Kintail, Scotland (MBK 310)

Awful! After the reaching the bothy, before crossing the river, the Land Rover track is in good condition and a doddle, however from there it’s the worst day out I’ve ever had on a mountain bike... 80% is HARD HIKE A BIKE. Don’t be fooled by the absolutely terrible map from mbuk, this makes it look simple with easy navigation - in fact it is worthless. Make sure you can map read and take a compass bearing as - once you actually find the return track (which is very faint with no markings on where to turn off) - it constantly disappears. Also, watch out for the 6ft deep bog! Which looks solid enough due to the small areas of actual track either side of it. At this point I was almost swallowed by it and smashed one of the seat stays on my carbon frame. Luckily this held together as I pushed and carried my bike along the regularly disappearing, but mostly non-existent track. With further navigation I managed to find the final pass. Do not be drawn in by the “sweet single track” BS, this is utter garbage. The descent is highly technical with severe exposure on a series of very narrow switchbacks - one slip and forget it! If you’re extremely lucky you won’t be picked up in a body bag. By this time you aren’t also heavily fatigued, which of course will up the risk of a poor decision. I was well prepared and the weather was reasonable but I feel pretty lucky - that could have been my last day on the bike, possibly the planet! On the upside, the last 20 minutes or so is half decent but you’re better doing another route. By the way, I’m not a novice, I have done all the routes in the Torridon area, a couple in Skye and loch Fionn (hardest technical descent I’ve ever done) and all without issue. I have no problems with any black runs in Scotland. Bottom line DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS - DANGEROUS AND POINTLESS!!!