FMFT rides the Ciaran Path.

The Second ride on the FMFT Big Trip North was the one we were most nervous about. The Ciaran Path above Kinlochleven kept on coming up as a classic. It even won the MBR natural trail of the year award last year and was renowned for its technical challenges. We were off to do it.

Essentially we followed the MBR route (now sadly destroyed in a washing machine), which took us out into the hills on a wide stony track used for Land-Rover access to the Blackwater Dam. It was clear early on that this was going to be a tough ride as the track turned upwards in a rush to gain height out of the valley. The gradient eased off occasionally as we climbed , only to hit hard again round every bend.

Once we struggled out of the climb and onto flatter track, skirting round high on the valley side, we were clear of the midges, the sweat and the pain and the ride became significantly more fun, and less of a grind. The views opened up and the loose track became more of a fast, exciting race, than the constant struggle for traction it had been before.

After not very long we came to the turning point of the ride – umissable in the way that a huge concrete dam manages to be. Crossing on the rocks below the dam we stopped for lunch and then rolled out onto the Ciaran path.

Instantly the path was fun, narrow singletrack working its way over the moor with spectacular views and a technical from the off. This would continue for much of the rest of the afternoon. Loose rocky descents, gave way to slick rock drops and the kind of technical riding that makes you think twice about every move. Both of us dabbed and fell on a number of occasions and there were points where sense overruled the challenge of sketchy steep sections, made scarier by huge vertical drops to the side of the trail. At one point catch netting has been rigged to save people from a horrendous drop to the rocks below. This is a path on the limits of being ridable, but immense fun where you can ride.

It eases off towards the bottom of the hill, but at the same time you are both physically and mentally tired, so smaller obstacles become harder to negotiate. The work-out for your legs and arms leaves you groaning as every new uphill on this supposed descent appears.

A little way from the end you find yourself praying for it to be over, but not long after you’re wanting to go straight back and try the sections you failed on again. This is a truly testing and amazing route and one which will stretch every rider, rather than flattering your abilities.

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