Real World Riding

The Highland network of drovers trails link pastures which form part of the history of Scotland. These trails, due to the migratory nature of cattle farming Scots of old provide us with the means to travel within the mountains on trail surfaces in remote places that otherwise just wouldn't be there. This network extends right across Scotland offering opportunities for significant journeying and with stalkers paths and footpaths give rise to an amazing array of trails of all standards and technicalities right across the country.

These varied landscapes are all relatively accessible.

With the international links to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness airports, it's really pretty easy to fly into Scotland and land pretty close to some awesome riding.

The Central Belt gives easy access within an hour or so to a great deal of excellent riding, and within 2-3 hours driving of any of Scotland's Major Airports you can have the full Highland experience of steep, remote mountain trail.

Once on land the road and rail networks combine to get you pretty much everywhere on a scheduled service.

Scotland is proud to have a round of the World Cup in Fort William, to be on the EWS circuit for two years in the Tweed Valley, to be one leg on the WEMBA tour, to have hosted one of the Bluegrass Enduro stages in Glen Coe for several years, and the Red Bull Fox Hunt. The quality of the trails, both man-made and natural is remarkable. We've got two lift assisted Downhill Venues so far in Glen Coe and Fort William and it's not just the trail itself that's important, but the scenery that they journey through makes these trails even more delightful, whether you're looking for a trail for the family for a day, or a hard as nails multi-day trip in the highlands, the quality is all there in abundance.

Scotland has a very good reputation internationally, and in particularly for the welcome and good nature of Scots. The fact that people can travel here and know they will be welcomed is hugely relaxing, especially for international travellers. The media portrayal of the average Scot being a ginger haired, kilt wearing, slightly off colour speaking, jovial, welcoming, down-to-earth, no-nonsense practical fellow may be annoyingly (or infuriatingly) stereotypical, but it's also a positive in the minds of many of those who may be considering Scotland as a destination: it's long earned, but not hard earned - it's just how people are! (ish)

Travellers can pick and choose to their budget or atmosphere, and if availed of the 'knowledge' of bothies can add multi-day journeys staying in bothies to the itinerary – opening the possibility of a satisfying adventure for those more interested in the journeying than the razz perhaps.

There is a healthy hostel network as well as B&B's and all levels of hotel available throughout the highlands as well as campsites too.

The Highlands have some culinary delights and some genuine surprises to be had - whatever you're looking for can be found somewhere to add that final element to the trip you put all that effort into making.