Rothiemurchus

The beautiful Scottish Highlands are a haven for mountain bikers, and there’s no better way to experience them than through the native pine forests. Rushing rivers, stunning landscapes and a variety of mountain biking trails make this area popular with adventurers and families alike. If you’re feeling particularly daring, a trip to Loch Einich will provide an unforgettable challenge, but be sure to keep to the path during deer stalking season in September and October.

Families can have a great time exploring around Loch An Eilein and south of Loch Morlich, with the Cairngorms mountains always within view. For more information on the area, there are tea rooms at Inverdruie and Glenmore Village (Glenmore Shop), as well as phone numbers for services such as youth hostels, tourist information centres and camp sites. Loch Morlich Youth Hostel, Aviemore Youth Hostel, Inverdruie Mountain Bikes, Aviemore Tourist Information Centre and Glenmore Camp Site all offer information and support for your trip.

The route itself is approximately 12 miles in length, and unlike Lairig Ghru, the path up Glen Einich is bikeable, although it does require you to wade across one river while carrying your bike. Near the edge of the Scots Pine forest, two paths diverge, with the higher one leading to a narrow single plank footbridge that needs careful navigation when crossing. Finally, after passing through a combination of depth and width boulders in the river bed that prevent bikers from crossing, you’ll be rewarded with a view over a remote loch surrounded by high cliffs that plunge 600m down below its surface.

The summit of Sgoran Dubh Mhor adds beauty near the end of the journey. Distances from points A to B are also provided, with the Loch An Eilein to Loch Einich return covering 15 miles, and the Loch An Eilein to Lochan Morlich route covering 5 miles via Inverdruie Coylum Bridge via Loch Anille, making it a great adventure for all.