The best MTB trails around Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve

The mountain bike trails in Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve are generally rated as moderate or difficult. There are no routes specifically categorized as easy within this guide, so riders should be prepared for more challenging terrain.

The trails vary significantly in length and duration. For example, the From Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve to Loch nam Breac loop is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km) and takes around 2 hours 50 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes like the From Altnabreac railway station to Loch More loop stretch over 54.2 miles (87.3 km) and can take over 5 hours to complete.

Yes, some routes are accessible via public transport. For instance, the From Altnabreac railway station to Loch More loop and the From Altnabreac train station to Loch More and Loch Meadie loop both start near Altnabreac railway station, offering a public transport option for reaching the trails.

Given that all routes in this guide are rated as moderate or difficult, and traverse remote peatlands and moorland, they may not be suitable for young children or families seeking very easy, gentle rides. These trails are generally better suited for experienced riders.

The best time for mountain biking in the Forsinard Flows area is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the ground conditions are less likely to be boggy or frozen, making for a more enjoyable and safer ride across the open moorland.

Winter conditions in Forsinard Flows can be very challenging for mountain biking. The remote nature of the area, combined with potential for snow, ice, strong winds, and very wet, boggy ground, means that winter riding requires significant experience, appropriate gear, and careful planning. Daylight hours are also very limited.

Yes, many of the routes in this guide are circular. Examples include the From Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve to Loch nam Breac loop, the From Garvault House Hotel to Rosal Clearance Village loop, and the The Crask Inn – Altnaharra Hotel loop from Garvault House.

The trails offer expansive views across the unique Flow Country landscape, characterized by vast peatlands and numerous lochs. You can also encounter interesting points like the Forsinard Flows Gravel Road, the Forsinard Railway Station and Jellicoe Express Information Board, and the Forsinard Boardwalk. The Halladale River Valley Road from Melvich also offers scenic viewpoints.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 1.0 stars. Riders often praise the unique, remote landscape of the Flow Country, the challenging nature of the trails, and the sense of solitude and wilderness found while exploring the vast peatlands and lochs.

This guide features 5 distinct mountain bike trails around Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve, ranging from moderate to difficult in intensity.

Yes, there are several advanced mountain bike routes. Two of the five routes in this guide are rated as difficult, including the extensive From Altnabreac railway station to Loch More loop and The Crask Inn – Altnaharra Hotel loop from Garvault House, which offer significant distances and elevation changes.