The best MTB trails in Assynt - Coigach

Embark on a challenging mountain biking journey from Lochinver to Loch na Gainimh, leading you through the dramatic wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. This moderate route spans 12.6 miles (20.3 km) with an elevation gain of 863 feet (263 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. You'll start on a well-maintained track from Glencanisp Lodge, winding through a classic Highland landscape of heather, rock, and water. As you approach Loch na Gainimh, the terrain becomes rougher and boggier, eventually turning into rocky singletrack where you might need to push your bike. The iconic Suilven mountain is a constant, evolving presence, growing more imposing with its distinctive, colossal stone pillar profile as you get closer.

While the trail is rated moderate, it demands good fitness and advanced riding skills, especially as some sections require pushing your bike. The initial stretch is relatively straightforward, but the overall length of the route requires significant endurance. This trail is generally not suitable for a cyclocross bike due to the rough and often boggy conditions. Prepare for a tough ride that forms part of the challenging Highland Trail.

This route is most notable for its unparalleled access to the majestic Suilven mountain, which rises dramatically from the wild, lochan-studded landscape of Assynt. The journey itself is often described as a pilgrimage, offering a profound sense of remote wilderness as you approach the mountain's base. You'll experience constantly changing perspectives of Suilven, transforming from a distant outline to a grand, detailed peak, making this a highly-rated immersion into one of Scotland's most distinctive landscapes.

Embark on an easy mountain biking journey along a segment of the Highland Trail 550, offering a quick taste of the Scottish Highlands. This route spans 8.6 miles (13.9 km) and involves a manageable climb of 761 feet (232 metres), making it accessible for most riders. You can expect to complete the ride in about 1 hour and 2 minutes. As you pedal, you will encounter scenic vistas, with notable views of Suilven and the bustling Lochinver Harbour. The trail provides a pleasant atmosphere, leading you through varied terrain that showcases the region's natural beauty.

Accessing this part of the Highland Trail 550 is straightforward, with the route easily reachable from the village of Lochinver. You will find amenities in Lochinver, such as the Lochinver Larder, perfect for a treat after your ride. The trail is generally accessible and does not typically have specific warnings regarding snow conditions, road closures, or permits. Planning your visit is simple; just arrive ready to enjoy the scenic ride and the beautiful coastal destination.

This particular section of the Highland Trail 550 allows you to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands without committing to the full, extensive route. It offers a unique opportunity to see iconic landmarks like Suilven from a different perspective. The trail culminates at Achmelvich Beach, a picturesque coastal spot that provides a perfect setting for relaxation after your mountain biking adventure. This makes the route a great option for those looking for a shorter, yet rewarding, outdoor experience in a stunning natural environment.

Embark on the Kylestrome to Loch More loop, a difficult mountain bike adventure spanning 39.3 miles (63.3 km) with a substantial 4854 feet (1479 metres) of elevation gain. This route takes you through the wild, untouched landscapes of the North West Highlands, offering a true sense of adventure. You will navigate a mix of paths, gravel sections, and quiet single-track roads, experiencing everything from vast mountain views towards Quinag to the expansive, peaceful moorland of the Caithness Flow Country around Loch More. Expect a challenging ride that typically takes around 6 hours and 7 minutes to complete.

To tackle this demanding loop, you will need good fitness and advanced riding skills. Be prepared for unpaved segments where you might need to push your bike, especially in more challenging areas. Given the remote nature of the trail, it is essential to bring all necessary supplies with you, as amenities are scarce. Access points for routes in this general vicinity include areas near Kylesku for the Kylestrome side and Thurso, via Halkirk and Westerdale, for the Loch More section.

What truly sets this route apart is the profound sense of remoteness and pure solitude it offers. As you cycle, you will encounter wild landscapes, serene lochside stretches, and open moorland under wide skies. Loch More itself, a freshwater loch that has been dammed to manage the River Thurso's water levels, features pretty, remote beaches at its northern end, providing a unique focal point within this peaceful escape.