If you’re searching for the ultimate cycling challenge, then look no further! This week we were lucky enough to catch up with UK based Matt and Tim who recently took on The Great North Trail in Scotland.
The epic journey consisted of 5 days, 225km, a rucksack filled with only 7 items, a major storm and some very interesting accommodations
Matt explains: “Tim and I took the Caledonian Sleeper Train to Rannoch Moor (one of the most remote railway stations in the UK) and then travelled off-road all the way to Inverness over the next 5 days and through the storm that hit Scotland that week!
We packed UL tents but ended up staying in some pretty interesting places to avoid the storms – a bin shed, a bothy, and being taken in by a very kind 82 year old lady, called Jan.”
Read on to discover their 225km route and some en-route campsites to spend the chilly nights at.
The Kit
- UL Tent – Six Moons Design – Lunar Solo
- UL 3 Season Sleeping Bag – Alpkit Pipedream 400
- Sleeping mat – Alpkit Numo
- Bar Bag system – Salsa Exp Series Anything Cradle Side Load
- Saddle Pack – Roswheel Off Road Seat pack
- Frame bag – Roswheel Frame Bag
- Oversized bottle mounts – Passport Lug Kage fork rack
Day 1: Rannoch Moor – Corrour
Distance: 18.0 km Time: 1:36:09 Elevation: 397m Calories: 690
If you don’t fancy taking shelter from the storm in an old shed, like Tim and Matt, we recommend Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park. This award-winning caravan and camping park is set in the midst of spectacular Highland scenery at the foot of Ben Nevis. Here you’ll find plenty of space to find the perfect pitch, glamping pods, as well as a restaurant and bar to relax and sample some delicious local food and drink.
Day 2: Corrour – Corrieyairack Pass
Distance: 70.4 km Time: 5:48:56 Elevation: 1,110m Calories: 2513
Brrr! To escape the chill, we recommend a night at Invercoe Caravan & Camping Park. This site provides weary travellers with a wide range of accommodation to warm up and unwind in. Choose between the furnished holiday cottages, timber lodges, comfortable family caravans and spacious camping/touring park, and enjoy the wealth of onsite facilities such as a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and more.
Day 3: Blackburn Bothie – Tomich
Distance: 41.1 km Time: 4:11:45 Elevation: 1064 m Calories: 1676
To fully appreciate this beautiful region, we recommend booking a stay at Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Located on the South shores of the infamous Loch Ness, this well-equipped site is open all year round and offers onsite activities such as archery, wildlife walks, den building, motor boat and kayak hire.
Day 4: Tomich to Balnain
Distance: 21.9 km Time: 1:26:18 Elevation: 236 m Calories: 661
Take in the mountainous scenery at Faichemard Farm Camping Site. Pitch up at this adult-only campsite, surrounded by the picturesque Glengarry mountains, and enjoy space, peace and nature in the Highland hills. The site also offers fully furnished chalets for those after a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Day 5: Aviemore Loop – Inverness
Distance: 31.7 km Time: 2:40:11 Elevation: 497m Calories: 901
Celebrate the end of your 225km at Bunchrew Car. & Camp. Park. Here you’ll find 20 acres of peaceful sheltered parkland surrounded by mature trees which offer a welcome haven for campers and a friendly, informal, family-run atmosphere.
Feeling inspired by Matt and Tim’s adventure? Well, why not find a cycling buddy and give it a go yourself this summer, following Tim & Matt’s route or making your own…
To find out more about The Great North Trail, visit https://www.cyclinguk.org/route/great-north-trail-full-route-cape-wrath. Don’t forget to browse CampInn.com and book top sites to stay at overnight and enjoy the spectacular scenery!
We would love to publish more of your stories for the CampInn community, if you would like to share your own experiences of camping please contact the team at victoria@campinn.com.