Torridon 10th -14th May 2024

[The Hodge]

We have a little WhatsApp group which was started from meeting people and organising rides from the good folk on this forum ..and over the last couple of years or so we have had some great days out ..
The best though is yet to come ..only talked about on our ride in The Cheviots last Saturday it has quickly accelerated to accomodation being booked for four nights on the Torridon Estate in a self catering holiday cottage with seven riders confirmed as going ..
I can't fking wait !
This will be my fourth Torridon trip the first being back in 2010 when the area was just starting to get a glowing reputation for mountain biking ..but I've yet to experience any of these trails on an ebike ..its going to be absolutely awesome ..
Edit : now eight riders & fully booked

 

[Jase]

My favourite place to ride. Emtb is a game changer with the climbs. Had trips up there the last two years. Slight change of plan this year and heading to the Cairngorms for a change of scene. Did the Torridon classic loop, but my favourite ride was a loop from Dundonnel to Poolewe across the Fisher fields. 50 ish miles, but amazing. Enjoy

 

[The Hodge]

My favourite place to ride. Emtb is a game changer with the climbs. Had trips up there the last two years. Slight change of plan this year and heading to the Cairngorms for a change of scene. Did the Torridon classic loop, but my favourite ride was a loop from Dundonnel to Poolewe across the Fisher fields. 50 ish miles, but amazing. Enjoy

Cheers Jase ..I'm sure we will..most of the lads haven't had the pleasure yet and for me it will be a different experience on the ebike ..havent done the Dundonnel / Poolewe ride ..but it looks good ...
The classic loop is on the agenda as is Applecross ( my favourite ) there & back and given time on returning a section beyond Toscaig which I've ridden while on a family holiday a few years back ..the other ride in the area is up for discussion ..but prior to heading south on the last day we were considering diverting across to Tarland ..90 miles away but when you are that "close" in terms of where we would normally have to travel from ..it surely has to be done ?
I've also ridden in the Cairngorms which is equally fantastic using both Aviemore & Ballater as bases on two separate week long trips ..
It's a magical area the Highlands and I'm counting the days until I get there again ..as I'm sure you are too..
Have fun

 

[Jase]

Our planned Cairngorms rides are:
Tarland Trails
Heartbreak Ridge
Sgor Gaoith

We did Beinn Damh which is from the Torridon Inn (16 miles ish) if your after a smaller ride that was good fun. On our last ride we drove across to Golspie which is a massive descent. We have Applecross penned in for next time we are up that way good to hear a recommendation

 

[The Hodge]

Ben Damph can literally be done from the cottage door where we are staying on the Torridon Estate ..and would be the ideal warm up as the first ride ..I havent done that loop before..I'm also interested in The Slattadale Rockride route described in this book

...although starting from Gairloch ( not Slattadale )
..I've also got to consider what the other lads want to do its their trip as much as mine .

 

[big_scot_nanny]

I was there for the first time (ever!) in August last year. Agree that ebikes are a game changer. Loved the whole experience, stayed at Sheildaig campsite (superb!), but I must admit it was Hard. hard with a. capital H. They are big days out in the middle of absolutely nowhere.

Torridon Lollipop was done one day, and Ben Damph the next. There were glorious moments, but I must admit that the horrific hike a bike of hell up from Corrie Grannda, in the rain with no wind and absolutely unforgettably horrendous clouds of midgies is burned into the memory!

But then, of course, the sun came out, and then... wow.

Looking back up the valley - the descent is worth it, but it is not for the faint hearted - lots or rubble and tricky bits, and is very committing. We took it easy, really not wanting to contribute to a story on the news about idiots with broken bones in the middle of nowhere.

It is epic in every sense. Loved being there as the geology is so different to other parts of Scotland. Lovely.

Look, we're enjoying it!

Also, not wanting to come across as a preachy twat, and it sounds like you know the area OP, but for anyone else reading this these are big days out in remote areas, so plan, prep and execute accordingly.

 

[The Hodge]

I was there for the first time (ever!) in August last year. Agree that ebikes are a game changer. Loved the whole experience, stayed at Sheildaig campsite (superb!), but I must admit it was Hard. hard with a. capital H. They are big days out in the middle of absolutely nowhere.

Torridon Lollipop was done one day, and Ben Damph the next. There were glorious moments, but I must admit that the horrific hike a bike of hell up from Corrie Grannda, in the rain with no wind and absolutely unforgettably horrendous clouds of midgies is burned into the memory!
View attachment 134947
View attachment 134951
But then, of course, the sun came out, and then... wow.

View attachment 134948

Looking back up the valley - the descent is worth it, but it is not for the faint hearted - lots or rubble and tricky bits, and is very committing. We took it easy, really not wanting to contribute to a story on the news about idiots with broken bones in the middle of nowhere.

View attachment 134950

It is epic in every sense. Loved being there as the geology is so different to other parts of Scotland. Lovely.

Look, we're enjoying it!
View attachment 134952

Also, not wanting to come across as a preachy twat, and it sounds like you know the area OP, but for anyone else reading this these are big days out in remote areas, so plan, prep and execute accordingly.

Your planning should have extended to riding there either in early May or late September ..for a midgie free experience ..
I wouldn't like to count the number of years riding that exists within our group..all gnarly mountain men ...but your advice is sound and accidents can happen anywhere and at any time ..
I'm guessing you will be back again ..its got that kind of pull..

 

[The Hodge]

This trip is getting closer now ..but it is with a heavy heart that I want to pay tribute to Richy Walker who tragically passed away on April 1st after a very short illness.
Richy was a much loved part of our small riding group and the first to " sign up" for this trip..always so enthusiastic & positive and a shit-hot rider to boot its so hard to believe he won't be riding with us..
First & foremost though a family man and our thoughts are very much with you right now
R.I.P Richy ..you will be greatly missed ..

Fundraising for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, in memory of Richy Walker

Help Deborah Walker raise money to support Great North Air Ambulance Service

www.justgiving.com

 

[Tonybro]

Echo the sentiments and enjoyed the rides we shared...

Enjoy Torridon, you know how jealous I am!

 

[billwarwick]

This trip is getting closer now ..but it is with a heavy heart that I want to pay tribute to Richy Walker who tragically passed away on April 1st after a very short illness.
Richy was a much loved part of our small riding group and the first to " sign up" for this trip..always so enthusiastic & positive and a shit-hot rider to boot its so hard to believe he won't be riding with us..
First & foremost though a family man and our thoughts are very much with you right now
R.I.P Richy ..you will be greatly missed ..

Fundraising for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, in memory of Richy Walker

Help Deborah Walker raise money to support Great North Air Ambulance Service

www.justgiving.com

Terrible news

 

[Just gan]

I was there for the first time (ever!) in August last year. Agree that ebikes are a game changer. Loved the whole experience, stayed at Sheildaig campsite (superb!), but I must admit it was Hard. hard with a. capital H. They are big days out in the middle of absolutely nowhere.

Torridon Lollipop was done one day, and Ben Damph the next. There were glorious moments, but I must admit that the horrific hike a bike of hell up from Corrie Grannda, in the rain with no wind and absolutely unforgettably horrendous clouds of midgies is burned into the memory!
View attachment 134947
View attachment 134951
But then, of course, the sun came out, and then... wow.

View attachment 134948

Looking back up the valley - the descent is worth it, but it is not for the faint hearted - lots or rubble and tricky bits, and is very committing. We took it easy, really not wanting to contribute to a story on the news about idiots with broken bones in the middle of nowhere.

View attachment 134950

It is epic in every sense. Loved being there as the geology is so different to other parts of Scotland. Lovely.

Look, we're enjoying it!
View attachment 134952

Also, not wanting to come across as a preachy twat, and it sounds like you know the area OP, but for anyone else reading this these are big days out in remote areas, so plan, prep and execute accordingly.

I've walked that the hike up to the bealach would be purgatory. I tried it on a ordinary bike in rain many years ago . I had come through Coulin forest to Achnachelach then to Coulags. I ended up going back via the road and Sheildeag. Epic days I have done lots of hills down there walking but not much on bike.

 

[Just gan]

Our planned Cairngorms rides are:
Tarland Trails
Heartbreak Ridge
Sgor Gaoith

We did Beinn Damh which is from the Torridon Inn (16 miles ish) if your after a smaller ride that was good fun. On our last ride we drove across to Golspie which is a massive descent. We have Applecross penned in for next time we are up that way good to hear a recommendation

View attachment 134941

All classic rides did Heartbreak last year serious descent I thought as I was on my own and 5 at night. I'm only an hour from Tarland. Good land rover track up to near Sgor Gaoith then down the single track I was looking at doing . Have to look at the Applecross one . I did the road trip round from Sheildaig up over the top it goes on and on. Enjoy your trip

 

[The Hodge]

I enjoy driving ..and the roadtrip to get there is as much part of the experience as the riding ..
The "alpine" climb on the road from Shieldaig to Applecross is a white knuckle ride in itself which takes on a whole different level in the fog with the missus & two ( late) teenage kids on board being slightly excitable ! ..
Having to reverse back down the switchbacks due to unseen oncoming traffic is interesting ..but I'm sure it's something the lads will enjoy ( looking back on it )

 

[Tonybro]

Good luck, chaps, will be thinking of you (and swearing under my breath!)...

 

[billwarwick]

Yes, good luck. A bit beyond my capabilities by the look of it. I have doubled my iCloud storage to make room for the avalanche of photos that will be winging our way……

 

[The Hodge]

Yes, good luck. A bit beyond my capabilities by the look of it. I have doubled my iCloud storage to make room for the avalanche of photos that will be winging our way……

I might take one or two ..

 

[billwarwick]

Thousand or Million?

 

[The Hodge]

Got here early afternoon yesterday and after dropping gear off into the cottage four of us decided to go for a little bimble ..
It was going to be a short jaunt up the nearest track ..then into Torridon for a quick cuppa prior to the other three lads arriving ..so as such we didn't really get kitted out properly ..
We did slightly more than intended ..but what a great start ..

The riding "proper" starts today with the Ben Damph route ...

 

[Just gan]

Great start im just leaving BCK plan is to walk Liathach and catch you the morn.

 

[Jase]

My favourite place, looks like you got lucky with the weather. Enjoy the rest of your time and watch out for the water drains

 

[big_scot_nanny]

Look at that weather! Superb. Hope you got a good aurora view as well?

 

[Just gan]

Deer Deer. I'm chilling at side of road meeting the troops at Applecross the morn.

 

[The Hodge]

Ben Damph today ..the final climb & drop is pretty brutal ..but the weather & scenery more than made up for it..
Introducing ...L to R
Dave Brown ( @JFDI )& Frank..
Dave must have said someting to offend Frank as he's taking one to the guts ..

L to R
Ryan, Ant Carr ( @timberjack ), Alan Walker ( @alanwalkea), Dave Brown, Wayne Proctor ( @The EMF )

Applecross tomorrow to meet up with Binhill

 

[philmedomsley]

Ben Damph today ..the final climb & drop is pretty brutal ..but the weather & scenery more than made up for it View attachment 140087View attachment 140088

View attachment 140090View attachment 140092View attachment 140093View attachment 140094View attachment 140095View attachment 140096View attachment 140097


View attachment 140098Applecross tomorrow to meet up with Binhill View attachment 140089

Fabulous

 

[The Hodge]

Sunday ..Applecross.
As Ryan had to leave on Monday morning and Frank travelled up with him the ride which they really wanted to do was the Torridon lollipop route which was fair enough ..but because of table reservations & the fact that we were meeting @Binhill1 it was too short notice to re-arrange things ...so we went our separate ways for the day ..

The man behind his forum "handle" @Binhill.

Fantastic route ..there & back on the old " coffin road " to Kenmore ..and by all accounts everyone favourite of the trip..
Still to come ( soonish ) yesterday's route " The Three Cols of Torridon " and a summary report of the trip ..

 

[Just gan]

Sunday ..Applecross.
As Ryan had to leave on Monday morning and Frank travelled up with him the ride which they really wanted to do was the Torridon lollipop route which was fair enough ..but because of table reservations & the fact that we were meeting @Binhill1 it was too short notice to re-arrange things ...so we went our separate ways for the day ..
View attachment 140248
The man behind his forum "handle" @Binhill.
View attachment 140249View attachment 140250View attachment 140251View attachment 140252View attachment 140253View attachment 140254View attachment 140255View attachment 140256View attachment 140257View attachment 140258View attachment 140259
Fantastic route ..there & back on the old " coffin road " to Kenmore ..and by all accounts everyone favourite of the trip..
Still to come ( soonish ) yesterday's route " The Three Cols of Torridon " and a summary report of the trip ..

Yes fantastic off road route choice and the company was excellent.

 

[The Hodge]

Monday ..The Three Cols of Torridon..
A thirty mile loop from the door of the cottage where the off-road started on the Coulin Estate after a lengthy road section along Glen Torridon..

Unfortunately shortly after this pic ..Alan had to call it a day due to a double punture that simply would not seal and reversed the route to head back along Glen Torridon before things got too gnarly ...

Ant at the top of the Coire Lair( aka the bastard hike-a-bike)

Starting the descent down Coire Grannda..
Above & below..a couple of Scandinavian guys on their way up..

From the bottom looking back the dots that are Ant, Dave & Wayne show the scale (zoom)..

A tough walk down ..
After the Annat descent and return to our cottage not only did I have a thousand yard stare ..but you could multiply that ten fold ..completely.
A tough day out ..but the scenery & company was epic ...an overall summary of the trip to follow ..

 

[Just gan]

Monday ..The Three Cols of Torridon..
A thirty mile loop from the door of the cottage where the off-road started on the Coulin Estate after a lengthy road section along Glen Torridon..
View attachment 140289View attachment 140290View attachment 140291View attachment 140292





View attachment 140293Unfortunately shortly after this pic ..Alan had to call it a day due to a double punture that simply would not seal and reversed the route to head back along Glen Torridon before things got too gnarly ...View attachment 140294View attachment 140295
Ant at the top of the Coire Lair( aka the bastard hike-a-bike)
View attachment 140296
Starting the descent down Coire Grannda..
Above & below..a couple of Scandinavian guys on their way up..View attachment 140298
From the bottom looking back the dots that are Ant, Dave & Wayne show the scale (zoom)..
View attachment 140299View attachment 140300
A tough walk down ..
After the Annat descent and return to our cottage not only did I have a thousand yard stare ..but you could multiply that ten fold ..completely.
A tough day out ..but the scenery & company was epic ...an overall summary of the trip to follow ..

Well done the lads , great finally to end your trip . Haste Ye Back as we say up here.

 

[The EMF]

My summary of the weekend
WOW WOW WOW.
Never have I experienced such massive highs and suicidal lows on an Ebike before. This trip was an absolute blast in the best of company, the best of trail riding and good weather. I’ve left nothing on the trails,(only sweat, rubber and metallic blue paint are the only evidence of my existence on the hills) l gave it my all. I can’t see this trip bring equaled let alone bettered.
Thanks guys…….thanks Neil.
No pics they don’t to the adventure justice.

 

[The Hodge]

My trip summary ..
The unfortunate news from Colin BM upon his return from Arran that his bike was fkd again put a bit of a dampner on things on Thursday evening ..and It was sad that he couldn't join us ..but once I got rolling on the journey up it wasn't hard to get into holiday mode .
Great to spend time with Ryan , Frank & Col ( Binhill ) who we hadn't met before ..and mates who I have history with ..Ant, Alan , Dave & Wayne ..
The accomodation ( Corry Lodge at Torridon House ) was excellent and perfectly suited to seven hairy arsed bikers ..with dirty kit & bikes .. 3 star not 5 ..but had a lived in vibe with every mod con to make things comfortable ..the location though was five star .
In terms of riding ..loved our little bimble on Friday afternoon ..great as a loosener after a 6hr + journey
Ben Damph ..loved the wet singletrack along the Loch..the main climb and last drop demanded full concentration ..
Applecross ..fantastic route and nothing much had changed since riding it last ..and as we had both time & enough battery ..took the lads down the coast and introduced them to another section of singletrack leading to the coral beach at Coillie Ghillidh .
Three Cols of Torridon
For those who hadn't/ havent ridden this trail before they would probably rate it as an extremely tough , challenging but great trail..
I watched a McTrail Rider video of the Annat descent prior to going where in commentary he said that in terms of Torridon riding this was the closest thing to a flow trail ..well he nearly got that right ..it used to be. The first time I rode it back in 2010 it was absolutely pristine and again in 2012..the trail was challenging but at that point largely unknown and extremely fast from top to bottom ..
In the intervening years erosion , greater footfall and in my opinion poor trail maintenance by the Torridon Estate have turned it into something completely different ...
Add into the mix two days riding preceded this and a bitch of a hike a bike pushing a heavier e-bike than way back then.. with 14 more years on the body clock ..and it led me to being massively disappointed..not just for myself ..but also for my mates who I'd wanted to love the trail the same way as I had when first riding it.
Saying that they still did ..but I'm just pleased I got to ride it when it was a genuine flow trail ..
Overall though a great trip with a set of riding mates I wouldn't swap...brilliant craic & the scenery is up there with anything anywhere else in the world
Cheers lads ..truly memorable

Midge alert
When we arrived last Friday 10.5.24 maybe one or two were putting in an appearance..upon leaving on Tuesday morning (14.5.24..)..after rain overnight & damp conditions a full blown invasion of the torturous little buggers were established ..and that's the way it will stay now until early October ..what fun eh ?