Blue Route (6.5km)

This trail is for novices or families who want some relatively easy, sociable cycling on gentle slopes.

The trail commences at the Highland Wildcat car park near Big Burn (accessed via the turnoff to Backies, just north of Golspie) and follows a wide path through young broadleaved woodland to the public road at Big Burn Cottage. Viewing out across the valley of the Golspie burn, the seasonal variation in woodland colours ensures that every visit offers a different experience.

Beyond the bridge on the public road the trail traverses up a narrow gulley onto a plateau on the opposite side of the valley. As it winds through semi-mature Scots pine and open space on the forest margin there is a gradual gain in height until the forest road is reached above Golspie Tower. A fine 15/16th Century dyke then forms the edge of the route until a gateway through to an old Scots pine wood once used as a red deer park. This provides a real Caledonian atmosphere then merges into the conifer plantation outwith the enclosure.

The trail joins the intermediate level route and recommences a gradual climb through the forest and out into an open glade from where wonderful views can be had across the Moray Firth. This section gives opportunity to try some easier stone features, such as a series of steps, but these can be avoided. The trail then returns into the conifer wood for a short while before the main forest road is reached at the highest point of the blue graded route. Then a relaxed cycle along the track to the cross-roads, taking care of any other traffic.

At that point it is possible to take the road up to the monument on top of Ben Bhraggie although this would be a more serious undertaking than the nice easy return down the trail to Big Burn.

Photographs, this page, kindly supplied by Fiona Paton, who retains all rights. Highland Wildcat express their thanks for the use.