recommended route
Spean Bridge to Laggan (MTB)
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Photo: Minna Harshbarger, Macs Adventure
Ride delightful tracks along the River Spean followed by a short road section from Roy Bridge, after this you will find yourself on a great track followed by the spectacular views over Loch Laggan and The Grey Corries.
The day’s riding starts gently with some delightful tracks along the River Spean and then a short road section from Roy Bridge. The trail quickly changes to a mix of technical natural singletrack and Landrover tracks as we head east into the highlands. The quality of the riding is matched only by the spectacular views over Loch Laggan and The Grey Corries.
A sustained climb leads up to the white sandy beaches or Lochan an Hearba and then a fast descent pops you out at the magnificent Ardverikie Castle, set of the TV series Monarch of the Glen. The day finishes at Laggan Wolftrax, one of the Forestry Commission’s best trail centres.
Those who want to test themselves further can play for as long as they like on the challenging singletrack, fun park and raised timber sections.
Track types
Safety information
Take care when you are cyling on the A86 can be busy
The section between Fersit and Lublea and along Lochan na Hearba are very remote and there is generally no mobile signal.
Tips and hints
Services
Laggan: Café and bike shop at Laggan Wolftrax. Laggan is a very small hamlet with a community shop, hotel and a couple of B&B’s. Dinner should be pre-booked at your B&B, or you can eat at the hotel http://www.lagganhotel.co.uk/
Shortcut
Ride on the A86 all the way from Spean Bridge to Laggan. Use the A86 to skip either the first half or second half of the off road ride as you can access the road at Lublea. Instead of climbing all the way up to Lochan na Hearba follow the track next to southern shore of Loch Laggan.
Points of Interest
Laggan Wolftrax – (http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/laggan-wolftrax) Wolftrax has built a strong reputation for some of the best purpose built mountain bike trails in the country, not to mention the easy access to some of the best wild riding in the world. They offer a wide range of services from a frothy Cappuccino to the supply of a custom built high end Mountain Bike from premium bike brands.
Ardverikie Castle – ( http://www.ardverikie.com/) Is one of the finest private castles in Scotland and occupies a truly beautiful position on Loch Laggan.
Monarch of the Glen, a BBC drama, was filmed at Ardverikie Castle and in Laggan and the surrounding areas.
This activity appears in the following itineraries:
BSSCTC
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.0km: From Spean Bridge RETRACE your arrival route over the railway bridge adjacent to the station to follow the country road on the southern side of the River Spean. Heading East.
After 3km the road becomes unpaved. CONTINUE to follow the tracks until you reach a very run-down farm (several land rovers used as kennels)
Go through the farmyard, following the track down to the river and cross the footbridge over the river.
9.4km: CROSS the railway bridge and turn right to join the A86, heading east towards Laggan.
13.6km: After just over 4km TURN RIGHT down the minor road signed Fersit.
Follow the minor road for just over 3km to Fersit, where the road becomes a track.
17.6km: Cross the river, go up the hill and TURN LEFT onto the track just after the farm buildings.
Follow the forest tracks for 10.5km to Lublea, where you are very close to the A86.
Escape route: 28.7km: Here you can cross the bridge and ride on the A83 to Laggan if you do not wish to ride offroad and skip the climbs.
30.2km: From Lulea take the track which climbs to Lochan na Hearba.
30.2km: To reduce the climb you can also follow the track alongside Loch Laggan.
Climb to Lochan na Earba
39.7km: Descend to Ardvrekie House
41.4km: TURN RIGHT and follow private road on the southern shore of Loch Laggan.
45.5km: After 4km TURN RIGHT to rejoin A86. Follow A86 or the bike path alongside to Laggan.
Look out for Laggan Wolftrax mountain biking centre on your right about 3km before you reach Laggan (55.5km).
Coordinates
Equipment
All normal cycle equipment and outdoor gear is required, including a helmet, gloves and a wind-break layer. Even if it doesn’t appear necessary ensure you bring enough warm and waterproof clothes as weather conditions can change quickly.
Padded shorts are recommended, as saddle pain takes the fun away very quickly!
Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a snack in case you find yourself a long way from the shops.
Questions and answers
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Rating
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