Crossing the Cairngorms by bike (solo)

 

Around 4 years ago, this adventure started to settle in my mind. Crossing the Cairngorms, the largest National Park, not just in Scotland, but in the entire UK, with my bike, and nobody else. 

So after some research, I found out that I was not the first person to think about it, neither to do it. There is actually a Cairngorms loop of 181.3 miles that goes all the way around the National Park, mainly using the Glens (valleys), and it's mainly rideable. And when I say mainly, it means, that it will depends of your bike, your fitness level and the weather conditions, as it can get very muddy when it rains, or it has been raining. 

So after the research I decided to do Blair Atholl to Aviemore (or Kingussie), and the reason for that was that I would have the option to return to Blair Atholl by train from any of those towns, and I could take the bike with me in the train without any problem. 

Day 1

First day, I started from Blair Atholl, cycling along Glen Tilt till I got to the falls of Tarf. First part of the route was nice and easy, despite the continuous climb, the track was wide and well used.

Falls of Tarf are something totally recommended, even just to do it in a single day from Blair Atholl and back. 

Falls of Tarf from the wobbly bridge

From the Falls of Tarf the path becomes more challenging, and narrow, nothing too difficult to do, but bear in mind that you may have to get off the bike, and cycle with a long drop on your right hand side.

After Glen Tilt you will have to cross a river (easy to do it in summer time) and turn left to follow Geldie Burn. Near where you have to turn left you will find a Bothy.

Path gets nice at the beginning, but it soon will start to the boggy again.

Sunset in the middle of the The Cairngorms, just before going to bed.

Day 2

After a wild camp in the middle of nowhere and pack the tent again, I decided to get to the closest river, to get some fresh water for my breakfast, and of course, my coffee.

A nice breakfast spot.

 

From there, and with renew energies, I started to cycle again. The path was slowly getting better, however, I had to cross the river several times, and this time, I had to get my feet wet. The rest of the route were nice a with a bit of down hill along Glen Tromie, crossing some beautiful forests.

Day 2.2

Cycling from Kingussie to Blair Atholl along the route 7

After a few hours of cycling, I felt strong enough to cycle back to Blair Atholl. So after having lunch in Kingussie, I took my bike and I started to cycle the 60km to get back to my car.

Nice route, however, if you want to do it, bear in mind that he Pass of Drumochter can be very expose, and the weather over there can change at any time.

Happiness after all

Done!