I Took A Risk On This Route, And It Paid Off

Strava Link - / strava
I was made aware of this route a few months ago in the comments for one of my videos, and I'd taken it onboard. This video is the result of my venture out into the relative unknown.
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Bikes
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Ebike
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Camera Gear
Main POV Camera
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Drone
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Bike Computer Mount - www.76projects.com/shop/endur...

[@dexterfletcher2481]

Another beautiful video Andrew ….you ought to be paid by the Scottish Tourist board for your promotion of such an Amazing place ! . Love that open country type of riding….so rewarding. Thankyou….and look forward to many more of your brilliant trips this year 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Many thanks!

[@elliotwilliams7421]

@@McTrailRider mate, you could easily edit this differently, add in a few facts and such and start a second channel focusing on tourism and trails.

[@Choccytube]

I like that term "a coaxing trail", I love the feeling of just getting to the point of being out of control and thinking how I just blagged the last part. It's what MTBing is all about.

[@McTrailRider]

100% agree! I don’t like to get as out of shape in any other aspect of my life though.

[@Choccytube]

@@McTrailRider this is exactly why I love MTBing, everything in my life is safe and calculated, but on the trail is where the risk and enjoyment come.

[@andyraven6219]

Loved the riding, loved the scenery. Happy New year to you.

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers Andy, happy new year.

[@rhettetherington1351]

Incredible scenery and awesome riding. You make it look so easy riding wild trails, which I know it isn't. Thanks. Looking forward to another year of amazing videos.All the best for 2023 🍻

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Rhett, I can ride these kinds of trails quite well, but I do struggle on “regular” trails at times.

[@bernardplaisted9139]

One of ya best vids good to see ya getting rowdy 😅 bike does look ace I’ll have to give that route a look 🤞

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@Jfree68]

Incredible scenery. Thanks for taking us along

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks for joining

[@bc.oO0Oo.]

Love your vids man. You show us such beautiful parts of Scotland.

[@generedmond9280]

You made a very difficult descent look easy. Good on ya. Great video of a great ride.

[@McTrailRider]

As long as it looked easy 😜

[@lauvenite]

Another stunning video of a stunning ride! Impressive bike handling 👌 👏

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks a lot!

[@Daffy0208]

Another great video, Andrew ..... bit of trivia to note, you mentioned that Loch Ness is the biggest Loch in Scotland by volume of water, well it also has more water than all the "Lakes" in England and Wales combined! 😲

[@Swaggerlot]

There is also more fish and chip shops deep-frying pizzas in the Strathclyde region than there is in the whole of the UK.

[@McTrailRider]

I didn’t know that, that’s a lot of water!

[@Daffy0208]

@@Swaggerlot that's disappointing ... since I live in that region. 🤮

[@Swaggerlot]

@@Daffy0208 rofl

[@Swaggerlot]

@@Daffy0208 ROFL, with a name like Dunlop I ken't that.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Thanks so much for sharing Andrew. That's on my 2023 list. Making it look way easier than I'm sure it is as always! HNY to you pal.

[@McTrailRider]

Happy new year! Cheers Jamie

[@cb6866]

Thanks Andrew...the view was incredible ! I can tell how hairy the trail gets by your voice..."oh , oh , OOOO "..I know it's insane ! The riding you do , where you go and , us with you . Places for us all to try and get to , eh ? Cheers !

[@McTrailRider]

A couple of moments in there for sure. Always great if anyone feels that they want to go ride these places after watching my videos👍

[@adamgroves2811]

Almost licked the TV that bike is looking so sweet! The scenery is Epic! Great video.

[@McTrailRider]

It’s definitely a looker!😍

[@FedBiker]

What a ride and what a bike. Thanx for this 2023 motivation!

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers buddy

[@angelaforrest2257]

Another lovely route,well done going to the top.x

[@McTrailRider]

Many thanks!

[@louisvv1]

Liked the b-roll shots, scenery looks amazing!

[@McTrailRider]

Glad to hear it!

[@darrenlavery136]

Yet another great video mate looked pretty gnarly

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks 👍

[@EricBerghen]

Wow !! What a nice video !! 👌 At 14:30 you almost lost it but could stop just in time !! Reminded me of same situation 🤣🤣 (I lost it !!) Also I like the way you accelerated just after these loose rocks before the forest, wow !! Very cool !! Congrats for making these video, I just can see myself being there and it's so nice !! Thank you 🙂

[@19brian55]

G’day Andrew, spectacular video. Just loved it. When you were smashing over the rocks I thought to myself how beautifully quiet you bike is, then next you talked about it, makes a lot of difference to the enjoyability of the ride doesn’t it. If I ever get to Scotland I’m going to find you and say thanks personally👍

[@McTrailRider]

Much appreciated mate 😊 You just can’t beat a quiet bike 👌

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

Looked enjoyable enough to me! Cheers for checking it out and giving it a go. 🤘

[@McTrailRider]

Not a problem at all mate.

[@kyled121]

Cool vid with great views, thanks Andy!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Kyle

[@DizRidesMtb]

That hike well paid off bruv. Was bloody awesome dude . Bikes a belta bro. Class vid mate 👊

[@McTrailRider]

Worked out pretty well 👌

[@DizRidesMtb]

@@McTrailRider Aye mate. Im sure the be more this yr then eh

[@A_AAA232]

great riding Andrew, that climb up and view from the top was pretty nice and some serious skills on the way down! - that deviate is some rig, you took some big hits in those gulley's! ride safe mate, cheers

[@McTrailRider]

Yeah, some bigger hits than I was anticipating 😬

[@A_AAA232]

@@McTrailRider you did take them well! great content Andrew cheers

[@quaaludes7898]

Ha! This route is just around the corner from me. I’ve ridden up Ben Tee which is along the ridge from this one. I’ll have to try this route when the weather warms a little.

[@snat6299]

Now that’s mountain biking, right terrain, views, challenging climb, and great descent!

[@McTrailRider]

You got that right!

[@Andymckenzie72]

Looks fabulous , another great video👊

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@5492sparky]

Those views!!! A stunning ride Mate 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers dude

[@TheDavidjakeson]

Awesome... You should come to Colorado some summer and ride some of our high-alpine stuff. Looks similar to this, but add a few thousand meters of elevation! BTW, I love my Claymore too!

[@McTrailRider]

Colorado is very much on my to-do list, place looks awesome!

[@Mugtree]

Thank you Andrew for your videos. They always make me happy. Lift my day and give me way more ideas than I have years left 😬. So thank you. I can also confirm the Claymore is incredible. I still have a Highlander (just over a year old). I’m having to constantly tell mystI don’t need a new bike as the Highlander is incredible too. But you are doing an incredible selling job for the Claymore. Please stop 😉🤣🤣🤣🤣. Thank you again for sharing. This channel is absolutely my happy place when I’m not out on my bike 💕👍

[@McTrailRider]

Pack in as much as you can mate 💪💪 The Highlander is an awesome bike, and all most of us need. That doesn’t stop us wanting the Claymore though😜 Thanks for your continued support dude, glad you enjoy the channel😊

[@Mugtree]

Thank. Definitely trying to pack in as much as possible 👍 Lol so agree the Highlander is everything I need but the Claymore is sooooo nice too 🤤😍😉. No worries you honestly have the most amazing channel

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

Awesome location, great video ✌️

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@weekendbikingwarrior360]

Another one for the list... I think I'm going to have to move up there at this rate. Inspiring stuff!

[@McTrailRider]

Best place to be 👍

[@scotlandmyhome7484]

Back in the big hills again 👍 that looked a decent decent and worth attempting ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@McTrailRider]

I certainly enjoyed it 👍

[@DrFaroon]

Nice. We stay in South Lagan a couple of times a year, on the East shore of Loch Lochee. I’ve oft thought of riding up there. I’ll give it a shot next time.

[@McTrailRider]

Perfect 👍

[@Sam._.santacruz]

Awesome Stuff keep up the good work 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks buddy

[@downsyy]

Epic ride. Awesome vid. 🙏

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude

[@MrAndrew2509]

Aye that looks mint, spring time with the drone will be awesome. Do you not fancy trying it on the e-bike? What about that ridge line, that looks interesting 🤔 great video Andy.👍🏻

[@McTrailRider]

Might be a bit tough on the ebike. I don’t think there is a path on the ridge, which means I shouldn’t ride it. It does look good though.

[@tryingouttrails]

Another awesome video McTrail!! We could hear you at the top but if you get moments like that again. Look for the hard limiter in premiere pro. You can use that to boost audio in post. It will also boost wind noise though so try adding an EQ before it and you can reduce the frequencies of the wind. I try and do it in all my videos as my camera kit is not too great

[@McTrailRider]

I managed to sort it out with levels when I was up there thankfully. I don’t use Adobe, so can’t try what you suggested.

[@tryingouttrails]

@@McTrailRider cool. Process should still work in other video editors as long as they have audio effects. Just remember that Limited always goes last in the effects chain. Are you still using the GoPro media mod with a lav mic? Considering getting a media mod but loads of people saying changing the battery is a pain, as you have to unscrew it and slide it out the mod every time.

[@McTrailRider]

@@tryingouttrails over only used the media mod a couple of times, I wouldn’t waste your time tbh, such a stupid design.

[@tryingouttrails]

@@McTrailRider thanks for the advice. I already own a lav so want to make use of it. Biggest problem is not find a ff that doesn’t feel like it’s crushing my head! Gone with the 3.5m mic adaptor and the ulanzi cage to mount it in.

[@rogereheadbyrne4790]

You make it look so easy Andrew!But your determination and skill is Commendable!People like you enable us mere mortals the opportunity to see the terrain and Spectacular Views! I wish I had your energy and drive!Thank you mate this is yet another Journey I thoroughly enjoyed watching you on!👍

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Roger, but don’t place me any higher than yourself. I am absolutely a “mere mortal” myself, and it can be a real struggle to get motivated at times. Never regret going out though👍

[@andrewcrookes5775]

Now that looks like a great trail 👍

[@McTrailRider]

It was!👍

[@mattyfrommacc1554]

Amazing views, and riding, This is what MTBing is all about, or should be IMO, getting out and exploring the natural trails, paths & countryside

[@McTrailRider]

100% agree with you on that mate

[@Bullitluna]

1st video I’ve watched, I must say what route which you made look easy and hard at the same time. The bike handle it well, mine would be in bits as well has me after the finish

[@McTrailRider]

Welcome aboard! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alexmacleod9727]

well done, fair haul up that one, starting at sea level.

[@garsr6]

That's not a sea loch, it's freshwater. Loch Lochy is just under 50m ASL. The path up to the bealach from the Great Glen Way is approx 100m ASL.👍

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers. It’s not quite sea level, but not far off. 908 meters from the loch to the top.

[@chris53small]

absolutely stunning ride

[@McTrailRider]

It was!

[@urbanrider429]

Hi,new subscriber,great video and stunning scenery,Chris

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks for the sub!

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

You got a view! Great ride.

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you liked it!

[@easty-stage-4-fighter.]

14.40 made me spill my tea , and say a rude word!!! , like the 3rd party camera shots too.

[@McTrailRider]

Apologies for the tea 😜

[@mikey7278]

Me too!

[@johnakyle5908]

Might have to try that soon , there is supposed to be a hydro scheme being built in that Glen in the future.

[@McTrailRider]

Sounds about right 🙄

[@abstraddic0442]

Banger !!!

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers

[@jonnysnakes5417]

The bike is looking sweet man

[@McTrailRider]

It’s a stunner 😍

[@chris53small]

that was well ridden

[@simonpearce5585]

Very quiet bike just wish they made it with gearbox,as i still own the guide which is a very good bike,good vid by the way and trail👍👍

[@McTrailRider]

The Guide is a fantastic bike 👌

[@horschti]

always entertaining...great

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude

[@Rab_Cee]

This weather recently has been a mess. Iv got till 9th off work i definitely need tae get a run in somewere soon🤯

[@McTrailRider]

Things are very frustrating right now, everywhere as soaked 😔

[@simona4442]

not jealous... Honest 👍👍👍👍

[@McTrailRider]

Sorry about that 😜

[@gordonwalker8247]

hi mate. loving the videos. been a long time watcher of all your stuff and was wondering what camera settings your using as iv just got my first gopro. cheers

[@McTrailRider]

GoPro hero 11 5.3K superview 30fps High bitrate ISO 100-1600 Ev comp -0.5 Sharpness - medium Colour - natural Audio - stereo Wind mode - off

[@gordonwalker8247]

@@McTrailRider much appreciated mate. keep up the good work for 2023

[@Chris_Knopf]

Amazing place and riding. Impressive camera footage - is that on the Hero11? Looks like you got horizon levelling on? At the same time very wide field of view still like in super view. Is that just what the new hyper smooth looks like?

[@McTrailRider]

Hero 11, in superview, no horizon levelling.

[@Chris_Knopf]

@@McTrailRider loved the new 3rd person shots in it btw… supports the narrative of the video nicely and also very nice to see you in front of the camera on the bike

[@spartanmtb2640]

Great vid Andrew, as always. Thanks. A bit random question, what's the best month, weather wise, for a trip for a week in the Highlands? Tried August a couple of times with a variable success.

[@McTrailRider]

April and May are your best options in my opinion 👍

[@spartanmtb2640]

@@McTrailRider Perfect. Cheers

[@kieranburns3322]

I watched this and at the start I was thinking "Oh I could do that on my CX bike, looks like a lovely route" Turns off to the right "Ah. No." Then started comparing it to the mad-arse megavalanche vids I've been watching and thinking "Yup, this is more dangerous" Great vid!

[@McTrailRider]

The first section is a great gravel route to be fair. The Mega is more dangerous than this though, albeit with more infrastructure and support nearby.

[@kieranburns3322]

@@McTrailRider so the first part is an established route then?

[@McTrailRider]

@@kieranburns3322 yes, the “Great Glen Way”

[@seanoneil277]

Dicey moment at 14:45? Looked a bit steep off the right shoulder there. And only 3 hrs of climb/push, eh? That's a nice ride.

[@McTrailRider]

Yeah, I would have rolled for a while if I had fallen there 😬 3 hours from the road to the top roughly.

[@seanoneil277]

@@McTrailRider Those views up high show the U-shaped valleys with loch bottoms. It's cool to see the Scottish highlands like that, without leaving my chair or even pedaling & pushing 3 hrs to get there. I like it. But it makes me feel lazy! How much does that new Deviate weigh? Is the fork coil as well?

[@McTrailRider]

@@seanoneil277 we can’t do everything all the time mate, enjoy the views from your chair 👍 The bike is built tough and heavy, coming in at 17.5kg’s

[@seanoneil277]

@@McTrailRider It would have to weigh that much if properly equipped. Testament to your fitness that you're pedaling it on such climbs/approaches. 2022 saw you put in a lot of hours in the saddle, eh? I always love the fall rides done just before snow sets in, full season of fitness, can ride the heavy bike with heavy tires etc without pushing the simplest grades. You live in great country -- this video and the prior, after the snow ride video. You can ride all winter if you like.

[@mackupicku7740]

Looks amazing! Do you think is good for someone how just start mountain biking? Or it is a bit too hard to go on it? I am new in this :)

[@McTrailRider]

I wouldn’t recommend this one to a beginner. Working your way up the grading system at trail centres would be my advice to begin with.

[@mackupicku7740]

@@McTrailRider can you tell any good beginner trail which I can start with?

[@craigmckinnon242]

So how come you don't have a super thanks thing like Nate Hill's. You can donate any kind of money. Sometimes a video so good I really appreciate it. I'm of Scottish descent but I live in United States Seattle area and I really think your videos are great and the scenery is magnificent. You doing the country of Scotland some good free tourism videos.

[@McTrailRider]

I’m not sure how I feel about those buttons tbh. Glad you enjoyed the video and Scotland though👍

[@Mtnboarder]

One for the list! Looks like it wouldn't be worth using an ebike on the climb, what do you reckon?

[@McTrailRider]

Would be very tough on an ebike, but not impossible.

[@jonathanwhitehead9649]

On the back of this and other vids of yours I’ve been reading up on the Claymore, looks perfect for what I’m after (also looking at the Geometron), do you know if I can demo one anywhere, couldn’t see any info.

[@McTrailRider]

Awesome!! Where about are you?

[@jonathanwhitehead9649]

@@McTrailRider I’m based in the Peak District but will be back up to Aviemore mid April.

[@McTrailRider]

@@jonathanwhitehead9649 hmm, Deviate do have demo bikes, based just outside Stirling. There’s also 20Twenty bikes in Banchory, who also do demo’s. Deviate will be at Tweed Love festival and Ard Rock doing demo days 👍

[@jonathanwhitehead9649]

@@McTrailRider nice one, will have a look at Ard Rock then in that case.

[@sobek]

I think I need to go to Scotland again

[@McTrailRider]

Yep 👍

[@nightimecomes]

No bad 😎

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers

[@maciej5873]

My plan for this year. Ben Nevis do you think it will be hard? If so, any advice would be appreciated :)

[@McTrailRider]

Very tough up and down, and extremely busy! That’s why I haven’t done it yet. Early morning or late evening would be best to avoid the crowds.

[@dad7720]

What pressure do you put in your tyres for that downhill stuff? Do you ever break spokes?

[@McTrailRider]

Roughly mid 20’s for psi. Haven’t broken a spoke since 26inch wheels.

[@tryingouttrails]

What glasses do you ride with? Do they fog up?

[@McTrailRider]

Oakley jawbreaker’s, they’re pretty good, but not immune to fogging. No glasses are though.

[@peterj2131]

Ballsy riding with no gloves in that weather 😮

[@McTrailRider]

I had gloves in my bag, it wasn’t as cold as it may have looked.

[@andrewlorimer5189]

Nice ride, ebike maybe better for that one

[@McTrailRider]

There would definitely be bits you couldn’t ride on the ebike, but it might be worth it up to the beallach.

[@huntermotorsportmedia3051]

😂😂 the irony of the noisy car comment didn’t miss me!

[@McTrailRider]

All down to the quality of the noise though Paul 😉 N/A all the way for me.

[@huntermotorsportmedia3051]

@@McTrailRider oh absolutely! That civic you had was one of the best sounding cars ever! Where is it now? Did Francis end up with it again?

[@McTrailRider]

@@huntermotorsportmedia3051 Francis got it, done it up, and then sold it on. It’s down south somewhere now.

[@willienillie6337]

I see Gondor.

[@McTrailRider]

Haha

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

Been there done that

[@McTrailRider]

Did you enjoy it?

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

@@McTrailRider Hi mate, Me and two pals went up and did the other Munro Meal Na Teanga too, that was in 2009 and I was riding my old 26 inch wheeled Turner Six Pack. The path wasn't as good as it is now and rather less defined but we still had a hoot descending from the col you mention. The surprising thing was the hills are so rounded on the top reminding you of the Ochils or Pentlands whereas they look steep sided mothers from Loch Lochy. As a side note, I went up one of their neighbours Ben Tee three years after as the route on the map looked promising but found myself floundering over boggy indistinct terrain at times but I wonder if footfall or patchwork has made it any better these days?

[@McTrailRider]

@@fuckinellitsraymo the path you went up did like way less defined than the one I did, which helped with the decision. The climb was much easier than I had anticipated due to the more rounded nature of the hills away from the loch👍 This was my first time up that way, so I’ll need to go back and explore some more.

[@calummckinlay1345]

Can be done on an ebike???

[@McTrailRider]

Up to the beallach maybe just, but it would be quite tough.

[@chris53small]

you need some good footwear for the off bike stuff

[@cybereye2]

A hardy Scotsman doesn’t wear gloves, (or knee and elbow pads?)

[@McTrailRider]

Sometimes wear gloves, never wear elbow pads, but always wear knee pads……and helmet.

[@paklenipatuljak]

I have to ask.. where are all the trees!? You're not that high

[@McTrailRider]

Historically poor land management, too many deer without natural predators eating saplings and frequent high winds.

[@brettmeikle]

Garbh is rough.

[@McTrailRider]

Correct, I put that on the screen one I found out.

[@stantonimaging]

Andrew is your Instagram still hacked as I've been contacted by it just said hello then how are you?

[@McTrailRider]

Not me, please report to Instagram if you can

[@Adasrast]

First🎉

[@McTrailRider]

Well in!