Trail riding in Scotland

• Green trails are normally gentle rides on forest roads and are usually suitable for the whole family.
• Blue trails are a slightly more challenging and suit the recreational mountain biker of average fitness.
• Red and black trails are for the fit and the skilful, offering thigh-burning climbs, crazy ‘drop-offs’ and more daring challenges.

One of Scotland’s leading mountain bike trail centres, Nevis Range, sits at the foot of Ben Nevis. Surrounded by mystical, moody mountains and offering sweeping views across Loch Linnhe to the islands and peninsulas lying beyond, it’s easy to see why pitches fill up fast here.

Broomstick Blue trail

Broomstick Blue was the perfect trail for a good warm-up and my first ride of the season.

Overall summary and highlights:

• First half is along forest road.
• Most of it is fast and downhill.
• There’s a single-track section.
• No leg-burning climbs.
• Some gentle inclines.
• Gravel paths and bog-beating boardwalks.
• Lush green forest scenery.
• Around a four-mile ride.
• The trail ends in the car park.

Blue Adder trail

I returned a couple of days later to try out the Blue Adder. This trail had me standing on the pedals chuckling with delight.

The ascent summary and highlights:

• The first half of the ride is mostly uphill.
• The climb is very gentle.
• Mostly packed gravel, single track.
• No bumping over tree roots or slipping in the mud.
• About half way up the track briefly sweeps downhill.
• 20 minutes of climbing in low gear takes you to the trail's top.

Downhill thrills summary and highlights:

• From the top point, the track dips and dives.
• Opportunities to sweep around banked corners and over bumps.
• Nothing is too technical or too intimidating.
• Up to you what speed you take the corners.
• Overall adrenaline-fuelled  descent.
• The trail ends in the car park.

It is trails like the Blue Adder that are responsible for getting everyday folks like me hooked on mountain biking.