Balblair Trails

Located two miles away from the Carbisdale Trails, Balblair is described by Rik Allsop as a "proper black route". Therefore meaning that it is aimed squarely at experienced mountain bikers.

However Balblair is a ride that is destined to attract a dedicated following. When Rik Allsop began investigating Balblair Hill he was thrilled by what he discovered. As well as high quality earth and rock, the views across the Kyle of Sutherland to Carbisdale Castle to the west, and the Dornoch Firth and Stuie Hills in the east, are stunning.

The Balblair black trail, around 17kms in length, provides two to three hours riding at least. It is made up of roughly a third of bedrock, a third 'woodword' (with boards, bridges and causeways), with the remaining third being hard-packed dirt, thanks to the high quality mineral soil. The wooden sections are coated with a rubber/sand paint which makes it grippy, even in the wet. However, the rock is even grippier "the grippiest I have ever come across," says Rik. "And perfect to ride."

Enjoy Balblair Trails experiencing the ‘Whoopy do’ section and the smooth descent on the ‘Ceilidh Trail’, if you are an experienced mountain biker try out rock slabs such as ‘Rock Hard’ and ‘Candy Mountain’, timber trails and lung-busting up hill sections. Balblair has something to offer various levels of mountain bikers.

But it is, as Rik says, a proper black route. Some of the rock features are highly technical - including stretches of off-camber rock 'shoulder' - and it is also a very physical ride. The trail loops around, going back on itself, climbing to the radio mast, the highest point, followed by an exhilirating 3-4kms of pure descent.

Other Info

Routes:
Blue - A 3km route
Black - A 7.5 or 11.5km route

Bike Shops/Hire
Carbisdale Castle

Getting There

Bonar Bridge is the nearest town or village. From Bonar Bridge take the A836 west towards Lairg for about one mile and the car park is signposted on the right.

Distance from:
Bonar Bridge - 19 miles 
Inverness -  49 miles
Edinburgh - 202 miles
Glasgow - 216 miles

Website

• www.forestry.gov.uk