5 Great Mountain Biking Spots Around the World
If you decide to go mountain biking in Golspie, you will be in at area thatv claims the longest descent in the UK from the summit of Ben Bhraggie (1300ft to sea level) and the longest technical singletrack climb, the Highland Wildcat bike trails are in one of the remotest areas in Britain. Pretty cool ehy?
Scenically stunning, the trails, officially opened in 2006, are a community funded project and there are ambitious expansion plans for the future. For uncrowded quality riding with something for all abilities, a visit should definitely be on your mountain bike to-do list.
The Riding
The 6.5km blue trail starts off with a pleasant singletrack climb through woodland that joins you up with the red and black routes. More climbing then takes you out onto the open hillsides with stunning views out to sea. There are some fairly low key technical features such as some rock steps but these can easily be avoided.
You can then extend the ride to the top of the Ben by following the double track road or keep following the blue and it’ll take you back down the way you came up. It’s a fun descent but watch out for riders coming the opposite way.
The 7.5km red trail climbs out of town and then hooks up with the blue. They part company on the forest road with the red plunging downhill and then the fun starts. Berms and jumps come one after another and, for a cross-country trail, they’re on the big side. Mountain biking in Golspie gives you plenty of rollable drops too but, hit them fast, and you’ll find the air whistling beneath your wheels. The trail ends with some pleasant natural feeling riding.
The 13.6km black is one of the hardest trails in the UK. It’ll test your full range of riding skills and fitness. Leaving the red, it takes you right to the top of the Ben, negotiating steps and highly technical climbing the whole way.
Take a breather, admire the view and then knuckle down for the fast and airy descent. They are chicken runs for the big kickers and drops, You’ll be a long way from home, so don’t let machismo get the better of you.
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