GENERAL COMMENTS
All of these routes involve some on road riding, but a mountain bike is needed to complete them. The description of a route does not imply any right to follow that route and if in doubt you should seek local advice and/or the permission of the landowner. Some of these routes may involve crossing swollen streams and poor weather could be encountered at any time of year. If you are concerned, seek local advice. Remember that cycling on rough ground is harder and progress is slower than on public roads.

1. NEWTONMORE-CLUNY-STRATH an EILICH- GLENBANCHOR-GLENBALLOCH-NEWTONMORE 12 miles
Mostly on tracks, no severe climbing. There is a bothy at the head of Glen Banchor after which there is a short section that you will need to walk. You will get wet feet if the streams are high.

2. NEWTONMORE-RALIA-ETTERIDGE-PHONES-
LUIBLEATHANN-RUTHVEN-NEWTONMORE 15 miles
After Etteridge, this route follows General Wade's military road with a superb feel for what a main road could have been like two hundred years ago. No big hills, bothy at Luibleathann. The deep ford can be bypassed using the shaky footbridge close to the bothy. Use old road to avoid A9. Refreshements at Kingussie.

3. NEWTONMORE-LAGGAN- KINLOCHLAGGAN-BEN ALDER LODGE- LOCH ERICHT-DALWHINNIE-NEWTONMORE 35 miles - approx 15 off road.
A good day out for a fit mountain biker. Wonderful pools and plunges alongside the River Pattack. Refreshements at Laggan and Dalwhinnie - a great route for a hot day with stops for swimming.

4. FOREST AREA SOUTH OF B970 KINGUSSIE TO AVIEMORE AND BEYOND
There are literally miles of forest tracks in which to lose yourself. You can go in at Tromie Bridge and cycle via Glen feshie and Loch an Eilein to Glenmore before going through Ryvoan pass to emerge at Nethy Bridge (About 25 miles crossing only two public roads) You could then cycle back or arrange a lift. Cafes at Glenmore and Nethy. Most of the tracks in this area are gravel based so even after wet weather are fairly dry and fast.

5. MOUNTAIN PASSES TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE AREA
Corrieyarick, Gaick, Minigaig, Geldie/Feshie, Tilt
Not for the faint hearted. These are long, demanding trips, needing fitness, mechanical knowledge and an understanding of mountain conditions. There are several books describing these routes - Newtonmore makes a superb base to bag the full set!
Of these routes, the Corrieyarick is perhaps the easiest, if easy is a word that can be applied at all!

6. OUT AND BACK
There are many tracks that head into the hills and peter out. Why not cycle somewhere interesting and picnic, or swim if it is hot. All you need is a 1:50000 map and a little imagination.... and a bike!

REMEMBER
that mountain bikes are NOT designed to go over mountains and should be confined to appropriate tracks and footpaths. Ride with consideration for other users of the countryside and warn walkers before overtaking. There may be access restrictions during the stalking season. Stick to the country code.

If you need help, advice or your bike fixed, call in at the Newtonmore Independent Hostel, Main Street (tel 673360)