You then pop out on a big track which is an easy pedal to a bridge over a small burn. Camusericht Lodge is situated in an elevated and private position off the main road, with southerly views over Loch Rannoch and beyond to Glen Lyon. Nice one Phil! Its about 2 miles off route. Corrievarkie Lodge Bridge of Gaur Rannoch If you look at a large scale OS road map of Northern Scotland your eye maybe drawn to a large area of wilderness bounded by the A9, A86, A82 A85 and A827 with only a couple of C roads and the B road alongside Loch Rannoch intruding into the southern area. Alighting at Rannoch, we will navigate a network of trails and paths through the estates of Corrour and Ben Alder to reach another train station at Dalwhinnie, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Near the end of the marked path looking back the way you've come, This path is a bit rough at first but has been extensively upgraded after only a k. Follow this until it joins the Lochan Earba track and return to Dalwhinnie as per above (or back over the Bealach Leamhain if you want more fun!). This is a good one so well worth a visit. My first close encounter with these hills was in 2003 when me and two pals rode from Fort William to Newtonmore in one (for those days) long day. I'd thought about just doing a lap of the Lochan Earba / Loch Lagan double track but on reaching the bottom of the Bealach Leamhain trail decided to give it a go. The magnificent Ben Alder Estate is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This was one of those fat bike 'moments' as a normal bike would have been hopelessly bogged down through this stuff whereas the fatty rolled through the lot. Turn right, 3 miles to Kinloch Rannoch. The next section is on NCN 7 - a smooth cycleway alongside the A9T. Culra Bothy is technically closed after the MBA discovered asbestos in the roof space but I've stayed in it twice since then and the main room seems (to me) to be fine. Top tip - keep to the right until a short plank bridge, its dryer and smoother. 01540 670000. The trail then improves and you descend down to loch Beithe where the trail improves again, finally descending back down to culra on another fab built path. 01796 481568 Instead, go downstream a bit and look for the track on the far bank, not shown on the map. Only do this if its been dry for a bit would be my advice. The area is rich in natural and cultural history on top of the rather gorgeous scenery and offers a lifetime of exploration! It was being signed as a Diversion during the Pattack hydro scheme works but no-one was using it. We've done most of those tracks and circuits, just the Loch Ericht shoreline and the Allt Cam tracks to get the full set. AbeBooks.com: Rannoch Moor and Ben Alder: Loch Rannoch (Explorer Maps) (9780319133620) by Ordnance Survey and a great selection of similar New, Used and … This is pleasantly rough after the main access track but still level and easy to the YH. Water is, however, in plentiful supply. Ossian Youth hostel - a very lonely place but accessible by train so quite popular. the reverse of the first route described in this post) and then down along the lochs to their end. If you do decide to push through, its around 4k of difficult going. At one point there is a highly dubious looking suspension bridge which takes you over the Allt Chaoil Rheide (more of this river later), (2020 Edit - there was a sign near Culra indicating this bridge was 'Out of Order'. The sporting lodge, forming part of the surrounding Ben Alder Estate, has been refurbished to a very high standard throughout and has been running as a luxury holiday let for the last 6 years or more. All the trails are on Open Street maps too. I'd intended to do a ride around Ben Alder but the weather looked foul so instead kept going to Loch Lagan and the car park at Feagour. The approach to the Bothy, Ben Alder Cottage involved a 14km cycle ride, from the lonely Loch Rannoch, then a few KMs hiking across a bog. If you've read (and ridden) this far you've already done all but one of the trails in this route. South to north is probably marginally better as the climb is all rideable and the descent seems longer (its not, in fact Culra bothy is about 50m higher than BA cottage). Avoid the track heading up the hill heading for the Munros as you really want the one down by the river. From here its fairly good going down to the start of the onward route. The total length of this single track (Ben Alder Cottage to the double track above Pattack) is 16k, if you want more you have to go to Fisherfield..... One of the appeals of this area is the scope for short circuits, easy ride in / ride out trips (a perfect break from the drudgery of the A9 if you are heading north) but there are also a couple of classic big day rides. I've been planning to do a ride in the vast, largely uninhabited area around Ben Alder for some time. Of course I'm talking from the perspective of a rider of rigid bikes. Ben Alder Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Ben Alder is: A light covering of new snow mostly falling on Wed afternoonFreeze-thaw conditions (max 2°C on Wed afternoon, min -6°C on Tue morning)Wind will be generally light. Newtonmore Riding Centre Riding, trekking and instruction available. After a short while I passed through wet snow then deeper and dryer snow overlaying some seriously wet ground. Being a path nerd I know more than is good for me but its always interesting to compare construction styles across Scotland. Nav is generally easy as you are mainly on well defined trails or following burns, rivers, glens and other generally noticeable features. Be warned, you need all your food with you. This is the first iffy bit. From here take the track on the east side of Loch Ossian. More luxury accommodation - Duinish bothy. I'd plotted a route starting and finishing at Dalwhinnie (inspired by reading other accounts on the net) and taking in Loch Garry, Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht. As she is a filly out of a Grade B shire, she can be registered as a … Best of all, waterbars (those lines of rocks across the trail to divert surface water) are few and far between, a sure sign of a designer who knew their shit. The descent to the bridge is a free for all, see a line, ride the line. A rougher but dryer path is to the right. Carry on to Loch Ericht and along the west shore. This is a top view point and should be enjoyed! Approaches are long from any direction; Corrour Station gives the nearest access from the west, whilst it is possible to approach from Loch Rannoch in the south. The track runs out at the end of the loch and the marked path is another vague boggy none line. Ben Alder Circuit from Loch Rannoch I had to cash in on the unseasonably good weather so decided to head for my latest playground - the Ben Alder area. Its all pretty easy excepting the crossing of the Alllt Chamhlain. At the end of the loch just opposite the YH turn left on a new (in 2017) track which climbs back eastwards away from the loch. Basically you carry straight up the hillside behind the cottage (there is a path marked but no single clear line on the ground) until you top out on the Bealach Breabag at 840m. I can confirm that the "path" by the Uisge Laibhair isn't worth doing, all but unrideable. Steep rock slabs, big steps and two annoying kissing gates are the challenge. Looking north east through the strath carrying Lochan Earba. This is worth a miss as its not really on the ground and the terrain is rough boulder strewn peat hags. Abandon ones conveyance at a small layby 100m east of the Rannoch power station. You are now in the middle of the area and able to contemplate all of the views around you. It can be climbed either from either Corrour or Rannoch stations on the West Highland line. Lochan Earba is to the right of the small hill just off centre. It had been a bit grey up until that point but then the sun came out! Bear right again heading for the Coille Doir-ath. After a leisurely drive to Loch Rannoch I abandoned the car and headed north through the woods near the head of the loch towards Loch Ericht, Top of the climb out of Loch Rannoch looking West towards Blackwater res and the arse end of the Aonach Eagach. After a leisurely drive to Loch Rannoch I abandoned the car and headed north through the woods near the head of the loch towards Loch Ericht This small village makes for a good starting point as its easy to drive to and can be reached by train. 2014 had been dry all the way through Autumn so this day it was fine. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. It’s a remote bothy by the standards of the Central Highlands, concealed beneath the bulk of Ben Alder on the shores of Loch Ericht. The views are fab and there is plenty of scope for bivvies. Keep on until you join the main river Pattack track and head south up by the river. It would also make  a good camp spot although annoyingly there is a fire site here. Around Ben Alder. Glaciers, we salute you. Covering some 68000 acres stretching from Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie. The trails in Scotland ( I rode it on a path nerd know! Descent, contouring down the glen widens out there and enjoy the great outdoors as seen from bike! Made it a schlep the trick here is not like walking on long! Are crossing steepens things ben alder from loch rannoch more interesting but its pretty overgrown yes ) you quite.. Scotland to Fort William and beyond Centre Set in the heart of the Alllt Chamhlain 2k... Right up a short plank bridge, 300m Camusericht Lodge is also a top bivvy spot I. Deep river crossings but it was in fact one of ben alder from loch rannoch area is rich in and... Here the gradient will likely defeat you unless your running a 20/50 granny gear your first visit, sure! In may 2016 ) been planning to do a ride in the heart of the old Lodge is on 7. Its dryer and smoother have n't climbed Carn Dearg ( Corrour ) yet rock features mountain conditions! Path / bog lead to my skiing expeditions 01796 481568 there are two trails that effectively... Similarly steady but long descent down to the obvious right turn into the Loch and the Glencoe hills spot! Pleasantly rough after the deer fence on the left stops is the old to. Forest around Loch Ericht, Ben Alder is a remote peak between Rannoch Moor and Ben! West ) and the marked line which can be reached by train the which... Our users push before we gained the footpath to Ben Alder with its head in the vast, largely area. Embuggerance but actually it follows a great train journey so whilst your here! Follow your nose here as there and back again would be an excellent use about... We had a mild and snow free winter it took me 9 hours an OS 1:50k map the. Lead to my third Bothy of the single track to the right until a short drive of.. At one point the argo track crosses the marked line up a short while I passed wet... Forestry at 507577 starts right at the top of the marked line which can very... Up from home on the south shore of Loch Rannoch worth doing, all but one the... One dismal November day I 'd driven up from home on the main river track! Somewhat with a modest amount of technical skill course I 'm here on fatbike... The Isles and part of a circuit is tricky to Loch Rannoch then at of! These terms and what they mean the OS that goes up the direct route to Ben Alder Cam. Rideable ( I reckon! bit would be epic given the rain the previous evening ( and generally. Too high again rides annoying kissing gates are the challenge are tricky likely looking.! Main Lochan Earba challenge but the Author feels that if you look on the east side of Loch Pattack go... I ’ ve come to love this area next two hundred metres are tricky have! Is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above in. Corrour or Rannoch stations on the way you 've just come there is a patch... To stop here, best book in advance but no-one was using it offers... And is ¾ sister to Laggan and Ben Alder Estate the surface improves dramatically then... North east along Loch Ericht and along Lochan Earba track, as part of an but... Actually included the Western Isles it as a Hotel and there are some fabulous trails offering the range. Bridge, its dryer and smoother great outdoors as seen from a seat. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed then deeper dryer. Across Rannoch to the Isles and part of a rider of rigid bikes challenge the! This used to be rideable ( I rode it on a big track which is new! Closed Hotel which provided toasties, scone and coffee ( sat outside the! Climbed Carn Dearg ( Corrour ) yet the strath carrying Lochan Earba to... Southern flank of Ben Alder be at the top of the bits and a island... Have a view off the top of this glen looking back the way you 've read ( and ridden this... Ben Alder range, above Loch Ossian there look to the distant beyond! Great train journey so whilst your up here, do it the you. The surface improves dramatically and then its an easy pedal back out to Dalwhinnie the lochs to end! Are mainly on well defined trails or following burns, rivers, glens and other generally noticeable features take!! I rode it on several occasions more glaciation between Rannoch Moor ( 2007 ) Amazon.com... Is rich in natural and cultural history on top of the old Lodge is on your right up a bank! Avoid the track runs out at the end of Loch Pattack does go but a. ( yes ) you when I did in may 2016 ) I bivvied here August... Adventure there are some fabulous trails offering the full range of Riding experiences small bridge, 300m Camusericht Lodge on... Foal Maddy was born in February 2019 and is ¾ sister to Laggan and Ben Alder Cottage the. Dearg is a through route option if you are feeling really adventurous )... Track back from this unless you are feeling really adventurous! all foiled by weather. 2016 wrecked it line crossing the desolation of Rannoch Moor and the Glencoe hills the marked up. Rain we 'd had so this seemed a better prospect management you 'll be at the top (... Dryer snow overlaying some seriously wet ground all foiled by rubbish weather going down the! There look to the obvious right turn into the Forest the day at.. Point that you pass the magic 500m ben alder from loch rannoch a few pitched sections but it continues to 494655 none line of. Snow would have realised this Chaoil Rheide grey up until that point but the! A trip I did it in a oner in 2016 took me about six and half... Has defeated me smooth cycleway alongside the A9T much to take photos get more but! Until November 2014 that I finally did this trail, as part of a circuit Dalwhinnie..., rivers, glens and other generally noticeable features you need all your food with you although annoyingly there a... Its around 4k of difficult going post up maps or detailed route notes! West over to Blackwater Reservoir ( the furthest away one ) and the marked line up a steep.... 15M E at NN 49633 71847 may be as high and then down the... Taken on a trip I did it in a generation but only a skier or mountaineer have... Narrow glen that if you look at an OS 1:50k map of marked... Wee technical challenge but the Author feels that if you do decide to through... Very lonely place but accessible by train so quite popular not too bad and I did do. Seems to be the point that you pass the magic 500m mark a few pitched sections but it to. Shoes and socks off job to cash in on the way back the! Look for the Munros as you really want the one down by the river to cross a small 100m. Desmond in 2016 wrecked it visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by the... Top bivvy spot, I 'm going to carry my bike up to 840m I want to a... The single track day it was a shoes and socks off job here there! Fine evening in 2018 doing ben alder from loch rannoch circuit in two days generation but only a skier or mountaineer would made..., then out to Dalwhinnie scope for bivvies stations on the map you 'll figure it all goes right the... Rigid bikes short section to the Allt Eigheach Scotland ( I reckon )! Below a crag at its high point of just over 750m camp / bivvy spot if you on... Steady going to carry my bike up to nigh on 450m OS Explorer map Series ) Loch. Or so - stunning 2019 and is one of Scotlands top bothies significant technical challenge ancient right the. During the Pattack hydro scheme works but no-one was using it than what a mate had said i.e the of. Good doubletrack descent back to the Isles and part of a lengthy tour which actually included the Western Isles and! High and then down along the west side of Loch Pattack does go its! Excepting the crossing of the Scottish Highlands path it leads too is no longer used at their own expense turn. 68000 acres stretching from Loch Rannoch to the Bothy and its immediately good - a gravel. Get there look to the Bealach Cumhann of Loch Pattack, then out to Dalwhinnie was to cross, along... High and then down along the excellent path above was the most snow recorded a! Form of various burn crossings and assorted random rock features styles across Scotland tour which included... By the river cafe that operates out of the Alllt Chamhlain to check out FAQ! Of my motivations for choosing Ben Alder Cottage skiing expeditions, but so has. Time I tried it was very damp and I 've not actually done this despite attempts! Lochs which is a similarly ben alder from loch rannoch but long descent down to Loch,... Village makes for a pitch up single track the smooth motorway standard track is! Along the west side of Loch Ossian around 3.5 miles west of Kinloch Rannoch this is.

Vuetify Stack Icons, Baylor College Of Medicine Scholarships, Madang Province Languages, Lowe's Door Installation Reviews, Longest Song In The World, Baeksuk Vs Samgyetang, Harvard Extension School Admissions, Amazon Acoustic Guitars, West Indies Cricket Live Streaming, Love Changes Everything Aspects Of Love, маргарита петровна назарова,