The 'Easiest' Adventure MTB Ride in Scotland || The Classic Torridon Loop

Torridon is located in the North West of Scotland and it’s where my love for adventure riding began. As a destination, there’s something special about it, the vast mountains and unscathed landscapes are jaw dropping. In this episode we ride the ‘Classic’ Torridon loop, a 52km route with 1200m of climbing.
Allow a good 5 to 8 hours and it’s one, best done in the summer! Starting out, it’s a short road ride before veering off and riding alongside lochs and through Glens. It’s simply stunning and isn’t a ride you want to rush. I prefer to take my time, enjoy the journey and take it all in. Once you get into the wilderness you feel completely alone. The climbs are challenging, they’re technical and require sudden urges of power to get you up and over the rocky features - I’m still yet to clean it, no dabs!
The top of the Annat descent is incredible. Stood there, you’re surrounded by towering grey mountains and views stretch for as far as you can see. The descent is a technical one but I wouldn’t say it’s overly challenging, there’s a lot of flow to be had but you’ve got to work for it. It finishes down by a river, contrasting to the upper section you’re deep in the greenery.
Our next point of interest is the Fionnaraich bothy and it’s a good chance for a break. The single track leading up to it is challenging and requires a lot of on and off power surges. The bothy dates back to the 1800’s and is still used to this day by stalkers. It’s a place where riders can seek shelter from the ever-changing Scottish conditions. From the bothy to our next descent is a challenging path through lowland bogs before hitting a rugged hike a bike.
The descent to Annat is fairly undulating, rocky and is one of my personal favourites, you’re back in amongst those huge grey mountains and have a view on to the Atlantic Ocean. There’s something humbling about being able to ride in such a location. The descent’s super fun, rewarding and has so many different elements to it, fast single track, huge rock slabs and river crossings. It just puts a smile on your face!
Finishing right at the bay, there’s a chance to refuel at a traditional Inn which offers delicious locally sourced food and drink, accommodation - there’s no better location to finish a ride at!
This episode's sustainability focus is around travel. To get to Torridon, we drove three hundred and twenty-five kilometres in a diesel van which emits one hundred and eighty-two grams of Carbon Dioxide per kilometre driven. Creating the series, we lift shared wherever possible and to offset our overall journey emissions, I’m planting native Scottish trees through Trees 4 life. Trees can absorb between twenty-two and thirty-four kilograms of Carbon Dioxide.
To ensure neutrality, I’m planting one tree per one hundred kilometres driven and for this episode, I’ll be planting 16 trees. If you've enjoyed watching the series or want to offset some of your own emissions, feel free to plant a tree in my grove.
Link: treesforlife.org.uk/groves/36...
The entire series is being created carbon neutral. All our journey emissions will be offset and the advertising revenue generated from you watching this series will be split across planting more native trees in Scotland and the local trail associations.
All these rides are recorded on komoot so you can do them for yourself.
Collection link: bit.ly/SSSNorthHighlands
This series has been made possible with the support of Shimano, komoot, Schwalbe, SCOTT Sports and Thule.
#ScottysScotlandShowcase
‪@RideShimano‬ ‪@komoot‬ ‪@SchwalbeBikeTires‬ ‪@scottsports‬ ‪@thule‬
Episode 1 - Perthshire, • The BEST Hand Built MT...
Episode 2 - Aberdeenshire, • The Finest Singletrack...
Episode 3 - The Cairngorms, • The Largest Variation ...
Episode 4 - North Highlands, • The 'Easiest' Adventur...
Episode 5 - Lochaber, • Discovering Some of Sc...
Episode 6 - The Tweed Valley, • This is Scotland's Big...
Directed and Produced by Scotty Laughland
Filmed and Edited by Glen Thomson
Second Camera by Max Rendall
Still Imagery by Jonny Cook
Graphics by Scott Muirhead

[@ScottyLaughland]

If you're enjoying the series or are interested in offsetting some of your own personal emissions and re-wilding parts of the Scottish Highlands with native trees then feel free to plant some in my grove! 🌲🌲🌲 treesforlife.org.uk/groves/366211/

[@fjokke]

@@heangmtb9575 nothing annoys me more than people like u coming onto social media to beg for bikes and so on work hard and ur gonna get ur own enduro Scott 🤟

[@lukavsoundseeker1642]

That's what I'm talking about! It's fantastic to be able support Your great cause at least a little bit. Some trees added to grove. Can't wait for next episode already 👌💪🔥🚴‍♂️

[@heangmtb9575]

Lukav Soundseeker yes 🙌 but I have bike or ready giant anthem advanced pro 0 2021 13300$ you no😒❤️

[@heangmtb9575]

Ransomrider dk yes thank but I have bike ready

[@heangmtb9575]

Ransomrider dk giant anthem advanced pro 0 2021😉❤️

[@invertrialsbiker9391]

This is the best showcase for scotlands mountain biking I have ever seen. A truly epic video for a truly epic place. Well done scotty 👏 👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks dude much appreciated! 🙌🤙

[@PACEUK22]

My favourite MTB ride in the world. Im so lucky to have ridden it in glorious sunshine and not a single midge in sight!

[@barryextancemtb3932]

Cracking videos mate from around Scotland, opened my eyes to some places I’ve been and trails I’ve missed 👌🏻 cheers

[@bachirsouccar8224]

Stunning views and High quality video 😍🙌 well done Scotty !!

[@FabEiburdlazMTB]

Spettacolo puro !!! Posti stupendi video al 🔝🔝🔝🔝

[@bigstoozeradventures]

The recording and presentation of your videos really is second to none. The effort you and your team put into showcasing your wonderful adventures is there for all to see and enjoy.

[@pedromiguel1389]

Love this series. Thanks bud

[@ScottyLaughland]

Cheers Pedro! ✌️

[@mirekcioslowski8435]

What a amazing show. Thanks 🙏

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! Stoked you’re enjoying it!!

[@edbackes2234]

Single best descent in the UK, totally agree, it’s got everything. Looking forward to the last 2 episodes. One of the best series of UK mountain bike Vids I’ve ever watched.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Ed, that’s great to hear! Lochaber and the Tweed Valley up next...

[@Bessunger]

An exceptional video, great Tour in awesome landscape. An absolut must for bikers, would love to start indefinitely, however… stuck in the continent 🤟

[@rabwardell758]

An absolute classic! Great film!

[@ScottyLaughland]

The most classic MTB adventure in Scotland! Looking forward to your series man!!

[@ashvince3044]

Probably the best series of films I've seen in a long time. This is exactly why I watch KZbin Well done, keep them coming, fantastic 👍👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh man, thank you Ash! Stoked you’re enjoying them! 🤙

[@bachirsouccar8224]

I'm so interested in these episodes! They are so motivational and informative, I wish that i can ride these beautiful trails some day 😍

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks for your continued support, it’s much appreciated and stoked you’re enjoying it this much!

[@Pozitivi]

Yooo Scotty.. Great video! I can watch it all day long 🤘🍃🍃

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks - that's rad to hear!

[@colinross3755]

Simply stunning Scotty 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👌

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Colin!

[@joeprop3]

That's given me a reason to come back to the UK from New Zealand. Stunning video. Thank-you.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! I can’t say I’ve experienced much of NZ riding but Scotland sure is pretty special.

[@David-kf6qc]

So cool. If anyone is looking for the songs played in the video, I have made a Spotify Playlist of the entire Series that i will update after every episode. "Scotty‘s Scotland Showcase"

[@ScottyLaughland]

Legendary, thanks David!

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great Stuff Scotty 😉 enjoyed the video buddy 🚴🏿‍♂️👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you!

[@jamesd5066]

You're right, it's all in the title !!! Very very nice place to ride , you've been very lucky to ride this trails Thanks for this awesome vidéo man 👍👍👍 Well done !!!!!!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks again, James glad you're enjoying them!

[@jesusa.nolascomelendeznico8587]

Viéndolo desde el otro lado del mundo. Huánuco - Perú. Hermosos lugares y que mejor que en bicicleta.

[@shannonmtb]

Brill video...watching your showcase from last year before your new one 🤙

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh class! Thanks for the support! 🙌

[@elliottgarneau]

this is the best quality video i have ever seen.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! 🙏

[@xmangel6052]

wow... F------ LOVE IT! It's Beautiful, and a Great place to Mountain Bike! MAN! --- I Never had any interest in going to the Great Britain, but NOW,... I DO! I might have to fly there JUST for a Mountain Biking vacation... - Angelo, writing from CALIFORNIA, U.S.

[@ScottyLaughland]

It’s an incredible country the landscape is outstanding and the trails match it!

[@kevinw1129]

My part of the country Scotty. Walked and climbed all these hills. Just need to ride the loop now!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Couldn’t recommend it more! Brilliant riding up there!!

[@johnglynn7795]

BTW, thank you for sharing your experience in Torridon!👍

[@brianbathgate4944]

Loving it! :-)

[@ScottyLaughland]

Cheers Brian! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JoesBikesUK]

Beautiful

[@ScottyLaughland]

Cheers 🍻

[@m__r1100]

Definition "Epic": heroic or grand in scale or character. Sums up the NW well, and so well shown in this video. 🙌👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you! It’s a special place up there alright...

[@easyrider75]

Wow, that's on the bucket list to ride. Awesome stuff!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Cheers Tim! It’s an epic ride alright... One of the best!

[@PACEUK22]

Do it! I did

[@TheBrownDude]

love your video. i got into MTB recently and it was just soo much fun riding and making my first video while being scared of falling and braking my bones 😅

[@andrewb8072]

Loved this one Scotty, you (and team) have captured all the emotions of riding up there and put a cool personal slant on it. The film, the views, the riding and the tunes made my hairs stand up, plus made me want to book a trip up there, sans midges!!

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thanks Andrew! I want to get back up there ASAP, already looking forward to a doing a spring riding trip up there... Get there before the midges do! 😂

[@andrewb8072]

@@ScottyLaughland haha absolutely!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Incredible. This reminded me of how special Torridon is. I haven't actually taken that first ascent you did. It looks really epic. It's fantastic you are raising awareness about the environmental impact of our travel and how we can do something to mitigate against it. Great work dudes 👍

[@ScottyLaughland]

It’s just the best up there man, love it so much! Creme de la creme of Scottish riding!!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

@@ScottyLaughland very much so 😁

[@paulmccartney8410]

Well....if you do the whole loop, on a hardtail, you get extra points. I've done it twice and looking forward to come back!!!!

[@streetpigeonmtb]

@@paulmccartney8410 well done bud. I love my hardtail but don't think I'd have the legs for a Torrdion descent on one!

[@pablosanchezmontano247]

Ver estos videos dan ganas de coger la bicicleta y desaparecer ,Maravilloso!! 💚👏👏👏

[@damensavvi8066]

Doing so well with these videos bro

[@ScottyLaughland]

Thank you, had a good team helping create them!

[@alanperry7706]

Wonderful senary the carbon footprint not being that .Nice ride

[@tayllorzwift]

The quality of your videos does not reflect your views or subscriber count. Your videos are amazing Scotty! 😊

[@johnglynn7795]

Hello Scott, I have been riding mountain bikes for over a decade. That said, I recently turned 65 and will retire soon. I have transitioned to a Specialized Gen 3 Levo in order to continue my passion of riding the outdoors. Having come across your channel, it has been most enjoyable. My goal is to ride the Scottish Highlands and would appreciate some insight on a personal goal as to mountain bike in Scotland. Regards, Captain Glynn

[@SoGoMTB]

top drawer trail and super video. I want to be there. Any pointer for a guide Scotty?

[@ScottyLaughland]

I’d give Mountain Bike Worldwide a shout. They do Scottish tours but can organise day trips. Tell them I sent yah, they’re a good bunch...

[@kudosbudo]

Dammit scotland looks like agreat place to ride! Why'd I have to live in england!

[@stewartleese561]

OMG! Too many rides in Scotland it's so overwhelming to decide where to ride. Love the epic views in Cairngorms, Torridon. Getting older and thinking of renting a FS e-bike. I'd love to hear some suggestions for at least 7 days of riding of the 12 days I will be there?

[@ScottyLaughland]

I’d suggest getting in touch with Tony at eGuide Scotland - he’s the man for advice and also hires eBikes from his base! Couldn’t recommend his services enough...

[@readikus]

I'm really loving this series - planning another Scottish trip next year, and this is so helpful. What is the Thule bag you're using with the different sections? I've searched their site hard, but can't find anything close.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh man, thank you - I’m stoked to hear that. It’s the Thule Round Trip and is awesome for carting up to a weeks riding gear. So convenient being able to stash gear away in the various sections! Here’s the link: www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-packs-bags-and-racks/panniers-and-bike-bags/thule-roundtrip-bike-duffel-_-3204352

[@roik.6694]

That’s what mtb is all about

[@ScottyLaughland]

💯

[@scottmccann4509]

Amazing! Some more epic mountain biking adventures 👌......So what's the minimum speed required to outrun the Scottish midge? 👀😂. Ps feel sorry for you and the crew, with all stops /runs needed for the footage 😬🙏

[@m__r1100]

4mph and remember it's only the female midge that bites, and only when she's in the mood for mating....

[@ScottyLaughland]

Once we got moving or were in the wind they weren’t so bad but gearing up, they were the absolute worst! 🤣

[@CharlieBeveridge]

Great film as always Scotty. Could you tell me what the music you used is ?

[@ScottyLaughland]

There’s a Spotify playlist a viewers created check it out!

[@Stu411]

Damn, awesome video and very good flowy riding! Torridon also has a place in my heart as family took me there up to Glen Affric a few times and now I'd love to venture my self soon. Just got a good hard tail bike recently, your bike looks like an amazing FS enduro bike. Do you think a good hardtail could still manage this trail? I know it'll be rougher and harder to do mind you. Cheers!

[@ScottyLaughland]

A good hardtail with the right rider could certainly manage it! I rode a trail bike here, my Spark had 130mm up front and 120mm in the rear…. No matter what bike you do it on, it’ll be a ride you won’t forget!!

[@DPPais]

Wonderful! ❤ Need to put it in my MTB destinations list! Which bike is Scotty using...?

[@PACEUK22]

Put it at the top!

[@recoliu]

Nice Trail and views. Can Schwalbe Wicked Will Tires handle this type of trails well?

[@ScottyLaughland]

They can although in these circumstances I changed for a burlier setup, a wheelset with a Magic Mary and a Nobby Nic in Super Trail compound (I don’t have Wicked Will ST yet) and wanted that extra piece of mind when you’re out in the wilderness.

[@audriusliesys]

Would Trek Roscoe be a suitable bike to ride those trails ? Thanks.

[@CCWclassic]

Scotty riding Scott bikes in Scotland

[@ScottyLaughland]

Yes - I’ve not seen this comment in a while! 🙏

[@klassyken]

Lovely video Scotty, can you e bike it?

[@ScottyLaughland]

Hmm, I would say it be a challenge, the hike a bike is a hike a bike and on an eBike from a friends experience that can be seriously tough going.

[@klassyken]

@@ScottyLaughland fair play, so someone with average fitness like me might have to do the ride in sections then.

[@eph8334]

Its as if there’s only one decent trail in torridon/nw highlands. Ive done a few trails in that area and its a stunning place but probably better on foot.

[@ScottyLaughland]

Plenty up there but this is personally my favourite one. Not enough time to highlight multiple trails up there in this season but know there are plenty more to show!

[@eph8334]

@@ScottyLaughland pity its too far out for ews such a great advert for scotland. Ive done Slioch munro which sits over loch maree up there and thats where you really open ur eyes see the place, but on the bike ur focus is on the trail.

[@martinkleber6292]

Which garmin use you

[@ScottyLaughland]

Edge 530 on the bars and a Fenix watch!

[@amanverdia5699]

Scotland Cycling Highland Rules

[@ScottyLaughland]

Doesn’t it just!

[@hardcorehardtails3427]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Absolutely brilliant! 👍👏🚵‍♀️

[@ScottyLaughland]

Ahh cheers bru! 🙌

[@audriusliesys]

Would Trek Roscoe be a suitable bike to ride those trails ? Thanks.