Thanks to its rugged landscape and stunning scenery Scotland has been the location for a number of blockbuster films, including ‘Braveheart’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Lord of the Apes’ and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. What better way to experience this fantastic movie heritage than by following the country’s movie trailers, seeking out the most recognisable backdrops from movies filmed in the Highlands. Even in the mountain bike ‘movie’ industry, Scotland is a popular choice. Anthill Films, award-winning producers of legendary mountain bike films, often shoot in Scotland. And you’ll probably remember Danny MacAskill’s viral YouTube video on the Cullin Ridge in the Isle of Skye, which you will also get to experience yourself on the Beyond Biking Scotland tour.
2 guys bike for 24 hours on Royal Deeside singletrack
Aviemore & Glenmore contains some of the best preserved areas of ancient Caledonian pine forest in Scotland. It has become a haven for mountain bikers, catering for every ability, from leisure to extreme. The forest and its setting produces stunningly beautiful scenery, with the natural backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains providing an iconic location.
This ride up to Glen Feshie then over to Loch Morlich gives you a good idea of what to expect from mountain biking in the Cairngorms National Park, including a ride through the grey-green mountains over 3000 feet above sea level.
In January 2014, downhill mountain biking world champion Steve Peat took on the harsh terrain of the Scottish Highlands and conquered some new trails on his beloved bike with the help of Volvo to get him there. “I have been coming here since I was a tiny kid,” said Peat, “and it’s different up here. It’s peaceful and at the same time so rugged out. The great thing about Scotland is that you’re free to go wherever you want to go. There is a very good atmosphere for riding a bike.”
Your road towards the West Highlands will cross Laggan Wolftrax, one of the premier bike centres in the UK. Wolftrax provides graded trails for free-riding or guided treks. There is a green, two separate reds, an orange, and a black trail. While for inexperience riders this bike centre can be technical and challenging, but for many freeriders it’s a real highlight. However, on the proper green grade singletrack, novices can improve their skills.
With almost 26 million views, this must be the most popular bike video ever. For the first time in one of his films Danny MacAskill climbs aboard a mountain bike and returns to his native home, the Isle of Skye, to take on a death-defying ride along the notorious Cuillin ridgeline. You too will be there, biking the Sligachan Loop through the dramatic scenery of the Cuillin Mountains.
The Sligachan Loop, one of the most spectacular mountain bike treks in the UK, is situated in the heart of the Cuillins, always drenched in mystery and terror. Check out the white building (around the 10 second mark) – you will be staying there. It would be hard to find a more dramatic and inspiring setting in the whole of Scotland than the one enjoyed by the Sligachan Hotel.
On the Isle of Skye you will have the opportunity to taste the award-winning Talisker 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Talisker whisky distillery is only a few miles from the Sligachan Hotel. Inspired by the drink from where it takes its name, the Talisker Storm Adventure is a unique journey of discovery. Led by National Geographic adventurer Alastair Humphreys, a team of three ordinary people attempt to navigate their way around the Isle of Skye in five days. They travel by land and sea, by foot and by bike, to discover the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye. Here’s the trailer.
Your final bike destination. Torridon, is a remote area well-known to climbers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts for what is considered to be some of the finest scenery in Europe. In late April, Santa Cruz bikes hit Torridon to shoot the launch video for the new Santa Cruz solo bike.
Check this Torridon classic mountain bike loop in all kinds of weather. Torridon is Scottish mountain biking at its best: the rugged west coast views; amazing singletracks descents; Caledonian forest trails; and hours upon hours of biking fun.
A rewarding descent to Annat in the Torridon Mountains.
Many visitors to the Torridon area remark upon the unusual atmosphere, and even more in wet conditions it is a very special place. But do be prepared for rain in Scotland. As Billy Connelly once said: “In Scotland, there is no such thing as bad weather – only the wrong clothes.” Check this wet Torridon run:
Highland Games
From May to September a full programme of Highland Games takes place in small towns and villages across the country, combining sport, culture and entertainment. The most famous Highland Games are staged in Royal Deeside, Scotland’s ‘Castle Country’, so prepare to run into a man in a kilt tossing a stone put while cycling in Cairngorms & Deeside.
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© BEYOND BIKING, 2015