| Physical | Technical | Fun | Scenery | Singletrack | Rideability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ***** | *** | ** | ***** | *** | *** |
As described: 70km:-
One long day (10+ hours) or two shorter days - Note: this ride was ridden during the summer. During the winter months the difficulty and duration of this ride will be greater.
This is a circular tour which could be started from Braemar (GR 152 914), Linn Of Dee car park (GR 063 897), Tomintoul or Corgarff
The most difficult terrain is the stretch between Faindouran Lodge and approx 2 km south of the Lairig an Laoigh col between Glen Derry and Glen Avon (GR 033 990). Dependant on your fitness levels/preferences, you should arrange your start point and accommodation arrangements taking this into account. The ride could be ridden either clockwise or anti-clockwise - there is little to choose in terms of rideable / unrideable terrain or good descents / bad ascents.
I will describe this route as a one day, anti-clockwise route starting from Braemar, because that's the way I've done it.
Starting from the crossroads in Braemar, head east on the A93 for 4 ½ km, crossing the River Dee at Invercauld Bridge then taking the second left. Follow the signs for the public footpath (remember Scottish laws are less restrictive than those in England and Wales) for Loch Builg. This estate road is freshly tarmacced to start with, but don't worry as real mountain biking starts soon. Continue to follow the signposts, heading north up what has now become a land-rover track. This track climbs steadily through a beautiful Caladonian pine forest with views south and west over the Cairngorms. If you ride mid-week, you may even to be treated to fine displays of fighter pilot skills by the RAF, as we were.
The forest thins as the climb eases, then descends across open moorland. Views open out to the right (east) as far as Mount Keen (the most easterly Munro) and Lochnager (behind you). After that short breather the track starts to climb again, past the site of the old drovers cattle shed, and up the flanks of Cullarchdoch. Parts of this climb are steep, loose stones on land-rover track, which will get you off and pushing (unless your super-fit), but otherwise, sit back and enjoy the views.
The climb up the flank of Cullarchdoch
Next comes the rewards of your hard work with a 3 km roller coaster descent along the twin tracks to the River Gairn. Follow the river downstream and cross over the bridge at GR 191 021, contour to the right (east) ,climbing marginally on a faded land-rover track until you reach a more obvious land-rover track, turn left, pass between two small pools before turing right onto peaty singletrack. The fun starts here - this track continues to climb slightly at first, then parallels the eastern shoreline of Loch Builg. Twisting, turning, climbing, descending and always entertaining!
At the northern end of the loch, the singletrack reverts to land-rover tracks, which can be wet in places. You will be pleased to note that the land-rover track heading steeply up the flanks on the right (east) is to be ignored. Our track continues north. A couple of streams are crossed (if your feet aren't wet yet, they will be now) as the track meets up with those tracks joining from Tomintoul (north) and Corgarff (east) at Inchrory.
Cross the bridge over the River Avon and head west up Glen Avon (the OS 1:25000 & 1:50000 are a bit confusing here, as the infant River Avon which is clearly shown on the map is actually out of view behind a small rise, however, trust your instinct and follow the blindingly obvious track!). To your right, the Avon passes through a small but beautifully formed gorge - this whole area is well worth some chilling out time!
Crossing Ben Avon & Into Glen Avon
The land-rover track climbs then descends on the southern bank on the Avon, crosses a bridge then goes up a short, vicious climb - stay on the main track, following the river from a 50m balcony. Beware when the track starts to descend, as there is a very airy, fast 90º right hand bend which, if misjudged, could prove very entertaining!
This part of the track provides fine views west up Glen Avon as well as the northern flanks of Ben Avon itself. Note the granite Tors which dot the skyline. Continue along this track for 7 km past a corrugated iron shelter and to it's end at Faindouran Lodge. This location would make a good nights stop over, if you don't mind the immediate hard work to follow next day.
Now the fun begins - a loose stoney land rover width track follows the edge of the river but soon peters out. From here, to the next major landmark at Loch Avon Mountain Rescue shelter, is 5 km of pushing, dragging , carrying and swearing . For the first couple of kms a path of any sort barely exists - either keep to the edge of the river and hope to pick up intermitant stretches or veer off to the right and climb slightly to avoid the worst of the standing water and bogs. Once the aluvial fan has been crossed, the glen narrows into a "v" shaped valley and rough granite singletrack can be picked up. Don't think for one minute this is rideable! You won't be mounting your bike until the you've pushed and carried it along this path for another km or so , and climbed 50 or so meters above the river. A very short rideable downhill (take care!) leads to the point where Glen Avon disects the Lairig an Laoigh (an old drovers route from Nethy Bridge to Glen Derry). A further short push across peat hags brings you the Loch Avon mountain rescue shelter. Take a look around this magnificent area!
If you are planning your overnight stay here, there is a small grassy area next to the shelter which would make an ideal resting place. This would also allow time to walk up the loch (approx half and hour).
Otherwise, it's wet feet time again as the burn is crossed at (submerged!) stepping stones. Take particular care here - any fall could be particularly unpleasant in view of the remoteness. Head south across another (smaller) stream and pick up the granite singletrack on the left hand side of the glen, past Dubh Lochan.
More wet feet below Cairn Gorm
This track is marginally rideable at it's lower end, but becomes a carry the bigger the boulders ,the higher it gets. Eventually, it tops out near Coire Etchachan.Over the col, the track changes from granite boulders to peat. How much is rideable will depend on the time of year and conditions underfoot but I endo'd several times before giving up and walking again! Lower down the uninterupted riding returns. Hurray! The worst is over and done with!! The track improves drastically (although take care over the three stone drainage ditches) and reaches a deer fence. Go through the gate and pick up the land-rover track (and easy ground) towards Derry Lodge.
Glen Derry
After 2 km, the land-rover track suddenly climbs away from the burn - you have two choices here. Stick to the land-rover track or divert off to the right onto singletrack. As I haven't ridden the land-rover track, I can't vouch for it's condition (although I can't see this being a problem if you've already handled the previous terrain!) The singletrack, however, is an absolute gem. It winds it's way through a beautiful Caladonian Pine forest to the old, abandoned Derry Lodge, it twists and turns over exposed roots, darting around trees, with drop-offs and short climbs, a couple of stream crossing and a grassy blast to the bridge over Derry burn.
This is another spot to consider wilderness camping - late in the day the deer gather to drink in the river and graze on the wide, grassy riverbanks. So if you're not camping, cross the bridge and get back on your bikes for the final section. Past Derry Lodge (why was this place abondoned!), ignore the land-rover track on the right ( it leads to Glen Luibeg) And follow the main track to the Linn Of Dee car park. Turn right on the tarmac, over the bridge and then it's a 11km ride back into Braemar.
Those starting off from Tomintoul or Corgarff could turn left on the road at the Linn of Dee car park and follow the estate tracks through the Invercauld Lodge, to pick up the outward route.
Last Updated 18-11-2000
You can contact me at James@OffroadAdventures-Online.co.uk
To return Home click here: www.OffroadAdventures-Online.co.uk
All pages and content Copyright © 1999 - 2000 James Murnaghan or their respective authors. All rights reserved.
No content of this web-site may be used in whole or in part, without the express permission of The Editor.