Loch na-h-Oidhche p 106
In the book's text, a variation to the core route is mentioned. A sloppy re-arranging/trimming of text during the editing process resulted in this option appearing far more attractive and straightforward than it actually is. The same complacency resulted in a poor representation of the subsidiary line shown on the topo. The suggested variation is likely have too much walking and prove a bit torrid for use by any but the most masochistic. Additionally it is very dependent on drought or hard frost to make it viable and once again bridge washout plays a part.
While the shortfall will be addressed in subsequent print runs this will do little if you've had an otherwise good day ruined by following the poor information presented. Please accept sincere apoloies for any inconvenience caused to those who attempted to follow this erroneous entry.
The core route remains a straightforward but fantastic trip and should be adhered to.
Glen Branter p 8
A section of purpose-built singletrack has been added by the FC. It's signposted and starts near the final descent described in the text. It provides the good clean fun a Red (advanced) grade and is a welcome addition to a lovely corner of the country. Learn more here
The Leacann Muir Road p18
The final descent has been affected by felling operations. The atmosphere added by the closely crowding trees is gone but it's still steep, fast and fun.
Loch Eck p6
The FC have now installed several bike-friendly, lever operated gates in place of some of the stiles that were once encountered. A washout just after the highpoint of the outward leg has reduced the traffic using the section of trail that follows. Consequently this is becoming overgrown and may soon become a bit of a bushwhack . Following the low route (marked by white FC marker posts) is now probably the better option.
Just after you leave the tarmac, near the start of this route, you go down a wee drop and over a bridge. After the bridge look out for the big landslide that slewed over the track. The debris is full of mature trees, boulders and goodness knows what else. Quite scary when you consider the power involved in shifting all that material
Loch Ossian p 57
The tearoom on the station platform has reopened since I was last there. This makes the route doubly attractive. You'll be able to enjoy a feed in comfort surrounded by scenery that is as wild and open as it gets.
Great Glen & Corrieyairack Multi-day P127
Descent of Corrieyairack badly washed out in places.
Cougie p115
As part of a trip to suss out a possible 2 day loop in the area the section of this route from Cougie to Loch Affric was re-ridden in early April 2008. The area around Cougie has lost some of its character due to clear felling. The twintrack that follows lochan was then found to be in a bit of a state. It appears that the ditches have been dug out and the spill cast onto the track surface. This made for lots of soft, sumpy sections on the level. These are likely to take a long time to dry out . The SRoW Society sign for the singletrack link of the old RoW was also difficult to spot. In the very wet conditions met with, much of the singletrack had to be walked in order not to damage it. This emphasised the need for dry conditions to make this link viable. The cumulative effect is to substantially alter the qualities of this route. It's probably stlil a worthwhile circuit but just not anywhere near as good without the last bit being as much fun as it once was.
Lochan Fadda p 110
Grade should really read Expert . Recent reports also tell of landslips across route. Here's on account from a group (with a range of abilities) who tackled it. Cairngorm Mountain Bikers Ride Report that may help you decide if the route's for you. If the prospect of the complete circuit doesn't appeal it will also work as an out and back to the loch.
Thanks to all who have assisted in the process of review. Please notify any further matters needing attention to Kenny Wilson @ the e-mail address below. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, through the text box
SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES
Guidebook Updates
last update 30/08/07
We've put this page up to take care of any changes that come to our attention. In the course of drawing up the manuscript for the book there were a few errors and omissions. We've been assured this is the norm and a look at similar publications shows missing roads, wrong orientation of North and sundry other things that slip through the net when immersed in the process of getting something like this together.
The work to complete the book took more than 18 months before the formulation of the draft manuscript. Nature played a part in rearranging some of the countryside in the intervening period. The huge deluges that have been a feature of the climate in recent years are prominent and have caused damage that is reported below. These weather patterns were repeated in Dec 2006 and it is anticipated that further changes will take place. We'll update as soon as we have any info.
In a small number of instances expansions are required where the texts haven't conveyed sufficient information to remove doubt. In the representation of the core routes, none of these seems to present any problem if the proper OS map is used. Nevertheless we'll respond to anything that needs sorting. Necessary updates will be recorded here and, hopefully, this part of the page will not grow too big. We'll also factor in any trail improvements and variants we hear about, So, the news will not be all bad. The first of these can be seen in respect of the new bit of purpose built singletrack that has appeared in Glen Branter
Updates
Loch Tay 2 day route p 119
The bridge leading to Arivuirichardich was washed away after the ride for the book. Althouh generally passable, the river will prove difficult if it is carrying a heavy flow. In the picture below the twintrack is heading toward Arivurichardich which is out of shot to the R and down a dip. The bridge that's now gone can be seen just to the L of the obvious LRT in the middle distance. You can see a hint of the catchment area in the huge coire above the rider. The weather which took this bridge removed two more lower down and shifted a couple of 100 tonne boulders as well as affecting the route below!
Blanket mountain bike exclusions like the signs here do not appear to have any legal substance especially on a track designed for vehicular use. An exception might be one which paseses through dwellings. Nevertheless, warnings regarding dangerous sheep will always be welcome as will the the news that there are no dogs ahead!
Glen Ample p 34
As with the Loch Tay route a bridge washout means an extra stream crossing will be required.in the vicinity of Glen Ample Farm. Long term prospects for replacement seem bleak. Learn more about the storm & damage here.
A visit in late May 2007 found the Old Library Tea Room in Balquhidder appears not to be trading any more meaning that the nearby Kingshouse Hotel is the only viable lunch stop until Strathyre.
Loch Oich p 96
Dubious signage is present in the vicinity of Br. of Oich (below). Locked gates, including high deer gates, with no provision for bikes have caused difficulties. Near Faichem there are signs that talk about 'Adults Only April to October' and conjure up odd images. They appear to relate the chalets near the track end.
If you're intimidated by signs like these then heading back toward Invergarry via the Great Glen Cycle Way (an option shown in book) still makes for a fine circuit but misses out the moorland scenery around Loch Lundie and the riverside singletrack down the Garry.
