- The
CYCLING page
- Phone - 01540
673360
- pete@HighlandHostel.co.uk
-
- I liked peter's appraoch to recycling and conservation and respect for the land. He was very helpful in sharing information about the variety of activities to do in Newtonmore - Brennan - October 2007
Cycle
Routes around Newtonmore
ROAD
ROUTES
GENERAL
COMMENTS
There
are a limited number of road routes from Newtonmore but they are scenic,
interesting and mostly quiet, with good refreshment stops along the
way. Although the A86 is a trunk road, it is not at all busy by urban
standards, but care must be taken to watch out for coaches and fast
moving lorries. The A86 is not recommended for cycling with very young
children unless they are both competent and carefully protected.
The link above will take you to a detailed report on the Drumochter Cycle Route. We recommend you read it before using the route
 
The Route through Drumochter
is a scenic and challenging ride
Disclaimer
These are only recommendations.
We accept no liability whatsoever for any accident.
Your safety is your responsibility.
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Well worth
a visit if on The Loch and Glens Trail
NEWTONMORE
- LAGGAN - CATLODGE - GLENTRUIM - RALIA - NEWTONMORE - 17 miles
The
A86 has occasional fast traffic but could hardly be described as busy,
except perhaps at the height of summer. This route gives excellent
views of Laggan and the surrounding hills. Refreshment stop at Caoldair
Pottery, Laggan. Undulating, but no huge hills. On arrival at the
A9, use the Sustrans cycle route to avoid the A9.
-
NEWTONMORE
- LAGGAN - DALWHINNIE - CRUBENMORE - NEWTONMORE - 25
miles
Comments
as previous route, but 8 miles further and with a big hill over to
Dalwhinnie. Refreshment stop for excellent carrot cake at Caoldair
Pottery (Laggan) as well as at Ben Alder Cafe, Dalwhinnie. Again,
use the Sustrans cycle route to avoid the A9.
NEWTONMORE
- KINGUSSIE - RUTHVEN - INSH - KINCRAIG - NEWTONMORE - 21miles
Superb
views of the Insh Marshes RSPB reserve and refreshments at Loch Insh
Watersports. A few small hills.
NEWTONMORE
- KINGUSSIE - RUTHVEN - FESHIE BRIDGE - AVIEMORE - KINCRAIG - NEWTONMORE
- 32 miles
Good
views, undulating road, lovely birch woods beyond Feshie (watch out
for Roe Deer). Superb Norwegian cakes and coffee at Jack Drakes
Plant Nursery between Feshie Bridge and Aviemore.
OFF-ROAD
ROUTES
GENERAL
COMMENTS
All
of these routes involve some on-road riding but a mountain bike is
needed to complete them. Poor weather could be encountered at
any time of year and some of these routes may involve crossing swollen
streams. If you are concerned, seek local advice. Remember that cycling
on rough ground is harder and progress is slower than on public roads.
NEWTONMORE-CLUNY-STRATH
an EILICH- GLENBANCHOR-GLENBALLOCH-NEWTONMORE - 12 miles
Mostly
on tracks, no severe climbing. There is a bothy at the head of Glen
Banchor after which there is a short section that you will need to
walk. You will get wet feet if the streams are high.
NEWTONMORE-RALIA-ETTERIDGE-PHONES-
LUIBLEATHANN-RUTHVEN-NEWTONMORE - 15 miles
After
Etteridge, this route follows General Wade's military road with a
superb feel for what a main road could have been like two hundred
years ago. No big hills, bothy at Luibleathann. The deep ford can
be bypassed using the footbridge close to the ford. Use
old road to avoid A9. Refreshments at Kingussie (Gilly's Kitchen is
good) and Newtonmore.
NEWTONMORE-LAGGAN-
KINLOCHLAGGAN-BEN ALDER LODGE- LOCH ERICHT-DALWHINNIE-NEWTONMORE -
35 miles - approx 15 off-road
A
good day out for a fit mountain biker. Wonderful pools and plunges
alongside the River Pattack. Refreshments at Laggan and Dalwhinnie
- a great route for a hot day with stops for swimming.
FOREST
AREA SOUTH OF B970 KINGUSSIE TO AVIEMORE AND BEYOND
There
are literally dozens of miles of forest tracks in which to lose yourself.
You can go in at Tromie Bridge and cycle via Glen Feshie and Loch
an Eilein to Glenmore before going through Ryvoan Pass to emerge at
Nethy Bridge (About 25 miles crossing only two public roads) You could
then cycle back or arrange a lift. Cafes at Glenmore and Nethy. Most
of the tracks in this area are gravel based so even after wet weather
are fairly dry and fast.
MOUNTAIN
PASSES TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE AREA
Corrieyarick,
Gaick, Minigaig, Geldie/Feshie, Tilt. Not for the faint hearted. These
are long, demanding trips, needing fitness, mechanical knowledge and
an understanding of mountain conditions. There are several books describing
these routes - Newtonmore makes a superb base to bag the full set!
Of these routes, the Corrieyairick is perhaps the easiest, if easy
is a word that can be applied at all!
The
Burma Road
A difficult and challenging
route from Aviemore, click the pic to find out more
OUT
AND BACK
There
are many tracks that head into the hills and peter out. Why not cycle
somewhere interesting and picnic, or swim if it is hot. All you need
is a 1:50000 map, a little imagination.... and a bike!
REMEMBER
That
mountain bikes are NOT designed to go over mountains and should be
confined to appropriate tracks and footpaths. Ride with consideration
for other users of the countryside and warn walkers before overtaking.
There may be limited access restrictions during the stalking season.
Stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. If you need help, advice
or your bike fixed then call in to see us
Craigellachie
House, Main St, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland1DA
email Phone 01540 673360 |