Highand 5 Maps & Guides

The Highland 5 series of maps and guides 

Map 1 – Abriachan

Map 2 – Carbisdale & Balblair

Map 3 – Golspie Highland Wildcat

Map 4 – Learnie Red Rock

Map 5 – Strathpeffer

The Highland 5 series of maps and guides provides useful information on the 5 MTB centres north of the Great Glen. The areas are close to Inverness, with distances between small enough to make it possible to visit all five areas in just a few days. There is information for walkers, cyclists and tourists and all 5 areas within 40 miles of Inverness. With superb views of the Highlands, Moray Firth, Loch Ness and the Great Glen this is a fantastic outdoor experience, suitable for all.

Map 1 - Abriachan sits high above Loch Ness with magnificent views of the Great Glen and north Highlands. Just 10 miles from Inverness and run by a charitable trust, there are facilities for all the family. The Kelpies’ MTB trails, built by Rik Allsop, one of Scotland’s top MTB designers, are ideal for beginners and intermediate level riders alike. More experienced riders and walkers can enjoy exploring a wealth of well graded trails.

Map 2 - The 17km of MTB trails at Carbisdale and Balblair were designed by Rik Allsop, and are supported by the Kyle of Sutherland Initiative and Forestry Commission Scotland. Carbisdale Castle sits at the start of the easier trails on the west side of the Kyle of Sutherland. Balblair, with its more expansive single track network and stunning views, lies opposite. The areas are linked by a footbridge across the Kyle. With some of the best scenery in Scotland and a high quality trail network, this area is well worth exploring. Use this map and guide to plan some great rides in this top quality area .

Map 3 - This map and guide covers phase 1 of the Highland Wildcat Trails, on Beinn a’Bhragaidh, above the Highland town of Golspie. They are designed by Pete Laing (of Glentress fame) and may soon be regarded as some of the best MTB trails in Scotland.The trails are suitable for all standards of mountain bikers from a family on the Blue Trails to the more experienced downhill rider on the Black. Highland Wildcat is the most northerly MTB area in the country, but that should not put you off. Good road, rail and air links and its proximity to Inverness make it very accessible. It is well worth a visit to experience the top quality Highland Wildcat MTB terrain.

Map 4 - This map and guide provides information on the Learnie Red Rock Trails on the Black Isle, near Inverness. The trails were designed by Paul Masson (who also designed the Laggan Wolftrax) and developed by the Highland Mountain Bike Association (HIMBA), in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland. The trails are suitable for all standards of mountain bikers, from the casual family outing on the Green and Blue Trails, to the more experienced technical rider on the Red and Black. Learnie Red Rock is a small compact area offering the highest quality mountain biking.

Map 5 - The countryside around Strathpeffer is perfect for mountain biking. The area is used for both a mountain bike race series and the 24 hour Strathpuffer race. There are tough trails with stream crossings, hard climbs and fast descents for the technical expert. Or, for a pleasant cycle, there are easier tracks too. There are magnificent views of lochs, rivers, Caledonian pine forest and mountains.

ISBN 978-1-906184-30-8