Av. Trail Rating:
(0 votes so far) |
|
Description:-
A great route with some fine moorland and woodland Singletrack.
Normally starting in Pitlochry although it is possible to start in a number of places. I have parked at Pitlochry Theatre in the past. The car park at Garry Bridge would be a good alternative only shortening the route minorly.
Head along the road from Pitlochry and up to Coronation Bridge (point 1). Cross the bridge and follow the path along the river bank to Garry Bridge (point2). Rejoin the B8019 heading West till you reach a T-junction on a bend (point 3). Take the unclassified road for 1.5Km then bear right up a hill. At the first corner (point 4) turn onto a grassy track to avoid continuing through to Fincastle House. Continue on this grassy track till the edge of Fincastle Farm where you continue straight on a cottage at Tomanraid. Take the track heading to the right across grassy pasture. Follow the track to the edge of the Moorland and fence.
The first descent continues across the moorland on singletrack then into birch trees. The descent steepens at this point. Ensure you don't just head straight down the hill at this point (Point 5). Head to the right and pick up the biggest natural berms you will find. These can be ridden at speed by riding the grassy banks. This is much better than heading straight down!
Once on the A9, cross the road and then cross a style which leads to a minor road away from the A9. Follow the road east until you reach the first turn off to the right after Shelloch Farm (point 6). Head up this track and round the side of a house where you pick up a steep track leading up to Ardtulichan. This is a vicously steep sapping climb but rideable for the fit. The gradient eases off around Ardtulichan where you should continue round the property to pick up a faint singletrack trail heading across the grassy field into the trees in the distance. This track is another challening climb to the top of Craig Fonvuick (point 7). Again this climb is only really ridable by the fit!
The singletrack descent of Craig Fonvuick is a cracker which feels almost alpine in character. Follow the trail till you rejoin the minor road where you should turn right till you reach Tenadry Chruch at point 8. Go into the church car park where you will find a trail starting in the back corner. This trail is becoming faint in the begining so it is important to stay high in the beginning. Some have taken what looked like a trail heading to the right only to have to hike back up. The trail is in need of some traffic so it may seem like no one has been down it in years. The trail comes out at a large house (point 9), where unfortunately there is no alternative but to continue on the track through the property. I have never had any issues and the estate workers were friendly the one time I have seen anyone.
Rejoin the road and cross the river. Turn right at the junction in Killiecrankie and follow the road past the hotel till you see a trail heading to the right. From this point it is simply a case of following singletrack along the riverside all the way to the Clunie bridge (point 11). Cross the bridge then retrace your earlier steps back to the start. For those still looking for thrills there is a track leading off to the left on the return leg that leads down to the fish ladders and some challenging steps.