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Meall a' Bhuachaille Corbett

Cairngorms National Park

Climb one of Scotland's famous corbetts and rip a technical singletrack back down to town.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
9.7 km
Ascent
529 m
Descent
529 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
325 m
High Point
807 m
Gradient
14˚
Meall a' Bhuachaille Corbett Map

Meall a' Bhuachaille Corbett rises 810m above sea level, soaring majestically above the river valley below. The trails on this Corbett are popular with both hikers and mountain bikers alike.

Description

Getting to the top of the Corbett is no small feat. The best route up slowly climbs up a valley, passing the Green Loch before reaching a bothie at Rhyvoan Pass and turning sharply up the mountainside. From there, the trail climbs steeply up a singletrack filled with water bars and staircases—a mandatory hike-a-bike.

Once on top of the Corbett's summit, the trail drops almost straight back down to the valley below through a jagged array of rock gardens on a steep, natural track. A favorite trail of local mountain bikers who enjoy big climbs and technical challenge, this steep singletrack is for advanced riders only.

Once back in the valley below, it's easy to combine the Corbett with lower elevation trails for even more mileage. Or if you're a true sadist, continue along the mountain ridge line over Creagan Gorm and Criggowrie and drop down much further to the west.

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Technical
  • Hike a bike
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area