I’ve been out today on the mountain bike trying out the South Loch Ness Trail, a new signed route from Loch Tarff above Fort Augustus to Torbreck on the outskirts of Inverness.
It’s been a soggy day to test out the trail but nevertheless I enjoyed some fine views of Loch Ness and some pretty exhilerating cycling, including finding some sections of existing tracks and paths that were new to me.
The Fair Haired Lads Pass is one of those bits I’ve never been on until now and what an experience! The climb is nice enough from Stratherrick but heading down to Loch Ness-side is a seriously steep descent and I was pleased to just stay on the bike, especially given the slippery surface today.
There’s a real mix of surfaces and scenery along the route, but it’s much tougher than I’d anticipated beforehand.
I’ll be writing a full review of the new trail for The Inverness Courier in a couple of weeks, so check the paper and website for more details and photographs.