The 'Stolen Bridge'
Near the top of the trails.

We are enjoying some great weather here in the Outdoor Capital. To make the most of it a friend and I headed up to Nevis Range and Leanachan Forst to try out the new Witches Trails created for the cross country races for the upcoming Mountain Bike World Champs which take place from the 4th to 9th September.

The new trails are great, with a beautiful bridge at the start, called the 'Stolen Bridge' and so named because the Forestry Commission weren't using it at Glen Tress so it was pinched and put to use in the Highlands. The trails go much higher than they use to so you get fab views of Ben Nevis from the top section. The top section consists of quite technical switchbacks with a really interesting rocky berm, which you need to get the right line on. A section of the lower trail was shut for last minute tree felling but we still had a great after work ride. The signage isn't ready yet, Sarah from the Forestry Commision (yep, she's the one who pinched the bridge) tells me everything should be signed by the end of August ready for when the trails re-open on the 10th Sept after the worlds. As well as new signage for the Witches Trails she is signing the 10 under the Ben loop and the Cour Trail out to Spean Bridge

If you are bringing your bike up to the area at the beginning of September, don't worry there is still lots to ride, even with the Witches Trails/Leanachan shut. VisitScotland have produced a great new leaflet showing other rides in the area click through here to the Outdoor Capital site to download it. Off Beat Bikes also have a rides leaflet you can buy in their shops on Fort William High Street and at Nevis Range.

http://www.greatglenbikes.com/ and http://www.ridefortwilliam.co.uk/ are two more sources of local rides.

Anna