|View Map(100kb)|
Note: Maps may take several minutes to load with a modem connection
If you wish to print the map for future reference, it is recommended that you save the image to your computer
and then print it using your favourite imaging software.
The highlands of Scotland are a truly remote place, but some areas of the highlands are legendary, possessing a vastness of almost Scandinavian proportions. Knoydart, the Outer Hebrides, and "The Great Wildnerness" of Fisherfield forest immediately spring to mind. Another one of these locations, complete with an impressive mountain biking potential is Rannoch moor and Corrour estate.
The west highland railway and the A82 roughly follow the same route north from Glasgow, until Loch Tulla. Here the railway line heads inland, built across the bog on floating mats of timber; while the road dives down Glencoe to the coast. The mountainous country bordered by these two thoroughfares is completely devoid of roads and habitation. As can be seen from the accompanying map, Rannoch moor itself is the flat waterlogged expanse of waste just east of Glencoe, while Corrour estate is the land surrounding and east of Corrour station - they are just names of convenience as the area has no single title that I know of.
There are several ancient routes of communication across this wilderness, including one promising looking path which is now unfortunately cut in two by a 20 mile long reservoir! Munro baggers also serve to keep paths open in the valleys and passes, although the distances are so large that mountain bikers are probably the main through-traffic these days. Paths are more numerous than tracks, so beware if you expect to ride quickly and effortlessly along the Lairig Leacach!
Despite the isolation there are in fact three sources of comfortable accommodation, and two eating houses up on the moor. There are several bothies in case things go seriously pear-shaped. Any crossing of the area requires 4 to 8 hours each way - so come prepared, and ensure you have good map reading and mountain craft skills. A wrong turn and you could find yourself trudging through bog and tussock for several hours with no possibility of riding.
The purpose of the article(ett) is simply to present all the available options for crossing this wilderness, so readers can conceive their own rides. There are still two routes I have yet to ride, so any input from readers would be greatly appreciated.
Each route/pass has been given a grade from 1 to 5:
Have fun!
Kevin Hodgson
June 2001
|View Map(100kb)|
Note: Maps may take several minutes to load with a modem connection
If you wish to print the map for future reference, it is recommended that you save the image to your computer
and then print it using your favourite imaging software.
Last Updated 28-06-2001
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 - 2001 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.
