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DAY 1
70km <> 43.5miles
Setting off from the headland point &
lighthouse near to Nigg Bay you leave the
sea shore & harbour behind you heading
into town & cross over the mighty river
Dee. You will have to negotiate the side
streets and roads of Aberdeen before you
manage to get out into the surrounding
countryside. The first days ride is a
gentle ease before the serious stuff
starts. Now will be the time when you find
you've got a creek or groan coming from
the bike, or more than likely from your
body. (With thoughts like have I
packed my tyre levers?.) |
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DAY 2
42.5km <> 26.4miles
The route is still easy to medium going,
but the hills are starting to close in and
naturally are getting higher sooner or
later you will start to climb them. If you
are royalty, why not call in on her
majesty for a cup of tee or a wee shot of
whisky at Balmoral Castle. The route will
take you through the beautiful grounds and
woodlands you may even spot a stag or too.
The route heads on to the world famous
town of Braemar, known for the Scottish
highland games. |
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DAY 3
46.8km <> 29.0miles
What a start to the route of day three
riding through the magnificent valley and
'forest of Mar' by the banks of the river
Dee. You soon leave woodlands and people
behind and head off into the remote parts
of Scotland. Now will be the time for
checking the O.S. map for piece of mind
that you have packed. (You did pack
it, didn't you?) On a good day
this route is up there with the best, just
keep remembering to cover the brakes and
stay on the track. (You will get wet
feet . . . . we promise you that!)
Anyway like we said it's a top trail and
at the end you come out into the village
with a pub straight in front of you. |
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DAY 4
60km <> 37.3miles
The legs are starting to burn a bit by
now, but hey the fantastic views should
take your mind of it. Bye the way here
comes a cheeky climb up to about 330m then
it's a great track back down to Loch level
again. You follow the route along side
Loch Rannoch and the Rannoch forest before
the route starts to climb and wind its way
up to Rannoch station. (Its on the
edge of Rannoch Moor, a very very big bog
. . . . and your crossing it) |
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DAY 5
60.6km <> 37.7miles
The route goes by 'Loch Laidon' and
through the forest before you enter the
vast Rannoch Moor. You will encounter deer
gates or should we say assault courses for
you and the bike. (Crossing Rannoch
Moor should not be taken lightly)
We strongly recommend you let someone know
your plans and carry on O.S.
map/phone/satellite phone. (We did .
. . and we are mental) After that
little romp comes a full on blast downhill
to the start of the 'Devils Staircase'.
It's a big hearted push up to the summit (We
rode about 120 feet of it)
Over the top and live for the moment all
the way downhill to 'Kinlochleven'. You
should still be in one piece at the bottom
and have sized up hands after holding onto
the brakes.
Now comes the final push over the next
bugger of a mountain track, then its time
to crank it along another high remote
highland valley towards Fort William. If
you care to look to your right you will
see 'Ben Nevis' all 1344m of it, if the
clouds break get your photo shot. The
Nevis forest has a sting in its tail so
look out for it. (By now you will be
all over the shop on that bike of yours &
the arms & legs will be burning, well done
you . . . and well done bike . . . I love
you bike!) |
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