The Western Isles of Scotland are relatively unknown for mountain biking. While there are no established mountain bike trails, there is a network of mountain paths connecting villages and abandoned settlements, making for incredible raw mountain bike riding.
The Isle of Skye was our base for the trip. We stayed in the island’s capital, Portree. Here, you can find all the amenities you may need: coffee shops, restaurants, souvenir shops and ample accommodation. Its central location makes for easy exploration of the island. From here, we rode the Sligachan Path and the Old Man of Storr.
Raasay is a small island off the northwestern coast of Skye, a brilliant micro adventure of a day trip. We boarded the first ferry, landed, stopped off at the distillery to sample some Scotch before pedaling up the tarmac road and joining the path that would take us up Dùn Caan, the highest mountain of the island.
It was a relatively easy ascent and upon reaching the summit we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the mainland and surrounding islands. The descent was a good mix of technical riding with fast and flowy sections. We made it down just in time to catch the last boat back as the sun began to set beyond Skye.
Our final island to explore was the Isle of Harris, a stunning two-hour journey from Skye. We docked into Tarbert, traveling past rolling coastal hills and clear blue water. Our mission was an out-and-back single-day epic following the Postman’s Path.
This route that had been trodden in by the villagers of Rhenigidale, which now sees less traffic since the construction of the tarmac road in 1990. The views were jaw-dropping and the trail matched it. Tight, technical, and steep switchbacks brought us right down to a beach. From there to the village, we passed through abandoned settlements and rode along the coastline. Once in Rhenigidale, there was just one thing left, the return ride just like the Postie would have made it!
It goes without saying that doing routes like these requires experience, preparation, and planning. Always carry the necessary equipment with you and respect where you ride.
