West To East (CTC)

A  strenuous 240ml Mountain Bike Tour which follows the ancient trails and drove roads across Scotland from Loch Hourn in the west  to Montrose in the east. From the Atlantic seaboard in the west follow desolate tracks, mountain passes and forest trails through some of Scotland’s finest scenery to the reach the North Sea at Montrose. It is not all off road , however and you will be glad of the intervals on the smooth tarmac of minor roads. It begins at the remote village of Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast. The first day is on road to Glenelg. The next day is an adventureous off road section and follows trails and paths eastwards to Kinloch Hourn then by track and road to Invergarry and Fort Augustus. The third day traverses the Corrieyairack Pass on General Wade’s Old Military Road (weather permitting) to Laggan then through the beautiful Spey Valley to Newtonmore and Kingussie. Day four takes you through the Rothiemurcus Estate and Loch Morlich to the Braes of Abernethy and Tomintoul, the highest village in Scotland. This 17th century village stands on the road between Deeside and Speyside in some of Scotland’s finest scenery. Continue on your eastwards journey to reach Deeside and the villages of Braemar and Ballater. Perhaps visit Balmoral Castle the Queen's Scottish home. A strenuous climb over the Grampian Mountains to Glen Esk and then smooth road running down to the North Sea at Montrose. This is a strenuous tour for fit persons who have map reading and navigational skills. It is not suitable for persons travelling alone.