The first book had this itinerary following the Sustrans route all the way from Ruthven to Dalnacardoch. A couple of years ago I checked out the old Military road that goes to Phones and the link over to Loch Cuaich.
Bingo, stitched together they create a trip that's far better than something which was already superb.
Even though the bulk of the riding is relatively straightforward and the surfaces ideal, the 80k of this day and the height climbed makes it one demanding the utmost respect. Get dinged at the farthest point and you're a long way from help. Find yourself at the outflow of Loch an Dun when it's going full tilt and you should not even think about crossing it.
On an ideal day this circular tour will deliver all you're looking for and more. The twintrack through the heather on the old military road at the start will be a joy. The traverse from Phones to Loch Cuaich will provide a taste of lochs and mountains yet to come. The Sustrans link through Drumochter whisks you along among big foreboding mountains. The an Dun singletrack , perched above the water of the loch is delicate and sweet. If there's been a drought, the ford of the outflow could almost be crossed dryshod . You might even be able to ride the next river crossing without falling into it. The gentle trundle down Glen Tromie private road could pass effortlessly. But, by the time you're making your way through Glen Tromie Woods you'll know you've had a day out. The short scurry along the tarmac from there to Ruthven is the only public road you'll have ridden on for more than a few hundred metres.
Before you tackle it make sure you have good fitness, a bike and kit that won't let you down, lots of food and a few pals with whom you can share the memories.
MBR 6 of the Best
Gaick and Wade
Mountain biking is an adventure sport with associated risks. It is the responsibilty of all riders to be fully conversant with the risks to themselves and the risks to others. The activity also has impact on the land. This impact not only extends to wear and tear on trails but also how it affects agriculture and ecology. You must at all times be mindful of these factors. Any route suggested should only be accessed within the provisions of the Land Reform Scotland Act and conform to the concept of responsible acces within the terms of that act which spoecifies that any such access should be responsible. See http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp?nPageID=12&nSubContentID=0 for more info and guidance. No route published by Mountainbike Scotland should be undertaken without adherance to all f the foregoing.
