Mountain Biking North West Passage View Trip Dates Book Now Trip Grade: Blue 6
North West Passage All Inclusive New for 2019, we ve created a wild mountain bike adventure that will take you through some of the wildest and most remote terrain in the UK. Falling between our Hebridean Trail and Coast to Coast trips in terms of its physical and technical challenge, the North West Passage will take you on an intricate route from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea and then back to the Atlantic. Starting out in Fort William on the West Coast we ease into our ride following the imposing geological fault line that is the Great Glen. From here the trail becomes more remote as we journey north to the stunning Glen Affric - widely considered as Scotland s most beautiful glen. We spend a day exploring here before pushing further into the Northern Highlands. Big mountains, wild rivers and lonely glens dominate the landscapes, punctuated by trails which are perfect for mountain biking. Reaching the North Sea coast, our final day offers the unique opportunity to traverse an entire country in one day. Starting from the East Coast our route eventually leads us to the sheltered and dramatic Atlantic shores of Ullapool on Scotland s mountainous West Coast. Highlights New for 2019, journey through some of the wildest and most remote terrain in the UK Explore Glen Affric - widely considered as Scotland s most beautiful glen Traverse an entire country in one day, from the North Sea to the Atlantic Book with confidence We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 2 people have booked Maximum of 8 places available per departure PLEASE NOTE The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Visit Scotland
Planned Itinerary Day 1 Nevis Range Day 2 The Great Glen & Military Roads Day 3 Exploring Glen Affric Day 4 Strath Glass to Strathpeffer Day 5 Wild Highlands Day 6 Coast to Coast Day 7 Return to Inverness Arrival Info Your Guide will meet you at the centre of Inverness Railway Station by the fixed seating area 9.00am on Day 1 of your trip Departure Info You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station 12:00pm on the final day of your trip PLEASE NOTE The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.
Day 1 Nevis Range Meet your Wilderness guides in Inverness before travelling south to the West Highland town of Fort William. On arrival, relax over a cup of coffee while we run through the itinerary for the week and all the essential details. Starting from Nevis Range MTB centre in the shadow of Ben Nevis - the UK s highest mountain - we ll do a bike fit and ensure everyone is ready to ride. Our route for the first day provides the opportunity to warm up on some flowing single track trails and easy forestry road climbs. Having sampled the best of Nevis Range s trails, we ll head north through the forest on a route that takes us to the village of Spean Bridge. This is our first overnight stop and we will enjoy a welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant. (L,D) Route Details: 35km/22mi Day 2 The Great Glen & Military Roads The first half of today s ride follows the Great Glen Way along the shores of Loch Lochy and then on some excellent single track elevated above the steep sided and spectacular Loch Oich. A nice descent takes us back down to the shores of the loch and then onwards following the route of the Caledonian Canal - an engineering marvel built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800s. By the time we reach Fort Augustus we ll be ready for lunch and will need the energy for the afternoon ride. Climbing steeply out of Fort Augustus we follow an ancient military road first built to mobilise government troops at the time of Jacobite uprisings. You ll be following in the footsteps of 300 years of Highland history on the trail which takes us through Glen Moriston and then Glen Affric. We ll continue a short distance to Strath Glass where we ll stay for 2 nights. (B,L,D) Route Details: 65km/40mi
Day 3 Exploring Glen Affric A nice relaxed start today before gearing up for a circular ride in Glen Affric. Often described as Scotland s most beautiful glen, Affric is a majestic blend of ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, sparkling lochs and alluring mountains which thrust into the West Highland wilderness. Our route takes us past the 8km long Loch a Beinn a Mheadhoin before heading deeper up this uninhabited wild glen. After crossing the loch we ride some scenic singletrack above the shore with many Munro mountains forming the backdrop. Returning to the village of Cannich, a stop at the tranquil Bog Cotton Cafe is well worth making. From here it s a short distance back to our hotel. (B,L,D) Route Details: 55km/34mi Day 4 Strath Glass to Strathpeffer Our journey continues north as we leave Strath Glass behind and climb into the hills of the Erchless Forest. We steadily climb over a pass which descends into a remote glen. The gaelic name for the hills here suggest this is a place to see Golden Eagles in their natural wild habitat. Heading east we will enjoy a fun 5km stretch of single track following a traditional stalkers path. Reaching the forests of Strath Connon we pass by the Falls of Orrin before rolling into our overnight stop near the village of Strathpeffer. (B,L,D) Route Details: 48km/30mi
Day 5 Wild Highlands Today s ride captures the spirit of riding in the Highlands - fun trails through big and wild landscapes. We kick off with a single track warm up following some of the trails used in the annual Strathfpuffer 24 hour mountain bike race. Striking north from here, we begin our day s journey deep into the North Highland wilderness. This is the most remote part of the trip and arguably one of the most isolated corners of Western Europe. Around 30km of trail leads us north to Strathcarron where a quiet road leads to the Kyle of Sutherland. Our riding is not yet done as we have one final climb to tackle followed by a fantastic single track descent to our hotel. (B,L,D) Route Details: 75km/47mi Day 6 Coast to Coast A unique opportunity to ride across an entire country today, from the tidal shores of the Kyle of Sutherland in the east to the Atlantic Ocean on Scotland s west coast. It s another day which ventures into the remote wilderness far away from human habitation. Warming up on a short section of quiet tarmac we reach the gateway to the wilderness at the historic settlement of Croick - at one time home to nearly 100 inhabitants before the turbulent times of the Highland Clearances came to pass. Historical features dot the landscape here, including the colourful Duag Bridge School which amazingly housed pupils until the 1930s. As the trail continues west, the spectacular mountain peaks of Assynt come into view signalling our approach to Ullapool. Before long we ll blast the final miles downhill to reach the coast where we can proudly dip our wheels in the Atlantic. Enjoy a celebratory seafood dinner and a dram in the lively village of Ullapool before turning in for the final night. (B,L,D) Route Details: 58km/36mi
Day 7 Return to Inverness After breakfast we load the vehicle and bike trailer and enjoy a leisurely 1.5 hour journey back to Inverness. Here you can catch your onward travel or choose to stay on and experience some more magic of the Scottish Highlands. (B) Visit Scotland
Trip Grading Blue 6 Our blue graded mountain biking holidays are suitable for people with previous experience of mountain biking at an intermediate level. You can expect around 6-8 hours of riding each day so a good level of fitness is required. Distances covered will typically be in the range of 40km-60km each day with the occasional longer ride. Trail conditions will be very varied; everything from quiet minor roads to island beaches, land-rover tracks and short sections of single-track riding through rugged mountainous terrain, which will be technical in places. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join. If our guides feel that you are not able to complete a scheduled ride they may ask you not to join in that day. If you have any questions about the grading, then please do give our Adventure Consultants a call to chat through your experience and suitability for this trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described rides in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.
Accommodation and Meals This trip features some of the best hotel and guest house accommodation and food along the route we travel. We use a variety of accommodations such as country inns, guesthouses and small hotels, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities. Lunch each day will be either a wilderness picnic or taken at a local cafe/ restaurant. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day as you require. Evening meals are included throughout and we have the flexibility to take evening meals in local restaurants or pubs. Based upon our knowledge and experience, we will visit the best places to eat along the route. On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. Single Rooms There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement is charged. Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Inverness The services of 2 qualified and experienced mountain bike guides throughout your trip A support vehicle & trailer throughout All group safety and bike maintenance equipment Ride snacks, goodies and some other surprises! ve All meals during the trip, from dinner on night of arrival to breakfast on day of departure si 6 nights accommodation in locally owned guest houses or small hotels lu This trip includes the following: nc Inclusions li You are very welcome to bring along your own bike for this trip however if you would prefer to hire a bike from us please check out the options here www.wildernessscotland.com/mountain-bike-hire/ Al Bike Hire
Our holidays reviewed in your words An epic and truly memorable journey. The perfect combination of challenge, nature and culture. Being out there cycling off-road in contact with the elements changing every single minute... it was special. Nicolas Ramirez All Trip Reviews Here
Your Guide During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages. Sustainable Travel Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive. We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC). We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in. You can learn more about the work we re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here.
Equipment List Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. www.wildernessscotland.com/blog/what-to-wear-mountain-biking-in-scotland Eat Stay See Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do Eat Stay See Inverness.pdf General Info Scotland From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts. General-Info-Scotland.pdf
Travel Insurance It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions. We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the following companies offer suitable policies. Campbell Irvine Direct campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services journeyman-services.com/travelinsurance If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions Travel With Confidence You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected. Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA.
FAQs Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page. wildernessscotland.com/faq Questions To Ask? Ready to Book? If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately. We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer. email: info@wildernessscotland.com Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890 View Trip Dates Book Now