Burma Road Aviemore

altern_8
altern_8 Posts: 1,562
edited May 2013 in Routes
Has anyone done this,and if so whats it like.......ive read the first climb is brutal/dont do it by youreself/its on a mountain bikers bucket list/over hyped/not worth it......

Is it easy to follow or should i carry a map as i wont have garmin etc......

cheers in advance.
Biking pics

Comments

  • lg18
    lg18 Posts: 92
    Since you haven't had a reply yet... sorry I haven't actually done this route, but know the general area well. Yes it is a long climb. It is double track not single track. Probably worth it for the views and feeling of remoteness but as I said I haven't done it.

    I don't see why you couldn't do it on your own if you take all the right gear with you, e.g. good warm/waterproof clothing, spare food, and take care, and don't do it in silly weather.

    Yes definitely take an OS map.

    Tons and tons more wild riding in the Aviemore area (just buy a OS map and explore/get yourself lost!), and don't forget Laggan Wolftrax - superb.

    happy riding,
    Lucy
  • altern_8
    altern_8 Posts: 1,562
    Cheers for the reply,ive found there aint anything really official for the route considering its suppose to be on the to do list of mountain bikers,but found a few different write ups by peeps who have done it and a few pictures.

    Also found out that Waterstones are suppose to do maps of the area for £3 so ill have a look into that.

    With regards to Laggan Wolftrax i had planned that in as well,someone i know has been there and said its good,thanks again......
    Biking pics
  • joesteve
    joesteve Posts: 21
    I've done this route a couple of time heading out from Aviemore to Slugan Bridge then up the River Dulnain and back via the Burma Road. The Burma Road from the west is a wide well surface track and not as steep as from the east. The route is pretty remote and there is a good chance you wont see anyone all day. Route finding through the forest between Aviefmore and Insharn can be tricky as there are a number of forst tracks not on the OS maps and other confusing junctions. I would recommend the Peter Koch Obourne series of book on the Scottish Glens. This route is covered in the Great Glen book.

    I would second lg18's advice and would recommend the route round An Slugan and the Ryvoan Pass finishing off with the Badaguish singletrack. The guys in Bothy Bikes sell route cards for some of the best routes.
  • altern_8
    altern_8 Posts: 1,562
    Cheers for the reply joesteve.......im looking at starting with the tough climb up Burma Road as id prefer the long descent on the other side,and that will give me a 3 mile warm up on road :D

    Ive seen a few routes that finish by going through Kinveachy onto Boat of Garten and then take the Speyside Way back to Aviemore so i may do that rather then go through the forest.Ill also have a look for the Book you mention,and hopefully i wont get lost.
    Biking pics
  • lg18
    lg18 Posts: 92
    Ah yes the An t-Slugain/Ryvoan route that Joesteve mentions is wonderful, a must-do ride. We actually did that by putting the bikes on the Strathspey steam train in Aviemore and getting off later at the beginning. I also second his advice on popping into BothyBikes (in an industrial estate at the N edge of Aviemore) - really really top bloke who will freely give great advice on the current state of the trails, best options for the time you have, and sell you some local MTB maps. (As well as mend your last-minute bike problems while you wait!!!). (oops they'll kill me for saying that!).

    I hope you have lots of time up in Aviemore. If not, MAKE time!

    Has anyone mentioned playing in Inshriach yet?

    Let us know how you get on there (I'm getting excited on your behalf!)....

    Lucy
  • altern_8
    altern_8 Posts: 1,562
    Im up at Aviemore for a week with the family,so ive managed to get a 2 day pass to go out which 1 day will be the Burma Road and the other im looking at Laggan,if i get out anymore then that it will be with the other half and my daughter.Last time i was up with the bike i stayed at Nairn and managed to get to Balblair which i really enjoyed.

    Im hoping to pop into Bothy Bikes and hopefully get a few tips off them for Burma road and if there are a few cheeky trails i could do in a hour or two,just dont tell the other half :oops:
    Biking pics

Categories