Home > Uniquely Unspoilt Magazine > Issue 21 > Mountain biking
~~ Mountain Biking- by Gail Carruthers ~~
Laggan Wolftrax is set in the outstanding natural highland beauty of Strathmashie Forest at Laggan Bridge, Newtonmore, and is an exciting addition to challenging off-road mountain bike routes provided by Forestry Commission Scotland that are fast gaining international recognition.
The 3.2km Blue trail includes the gentle forest road climb, but take advantage of the shuttle service - enjoying the spectacular local views in comfort - and you'll have loads more 'air time' on the trail itself. See if you can beat the shuttle bus back down to the café!
If you're not a speed merchant, then simply go slow and trundle or free-wheel from top to bottom. Not recommended for the youngest cubs, and a helmet and gloves are recommended.
Fancy 6.6km on a faster, more flowing trail? The Red route hits the mark, but watch out for Wolftrax's predatory instincts! It's graded 'difficult' for good reason, with plenty of technical trail features waiting to pounce.
The Little Red Slab gives a taste of what's hidden ahead as the optional black-graded Air's Rock looms on the horizon. Pause for breath at the Blue View, where you can watch your fellow riders try to tame the Fun Park, then enjoy the Wolf Run boardwalk and the thrills of the final 550 metres of the Fun Park itself.
If all this isn't enough, Wolftrax will really bear its teeth on the Black route, this very technical 'double diamond' wilderness rock-fest! A narrow climb through boulder fields and stunning scenery takes you to The Wolf's Lair viewpoint.
Enjoy the view while you can, because after that all you'll focus on are the evil features a couple of metres before your front wheel on the way down! The Triple Slab gives you an insight into the mind that designed this course, and the fearsome Devil's Chessboard, a 40-metre, gnarly, rock slab staircase with 24 different levels, is a real test of skill and endurance. Bite or be bitten!
The black route has no 'chicken runs' and is one-way use only. But clear the treacherous trail features, and you can celebrate with a tear down the Fun Park back to Base Camp. Helmet, gloves, elbow and knee protection recommended!
Cycle all the trails and you will have enjoyed nearly 18 km of the most up-to-date, year-round singletrack available in the country. BaseCamp MTB is the on-site facility providing everything you'll need for a day in the forest. As well as cycle hire, BaseCamp provides a spares and repair shop, a café, showers, toilets and bike wash. Car parking and use of the trails are free.
Gail Carruthers
Laggan Wolftrax
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