Mountain Biking Scotlands Wilderness

Trailforks Ride Log - www.trailforks...
This one is a biggy, one I had wanted to do for a long time but just never got round to it, and wasn't too confident about hitting on my own.
This route took us from Dundonnell to Poolewe, through Fisherfield, the last true wilderness of Scotland.
The views and mountains on this route are truly spectacular, and they really did take my breath away.
This is a huge day and is very demanding, so it's not for everyone. If you think you can manage it though, I would highly recommend it.
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[@nattytambam]

That shot of the boys riding down the hill toward the lake was surreal!

[@McTrailRider]

It felt surreal in real life too

[@AndyWardle]

When you came round the corner. And WOW!! Moments like that. 👍 must get my self up there once it’s allowed. In my tent ⛺️ not bike 🚴 great video.

[@wayneemslie8904]

Forgot to give some kudos as this video was the main inspiration for a ride my wife and I did back in the summer. Seriously our horizons are much wider from these kind of videos and we've improved so much as riders. Our variation was a return trip from Poolewe stopping at one of the lochans for lunch. Absolutely some of the best scenery ever (and I've biked in the Alps/NZ/BC). While in the area I'd recommend a wee drive out to the WW2 bunkers at Cove - looking back to the mountains from there was one of the best views in Scotland.

[@McTrailRider]

I love hearing comments like this! I really do feel that this is a very special ride, and not many people get to see that incredible view😍

[@cb6866]

Wow Andrew. Epic scenery...thanks mate. Be safe

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks buddy

[@archiesgmarshall]

This could be a contender for GoPro best line. Decent speed down that gravelly path and then boom, the loch in the background with the sound of the waterfall and the crunching on little pebbles under tyres. Awesome

[@McTrailRider]

Could be a good shout, but some of those clips are just unreal😮

[@RichardOrr1977]

when the loch appeared am like please stop .. take in the view .. ya did what a legend!! looked awesome ... ...

[@McTrailRider]

Couldn’t just ignore it Deyan😍

[@nickp1126]

Absolutely stunning views there. Looked an epic ride mate.

[@McTrailRider]

Some of the best views I’ve seen on a bike ride 👌

[@neilbower123]

I'm up that way next week so hoping to get this route done. Thanks for the vid & .gpx

[@bentrafford2371]

Been biking on and off for a few years and now with a young family do not get out as much as I would like. But I love you videos, has made me get out on my bike more and travel north of the border and explore some of the routes you have done as it looks amazing.

[@McTrailRider]

You sir, make making these videos even more worth it 👍😊 To think that I play a part in helping people get out more is a very nice thought.

[@russmtb5670]

The views and trails are just the best love it.

[@McTrailRider]

Some of the best

[@sdubb33]

You just added to the top of my bucket list

[@McTrailRider]

Nice one 👍

[@5492sparky]

That descent looked special! 👍

[@McTrailRider]

And it was 👌

[@rickyleach6072]

Awesome,a group of us done a out and back to Carnmore Bothy from Poolewe in 2017.It was raining and blowing a gale but the views were well worth the slog,never forget one of the lads saying"it's like being in Mordor Lord of the rings👌👊👊👊

[@McTrailRider]

Sounds like you got the standard conditions 😜

[@andyraven6219]

Awesome. "Your" bike can take you to some truly stunning places. Worth the wait for part 2.

[@McTrailRider]

Bikes are the best 👍

[@63off]

You keep riding and filming handsome, and I'll keep watching the scenery. Damn but that's some eye candy.

[@McTrailRider]

Haha, cheers dude

[@Mugtree]

Agree. Epic ride and incredible views. I need to do this once my highlander arrives 😍👍

[@McTrailRider]

Perfect bike for the task when it arrives👌

[@Elena-yr8qn]

Super run, look at the different angles of these hills. This is world class scenery boys! Amazing really, such variety... only in Scotland! So well done 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Scotland in all its glory 😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WheezyandtheBanditMTB]

an absolutely stunning place to ride. well worth the climb. Loved that water crossing.

[@McTrailRider]

That water crossing was so cool

[@edrussell]

So good to ride this with you :-). Legend!

[@McTrailRider]

Likewise Ed👍

[@iainirving2748]

Great video Andy.Brought back some memories !Ended up walking a good part of that trail, including the causeway after an oar broke on our boat while fishing Fionn Loch about 50 years ago!

[@McTrailRider]

Nightmare! Quite a walk 😮

[@bazbroon]

That descent though....almost as stunning as the views 👌 Another bluebird day too 😎

[@McTrailRider]

A good day all round

[@adamwharmby4864]

That view at the beginning of this just wow

[@McTrailRider]

It sure is

[@calebmiles]

Always lifts my spirits during lockdown seeing the stunning scenery and coming along on your adventures.

[@McTrailRider]

Good to hear Sean 👍

[@Bessunger]

WOW, one of the best trails and views I have ever seen so far, great!

[@McTrailRider]

So far 😉 Will try and top this one at some point.

[@Bessunger]

@@McTrailRider How? 😉✌️

[@angelaforrest2257]

Stunning trail,such an amazing place,glad the weather stayed nice.x

[@McTrailRider]

The weather staying nice was the main thing 👍

[@oijhohfvjx]

207 jaw droopingly beautiful. in fact stunning start to finish cant wait to get my new bike built and get out myself

[@McTrailRider]

What bike you getting?

[@oijhohfvjx]

@@McTrailRider gone foe a norco range a2 29er putting dvo diamond on the front end

[@A_AAA232]

Andrew - epic ride and stunning location to go proper mountain biking in! - an amazing day on the bike, thanks for sharing it

[@McTrailRider]

Proper biking indeed 👍

[@SF-wr4zn]

‘WOW!’, indeed. You absolutely nailed it this time Andrew...definitely a (if Carlsberg did mtbing) day. Thanks for taking us along 🤩

[@McTrailRider]

Not that’s a compliment 😊

[@bikerdhill]

now that's mountain biking proper, loved it, epic ride

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude

[@davosb]

Stunningly beautiful! Thanks for taking us along for the adventure.

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks for watching

[@-ewen]

Brilliant video. Did this one 20+ years ago on a hardtail before the path had been done up. Mega long day and not easy fording the rivers at Shenevall. Fortunately my folks live on the river at Poolewe so just managed to limp to base.

[@McTrailRider]

It was tough enough on a full sus with a trail, can’t imagine your efforts 💪👍

[@CamMac-kd1ou]

Cracking day for it! Stunning vistas and a great ride. Thanks from Melbourne, Aus.

[@McTrailRider]

Couldn’t have got it much better......... maybe a bit drier 😜

[@darcyphillips70]

WOW 🤩 That view of the Lock that unfolded as you came round the corner, breathtaking dude

[@McTrailRider]

The feeling from that moment only happens a few times in a lifetime, it’s that good 😮😊

[@darcyphillips70]

It felt that good watching, my jaw literally dropped as you gasped... it’s never difficult riding vicariously with you dude, AWESOME 👌 As for Dolomite Rich, hell that dude is loose... love his style

[@scottgoodski]

Awesome to see it in the sunshine, Thank again 😁

[@McTrailRider]

Awesome and rare 😜

[@Lakedistrictrider]

Great video and stunning scenery!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks buddy

[@djmykemyers]

Wow 😮... very nice views !!! Thanks for Sharing !

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks for watching

[@garyalexander3281]

Some impressive riding, nice mix of flow trails and tech bits mixed in with scenery to match, great that you got decent weather, nothing worse than turning up to ride in the open wilderness and you can't see anything, thanks as always for sharing and keep em coming Andy, cheers! 😁🚵‍♂️🤙

[@McTrailRider]

Surprising to find flow on such a ride but it was there 👍 Correct on the weather, we were very lucky to get it so good 👍

[@mtb_8796]

I’ve been saving up for a riding trip and this video and many others have really made me consider going to your country. It’s beautiful

[@McTrailRider]

Excluding the weather and midge’s, I can’t recommend Scotland enough 👍

[@Swayndo]

Good man and like you say be very prepared. Don't go anywhere near this unless/until you can navigate using a map and compass, are fully kitted out for the hill and have the fitness and mentality to cope with a huge day with hours of strenuous hike a bike and river crossings and you have transport sorted for either end. Truly memorable riding experience which forms a part of the HT550 bikepacking route.

[@McTrailRider]

Wise words Iain, this one is not to be underestimated. I’d say that even in good conditions and if everything goes well, you still need to be mentally strong as it’s going to be all day regardless.

[@sarahwilliams6684]

Wow just stunning what a beautiful surprise love all your videos keep them coming Awsome 🎉🎉

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Sarah

[@trailchatter5739]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing. Outstanding landscape 😯

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks buddy

[@chrisgould9101]

By far the most beautiful scenery yet bro, I would have to hike miles into wilderness to get views like that, I would take that ride over anyday a Whistler anytime. Love rugged untamed nature of Scotland. Keep them coming bro .Cherrs

[@McTrailRider]

I had to hike for miles to get to it too, but we don’t always have to, to be fair. I’m very confident the Canadian wilderness will be very nice too, but perhaps not as rideable.

[@chrisgould9101]

@@McTrailRider Oh its beautiful here and trails are top notch with new ones yearly but you got be on your toes cause you never know what wee besties are around the next bend. One of the access trails in town has been shut down for last two weeks because off such a beastie and her two cubs taking up residence in the area. It's the price we pay to play in their home.

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Can't beat A McTrail Rider 🚴 video on a pissing it Down ☔🌧️ day weather in North Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌👌😉

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you’ve got something to do on a rainy day Taffy

[@windnwavescouk]

One of the best vids on KZbin. Seriously good 👍🏼😉

[@McTrailRider]

Much appreciated 😊

[@SubmarinersDive]

I believe those were some of the best views you've ever filmed! Epic clip for sure! Top Job!

[@McTrailRider]

They are up there for sure

[@barnett882]

Just found you buddy - epic film and thoroughly enjoyed thank you!!! Subscribed now and a bit of catching up to do!!!! Cheers

[@McTrailRider]

Welcome Paul👋 Hope you enjoy some of the back catalogue 👍

[@barnett882]

@@McTrailRider - I'm sure I will buddy thank you!!

[@TheFlowingScotsman]

Epic scenery, weather and riding🙌🏻 Sorely tempted to try something like this next year.

[@McTrailRider]

Be ready for a big day, but an awesome one all the same 👍

[@caroldave4037]

Well worth the slog in part one phew ....😧😥glad you stopped to show us awsome scenery ...atb dave

[@McTrailRider]

Slog is the word, but yes, worth it 👍

[@KingLuff]

Stunning mate

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers Sam

[@willienillie6337]

Great video'

[@gibbykirwan7788]

Awesome video. I trained as a gamekeeper & ghillie up there as a youngster. Love the country up there. Recommendation for lights. I use the sigma sport buster 2000. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive, not the lightest either but tough as old boots & NEVER lets you down. Excellent burn time from the battery. I run one on my bar & one on my helmet. The helmet one, I carry the battery in my pack

[@McTrailRider]

Beautiful part of the world 😍 Definitely need to look into some lights, I will check them out 👍

[@greystokedmtb4547]

Spectacular

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers

[@paulmckellar1254]

Looks like a fantastic ride 🤙

[@McTrailRider]

It certainly is 👍

[@williamswift185]

Does not get any better than this .Part of the HT 550 .Rode it the same way and also in and out to the bothy from Poolewe and bagged the munros!

[@McTrailRider]

I’m tempted to try some of the Munro’s too, maybe next year now though.

[@williamswift185]

@@McTrailRider AnTeallach a must !

[@niallcampbell5213]

Your man Rich was booking down that, you both were. Great video as always 🤙

[@McTrailRider]

He was all in ✊️

[@johndarch5439]

Great stuff. We were going to do a there and back from Poolewe to the lake crossing this summer but Covid intervened. One day! Currently in lockdown at home in Donegal!

[@McTrailRider]

Something to look forward to John, it’s worth the wait 👍

[@DizRidesMtb]

Now that's some proper mtb rite there bruv. Totally awesome trails n vids m8 .Luv it .Ur so lucky m8 💯👊

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude 😊

[@DizRidesMtb]

@@McTrailRider no thanks to you m8 always a pleasure watching u ride n ur adventures 💯👊

[@harzenduro]

I wonder what people talk about when they say that in Scotland the weather is always bad. Over here it has been raining for a couple of days now. Nice riding (as usual).

[@McTrailRider]

Trust me, it gets very wet here, and for many days. I just try to make sure I ride on the nicer days👍

[@tobyehillier]

Good legs for that kinda craic! Fair play, Fella 🙏

[@McTrailRider]

They definitely felt it 😜

[@lplacido61]

Epic scenery! There are trails here in the US that I want to ride. But, there are also trips abroad that have piqued my interest. Scotland is one of those places... Great footage on your rides too. Be safe, ride well. Cheers from San Francisco!

[@McTrailRider]

Is a wonderful place to be, but the weather may come as a bit of a shock to a Californian 😜

[@lplacido61]

@@McTrailRider Not to worry mate, former US Marine here... :D

[@rossco3603]

I need to find my way there with a camera. Epic scenes!

[@McTrailRider]

Yes you do 👍

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

I could've sworn you said in part one you were coming out at Kinlochewe ? I've done track out the back of both Kinlochewe and Poolewe on my motorbike but didn't recognise where you came in to Pollewe, was it down the side of the main river that lows out to Loch Maree ?? Epic vids btw, crazy big day out.

[@McTrailRider]

I think I said Poolewe🤔 Yes, we came out at the river and followed it down to the village.

[@MovingTargetOne]

I do dirtbiking in the Poolewe area Stuart, you wanna meet up for some riding? I once asked Letterewe about motorbiking up that way, and they said ABSOLUTELY NOT xD

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

@@MovingTargetOne I was up that way for a few days the other week on my Tenere 700, I'm in Dundee so was only visiting.

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

@@McTrailRider You deffo said Kinlochewe in part one. Like I said above I was expecting you to come out at the school in Kinlochewe and when you said you had arrived in Poolewe I thought...hold on, that's why I don't recognise this, but I did take my bike down that track by the river that feeds into Loch Maree.

[@McTrailRider]

@@Itsthejourneynotthedestination your right, I did say Kinlochewe🤦🏼‍♂️ whoops

[@terrycoates4731]

Awesome.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

That moment at about 1m 30sec. Stumbling upon that view. Unreal! I cant work out which camera you are using BTW. Hero 9 picture quality but the crop seems minimal. It looks great whatever it is.

[@McTrailRider]

Won’t be able to recreate that feeling too many times in my life, that view is spectacular 😮 This is the Hero 9 right enough, but I’m not using hypersmooth boost.

[@streetpigeonmtb]

@@McTrailRider awesome. That really works mate. I don't like the boost setting as I feel takes the crop too far. You could really see the higher bitrate working compared to the 7. The footage was so crisp 👍

[@clappedoutmotor]

Naturegasm!

[@McTrailRider]

Indeed 😄

[@Adasrast]

Where is that place? Looks absolutely unbelievable. Amazing video as always Andrew 👍🏻⛰🚵🏻‍♂️

[@McTrailRider]

Trailforks link is in the description

[@prusak26]

Now this is a one to tick off. I’m gonna have to find out if the views can rival the north face of Ben Nevis disappearing in the clouds seen from the CIC hut, done it two years ago after seeing your vid. Said it before and will say it again mate, inspirational stuff you put out here.

[@McTrailRider]

The north face is incredible! But there is more too these views than there is to the north face. Both incredible in their own way though.

[@stevia13]

Enjoyed that one- thanks 🤘 What would the plan have been for getting back to start if you'd tried it on yer tod?? - road back is 25 miles...

[@McTrailRider]

I probably wouldn’t do it by myself TBH, maybe stay in the hotel overnight and then back the next day or something.

[@mozzlehead]

What a place 🙌🏼😍

[@McTrailRider]

Yep 😍

[@simonhedditch1364]

What a trail. Wonder what would that would be like to take on with night lights?

[@McTrailRider]

I certainly wouldn’t bother doing this one in the dark. A bit remote for that in my opinion.

[@danrainsford8235]

Great video Andy, nice to see one where you're having to put some effort in to keep up with the guy in front ;-) Fully agree with what Iain Swayne says about a committing ride, we did it a couple of years ago but in the opposite direction due to the prevailing wind. Wish I'd ridden it your way for that descent but another day... Epic day on the bike. Have you got Beinn Fhada loop on your to do list?

[@McTrailRider]

Rich was giving it the beans as usual✊️ This ride is certainly committing, as is the Fhada loop kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2Owladra72IeaM

[@danceswithwolves6841]

Awesome! Was looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint. How are you going to top this? 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Good to hear man. I’ve got a few in mind that may top this one👍

[@pheenix1479]

Amazing video :)

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks buddy

[@stephenjjmurphy]

Awesome

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks buddy

[@peterbeer4746]

Now that’s what I call a day out on ya bike . Awsome dude, great riding , a wee well earned beer at the end 🍻 , how’s the dirtlej , I have been looking at waterproof trousers for ages but can not decide, any recommendations 👍👍

[@McTrailRider]

No beer for me, my body is a temple 😜 The Dirtlej is really good, a game changer dare I say.

[@scotlandmyhome7484]

Epic 👍❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@scotlandmyhome7484]

Where do I find your route? I’ve walked all over there

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude, my Trailforks ride log is in the description.

[@scotlandmyhome7484]

@@McTrailRider thanks will try this in the spring next year 👍

[@Charo78]

Amazing ride! Who would have built those causeways? Sheperds/farmers?

[@McTrailRider]

Not sure about the causeway specifically, but the path will probably be an old drovers road (cattle farmers) and/or a walking short cut to connect villages.

[@Charo78]

@@McTrailRider Wild to think how old that path might be. Great stuff!

[@dunneryak]

2:02 epic A.F.

[@McTrailRider]

Yep 😍

[@dancochrane6312]

Hey Andrew, love the content! Just wondering what riding glasses do you wear in your vids? Looking at getting some and the ones you wear look about the right size etc I’m looking for! Cheers

[@McTrailRider]

They are Oakley jawbreakers

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

amazing trail and scenery, not sure whats wrong with the on bike footage as its super grainy when you are on the move, perfect at standstill, guess its a youtube issue as most vids look low res when first uploaded!

[@McTrailRider]

Probably KZbin compression, annoyingly I had managed to smear the lens when wiping water off, which didn’t look great either 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@GMANS_BIKES_CARS]

@@McTrailRider , always takes my vids a while to look good, I’m loving my hero 8 in super wide with stabilisation turned on, keep up the great vids mate, I was off to Wales to ride Afan and bike park wakes again but it’s now in lock down 😬

[@danbray3960]

Great video, looks amazing. Where could I get a gpx file for this route?

[@McTrailRider]

My Trailforks river log is in the description

[@dreldrake]

Epic!!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Dennis

[@calcowie8219]

Hey bud! Wanting to get into similar stuff that your riding what travel are you running and what bike? Would be a great help and appreciate the advice :)

[@McTrailRider]

It’s a Deviate Highlander with 160-140mm front-rear.

[@davidavison5533]

What direction is best? Did you do a there and back? Looks great. Cheers

[@McTrailRider]

We done north to south with a car shuttle back. I’d recommend this way as you get the reveal of the loch as a surprise.

[@CharlieBeveridge]

Do you think this route would work best being out from Poolewe to the top of the decent ( start of this video ) and then back to Poolewe?

[@McTrailRider]

Yes, that’s probably what I will do next time round myself 👍

[@Will99x]

Epic

[@McTrailRider]

Yep

[@Spookrider100]

What about Knoydart?

[@McTrailRider]

Good point. I’ve changed the title a bit to suit. I’m told that Fionn Loch is the furthest you can get away from any road, and I believe it.

[@Spookrider100]

Thanks for replying and for the excellent content you upload, very informative and fun to watch. The work you put in is clear to see, great job ta! Will pay a visit your patreon page.

[@jeronomosp]

Incredeebla!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks

[@GrahamStorr]

Oryt andy just started night rides my self,ive gone for moon lights and honestly there pretty dam good and affordable give them a look Moon meteor x pro for head Moon meteor storm pro for main

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Graham, will check them out 👍

[@ronilogagarin7740]

Idol what brand your brake?

[@McTrailRider]

Hope e4’s

[@travelingtaff]

elo ther could i ast you wa part off cotland iss this please is it torridon ?

[@McTrailRider]

It’s just north of Kinlochleven above Torridon

[@travelingtaff]

@@McTrailRider thanks alot

[@shot2death876]

Watch out hikers!

[@McTrailRider]

We actually only met 4 hikers over 23 miles and over about 8/9 hours

[@OntheTrailMTB]

You do get payed by VisitScotland, I hope?

[@McTrailRider]

I don’t, but you’re honestly about the 50th person to say that I should 🤔

[@kitten-inside]

"Last true wilderness"? Dude, that's all your videos.

[@McTrailRider]

Fair point 😜 This one is official though, furthest you can get away from any road in the UK.

[@toozizzle550]

At this rate I’ll unsubscribe 😭😭🤤🤤

[@McTrailRider]

😂😂

[@boneheadmck]

Hi Andrew. Saw this when it came out but watched it again researching some options for the spring. Sounds like there was a lot of boggy hike-a-bike. Didn’t see much in the video…which sections were they?

[@McTrailRider]

The route is a very big undertaking to do in one day just to reiterate, so be prepared, or do it in two parts maybe. The main slog for me was the second climb, the section from the bothy to the top of the descent above the main loch.

[@boneheadmck]

@@McTrailRider Thanks. Think I’ll try the second half as an out-and-back from Poolewe.

[@McTrailRider]

@@boneheadmck that’s a good shout, probably what I’ll do next time to be honest.