bax - I aint going if its not arduous.</p> <p>@ IWRATS - smashing and noted about the death part. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17692#post-248666 Thu, 04 May 2017 09:39:40 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248666@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, I have done this. It's brilliant. Glen Feshie to Glen Geldie is the way to go. Don't miss the left-bearing track a mile short of the Eidart or you'll be doing four hundred meters of portage up a heathery hill. I never did that. Some other bloke.</p> <p>Also, don't go if the Feshie is high. You have to ford it three times now and it has the potential to kill you when it's in spate. And the upper bridge is still out. </p>