The purpose-built mountainbike trails at Laggan are only a twenty minute drive to the north-east from the start of the Fersit loop which is a wilder and more challenging alternative for the intermediate level rider. To reach the start by car follow the A86 either north from Spean Bridge or south from Laggan, some 8 miles east of Spean Bridge, take the junction signposted "Fersit". Following the single track road for a couple of miles brings you to the car park at grid ref. NN349 781.

If you have accommodation in Spean Bridge or Roy Bridge, Nevis Cycles offer a delivery service for cycle hire.

The circular route goes east from the car park at Fersit, across the bridge over the River Treig and through the hamlet of Fersit, before swinging left through the forest gates into the Glen Spean forest.

Just before the entrance to the forest notice the trail on your right which can be seen winding down the open hillside - later you will cycle down this as you near the end of the route.

Cycling east through the forest, take the second turn to the right (approximately 3 miles from the forest entrance and at grid ref NN407 806). The road now climbs gently south for approximately 4 miles, the first 2.5 miles of which is in the forest. After leaving the forest, Strathossian Lodge starts to come into view directly ahead with Loch Ghuilbinn a few hundred metres down below you to your left.

As you pass Loch Ghuilbinn, the old pony track to the Lodge can be seen branching off the road to the left at grid ref. NN401 739. At this point turn right up the old pony track, heading north-north west. This challenging single-track climb lasts for approximately a mile and a half, with spectacular views to the east over Loch Laggan and the Ardverikie Estate (the setting for the TV series Monarch of the Glen!). The trail then descends down back into the Glen Spean forest and heads west close to the forest edge. For those running out of steam at this point, the old croft ruins that the trail runs past (below the peak of Creag Dhubh) offer a potential rest spot.

The single-track trail leaves the forest approximately one kilometre west of the ruin and broadens out to a rocky road that descends back down to Fersit. Re trace your starting route back to your transport. If you still have energy to burn, the purpose-built mountainbike trails (graded blue, red and black) at Wolf Trax, Laggan are only a twenty minute drive to the north-east.

Starting Points
Car park at grid reference NN349 781
Tulloch Railway Station

The start-point is also accessible by bike from the railway station at Tulloch (3 miles, 5km) on the Glasgow to Fort William line. Cycles are conveyed free on all First ScotRail services, but space is limited, they aim to provide between two and six spaces per train, so free reservations are essential on long-distance trains on the West Highland Line. See Scotrail Cycles On Trains

Distance
Approx 15 miles / 25 kilometres
Grade
Intermediate/Difficult - Take adequate warm clothing & waterproofs in case of difficulties or bad weather.
Type of Route
2hr/half-day ride for mountain bike only forest roads and technical single-track
Terrain
Gently undulating forest road and rocky hill path over remote, wild terrain
O.S.Map
O.S. Explorer 393
O.S. Landranger 41,42
Parking
Available at route start

Railway Stations
Tulloch (3 miles), Fort William (18 miles), Inverness (65 miles)
Refreshments
You need to take plenty of food and drink with you, this is a wild area with absolutely no facilities!
Accommodation
Nearest Independant Hostels - Monessie, Tulloch, Roy Bridge
There are bed and breakfast places and hotels in Roy Bridge and Laggan
Cycle Repair
If you break down or have an accident CALL Nevis Cycles 01397 705555 FOR PICK UP
Courtesy bikes available while you wait. Work guaranteed for 6 months. All types of bikes repaired!
FREE safety checks - FREE fitting of any accessories purchased from Nevis Cycles!


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